Table of Contents
It is difficult to establish which foods that cause cellulite in particular.Cellulite is a condition where lumps and dimples form in the skin. It is referred to by many other names like cottage cheese skin, orange peel skin, mattress phenomenon, etc.
Cellulite can occur in both women and men. It is more common in women than men because men have a different distribution of fat, connective tissues, and muscles. It appears mostly in the thighs and buttocks. When the fat deposits against the connective tissue under the skin, they cause cellulite.
Grades of Cellulite
There are different grades of cellulite, and you can tell the difference by appearance. The mild grade has an orange peel appearance, a few depressions, and a little bit of saggy appearance.
The moderate grade has a cottage cheese appearance, and the skin is slightly saggier than the mild grade. The severe grade has a mattress appearance, and the skin becomes very saggy.
What Causes Cellulite?
The exact cause of cellulite is unknown. However, it appears to result from some irregularity between the fat layer and the connective tissue. In women, the connective tissue and the fat cells are arranged vertically. In men, the connective tissue and the fat cells are arranged in a criss-cross pattern. That’s why men are not as prone to cellulite as women.
It is suggested that as women approach menopause, the blood flow towards the connective tissue decreases. Due to poor blood circulation, cells get less oxygen, resulting in less collagen production.
Another major factor that causes cellulite is a poor diet. A diet rich in trans fat, refined flour, processed sugar, excess sodium, etc., is the leading cause of cellulite. Finally, there is also genetic and hereditary factor.
8 Foods That Cause Cellulite
1. Junk Food
2. Refined Grains
We consume a lot of refined grains in the form of bread, pasta, hamburgers, pizza, rice, etc. Also, yeast in the bread is difficult for our body to metabolize.
Refined grains lack an adequate amount of fiber and proteins. Regular consumption of refined grains instead of whole grains is one of the factors behind protein deficiency. Our body needs protein for the production of collagen.
3. Processed Meat
Processed meat is unhealthy to eat as it contains a lot of preservatives, free radicals, and less moisture. It contains compounds like Nitrosamines, N-Nitroso, and Nitrites. They cause cellular dysfunction, making it difficult for the cells to perform their regular metabolic function.
4. Table Salt
A high-calorie diet leads to an increase in weight and fat cells, further worsening the cellulite process. We must also take into account the relationship between Sodium and Cellulite.
Excessive consumption of Sodium causes fluid retention in the body. The fluid retention makes it difficult for the cells to eliminate toxins. As the toxicity increases in an area, the overall health of the tissue declines.
5. Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages constrict the blood vessels and also contain a lot of calories. They promote fluid retention in the body and fat deposition. Fluid retention and excessive fat deposition start making lumps under the skin. They also interfere with the regular functioning of the cells beneath the skin.
6. Trans fat
Fried foods, dressings, mayonnaise, hamburgers, etc., contain a lot of trans fats. Trans fats are believed to cause damage to the inner lining of the blood vessels.
Poor blood circulation leads to the lumpy appearance of the skin. They are difficult for the body to metabolize and cause many heart diseases as well. Excess fat deposited under the skin appears as lumpy pockets with no natural texture.
7. Sugar
Sugar increases the inflammation levels in the body. Inflammation makes it very difficult for the cells to function normally. As the metabolic rate of the cells under the skin declines, it leads to poor circulation of body fluids. Poor circulation causes the accumulation of toxins which further leads to inflammation.
8. Processed Cheese
Processed cheese often contains a lot of unhealthy pesticides and preservatives. It is difficult to metabolize, leading to toxins in the body. Also, processed cheese is a rich source of trans fats that block the arteries and veins.
How To Get Rid Of Cellulite?
Rather than getting rid of cellulite, we should discuss how to prevent it. You must avoid the foods that cause cellulite to get rid of it. Regular exercise, good sleep, and a healthy diet can help prevent cellulite appearance. It is critical to stop any tobacco use, minimize alcohol consumption and lead a healthy lifestyle.
A healthy diet should consist of organic foods, whole grains, healthy fats, natural sugar, and stress-free life. Working out regularly can help you beat stress and also increase your metabolic rate.
– Regular Exercise
Regular exercise improves the circulation of blood and other body fluids. Good circulation allows your body to get rid of toxins from the body quickly.
It also improves your lung capacity, ensuring that your cells are never deprived of the oxygen they need to function properly. Cellulite is not considered a medical condition that needs to be treated, but a healthy lifestyle can help you eliminate cellulite.
Some people consider cellulite to be a sign of aging as it makes the skin saggy and lumpy. If your overall health is good, you eat a balanced diet and work out regularly; you can avoid this condition.
– Lymphatic System
To get rid of cellulite, you need to make some healthy lifestyle changes. You must work out to ensure that your circulatory system is functioning efficiently. Besides good blood circulation, it is also important to ensure that your lymph circulation is also good.
Unlike a pumping organ like the heart, lymph depends on the movement of the muscles to circulate. That’s why it is critical to work out regularly for good health. A healthy lymphatic system helps the cells get rid of toxins and prevents fluid retention.
Besides regular exercise, you need to eat foods rich in antioxidants, such as citrus fruits, protein-rich foods for collagen, and fiber-rich foods for a healthy gut. Avoid all the foods listed above to prevent cellulite from occurring.
– Water
It is also important to drink enough water every day as dehydration is another factor that causes cellulite. Our cells need water for various metabolic processes and also to flush the toxins away.
Several factors cause cellulite. The major factor is a poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle. A healthy diet containing whole grains, proteins, healthy fats, etc. can help you get rid of cellulite.
You should avoid eating foods that cause cellulite, such as the ones that contain hydrogenated oil, refined sugar, a lot of sodium, processed meat, alcoholic beverages, etc.
To start with, follow these tips and avoid these foods at all costs or at least try to reduce their consumption. This will help you maintain a stable weight and maybe prevent the appearance of this unpleasant condition.