Just the other day my wife and I were discussing potential topics of interest to write on for the next monthly article while on a walk.  She said, I should write an article on ‘how to remove cellulite naturally.”  Fortunately for me, the Internet is loaded with many natural cure solutions and treatment options.  Approximately 90% of women in United States suffer from cellulite in varying degree where the damaged skin can mostly be reversed through natural treatment solutions.  You must also understand, for some, it may not be possible to remove all the cellulite damage regardless of treatment combinations.  However, significant reversal of the fatty toxic buildup pushing up against the connective tissues can be “greatly” minimized.  These natural & quasi-natural man-made treatment solutions can be broken down into 4 categories:  Exercise, Cellulite treatment creams, diet and other alternative treatments.

 Note:  For this article I’ve left out the surgical solution(s) because it is not a natural cellulite removal process and also carries potential health risk complications.  Creams on the other hand, although man-made can be found comprising mostly natural ingredients under many brand names.  One in particular has been tested and carries a FDA stamp of approval which I listed the key ingredient near the bottom of the article.

     Let’s begin by talking about the exercise solution to remove cellulite.  I know many of you don’t like to exercise, but one needs to understand the benefits of exercise.  Exercise is not only a cardiovascular-fat burning enhancer, but also a natural and reversing Cellulite solution.  Exercise does not need to be intense and a painful experience in order to remove fatty tissue deposits.  I do agree with the consensus of other exercise experts that a minimum of 20 min of aerobic activity per day for 3-4 days per week will have a huge impact on cellulite problem areas and total body fat weight.  One simply needs to begin aerobic activities 1-2 days a week for 10-15 minutes a day.  Within 2-3 weeks the body acclimates to the aerobic conditioning.  From this point forward you can begin to increase frequencies and time dedicated to aerobic conditioning until you reach a 25-30 minute aerobic exercise routine.  “First consult with your physician first to see if exercise is right for you.”

     Many fitness experts will tell you to focus on spot reduction through specific types of exercise, e.g., if fatty deposits are on buttocks and thighs; jogging, walking and biking will work to your advantage.  If your Cellulite is in your stomach and back, exercises that will help, e.g., kayaking, rowing, boxing, sit ups etc.  Although these are all good for weight reduction and cellulite removal goals, you must understand that spot reduction exercises mostly improve upon muscle toning if aerobic activity does not last a minimum of 15-20 minutes and within a fat burning Target Heart Rate (THR), See other articles at MAE (Mirror Athlete Enterprises) related articles, research under aerobic, walking.

     I believe one should work towards achieving at least a 30min aerobic “cardiovascular” session for the best fat burning and cellulite loss results.  Total body weight and cellulite reduction can be achieved best by the following aerobics exercises:  Walking, jogging, swimming, hiking and other low impact aerobic dance, and aerobic equipment use sessions.  Note: Walking and swimming is the least non-destructive muscular-skeletal aerobic exercises, best fat burning and cellulite removing activity for hips, buttocks, thighs and stomach (see MAE articles and search under walking, swimming, weight management and fitness tags for more Mirror Athlete fitness information).

     Maximum cellulite burning/toning benefits can be achieved by working your way up to 30-60 minutes of walking 3-4 times a week after acclimating to a 15-20 minute aerobics treadmill exercise, or road walking at “no cost!”  Follow me on twitter as “Mirror Athlete,” or by visiting the home site and click on “health media” to view my daily exercise tweet log.  Walk when I walk relative to where you are in your program and get fit while you lose weight and reduce cellulite.

     There are also many cellulite removal treatment creams that one can rub onto the skin to achieve results.  Creams work by repairing the connective tissues that have been stretched by the fat cells.  The creams incorporated with proper diet and exercise can assist in repairing your skins elasticity, cell structure and re-growth of the skins connective tissues.  This will help eliminate much of the white and soft pouching-puckered skin appearance.   Also, most cellulite removal creams can be purchased over the counter without a prescription.  Some of the most common ingredients of these creams are: L-Carnitine, green-tea, Caffeine and vitamin A.  One of the best creams on the market appears to be the ones that have the FDA approved active ingredient “Aminophyline,” (an asthma drug) which cause the fat cells to deflate.  Do your Due Diligence to understand adverse symptom risks when using any man-made pharmaceutical product.   Research the active ingredient “Aminophyline” and “brand name” cellulite removal with Aminophyline.  Or see your dermatologist for brand recommendations and understand the possible adverse risk symptoms of anything you rub into your skin.

     Now let’s cover a diet that can mitigate cellulite damage and appearance.  If the right nutrients are not incorporated into the daily diet, the connective underlying tissues will be more resistant to repair and cellulite reduction.  Although exercise and cellulite creams will help immensely with the results you desire, ensure your diet discipline maximizes your end result expectations:  1) quit eating junk foods that are processed high in carbohydrates, simple sugars and fats.  For example, fast foods, baked goods such as chips and pastries, fried foods, etc.  2)   Reduce/eliminate the following liquids within your diet: Sodas, coffee and alcohol.  Replace these drinks with water.  Water is a detoxifier-energizer that assists in removing the toxicities that are nourishing the cellulite.  Also drink fruit and vegetable juice to replace essential vitamins and minerals in repairing damaged connective tissues and skin while also keeping your immune system healthy.   3)  Eat more fresh fruits, including any assortment of berries and vegetables daily up to 3-5 portions each.  4)  Other diet tips:  Eat fish and/or take fish oil supplements.  Ensure you lean out your meats by cutting away excess fat.  Bake your fish as opposed to frying.  Cook meats and fish simmered in a skillet, use virgin olive oil (click link and “Wisdom of Consuming Oleic acid benefits).   5)  Natural supplements  (Click on natural supplement link and find the Purity products link banner within our health store).  These supplements include fish oil, super berry drinks, vitamin & minerals, etc., of the highest quality.

     Other Combinations of Treatment for cellulite removal include 1) Mesotherapy -which uses combinations of vitamins, injected with lecithin a natural enzyme under the skin. 2) Body Wrapping – This is a process where wraps and lotions are used for a couple of months to melt off the fat.  It is uncertain whether this application has long-term cellulite removal benefits. 3) Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) – Depending on severity of cellulite this process may/may not work. Typically EMS is used by physical therapists on people that have back pain, muscle spasm, etc.  This process is fairly new for cellulite removal and may also benefit the wrinkle reduction.  However, the data on these benefits is rather sketchy.

     Instead of providing “natural” supplemental brand name cellulite pills, I recommend you research for cellulite removal products that have the following ingredients:   Primrose oil, fish oil, grape seed, soya oil, soya lecithin, glycerol, and bioflavonoid.  If you want to maximize your Cellulite loss results, I highly recommend you incorporate a combination of exercise, creams and nutrition solutions to reverse and remove unsightly cellulite.  Otherwise for some, the results may not meet expectations and old habits may overtake will power.  Old habits that produced the cellulite appearing skin is telling your body that it is becoming toxic and may present other health risks if you don’t start treating your body better through balanced exercise and diet.

 References,

 1)       http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/566493/how_to_remove_cellulite_5_tips_for.html?cat=51

 2)      http://ezinearticles.com/?Exercises-to-Get-Rid-of-Cellulite—Naturally-Remove-Cellulite&id=1529958

 3)      http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-remove-cellulite-natural-remedies-you-can-use-to-reduce-cellulite.html

 4)      http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/51244/removing_cellulite_five_different_surgical.html?cat=70

 Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2010 Copyright, All rights reserved.  Mirror Athlete Enterprises Publishing @: www.mirrorathlete.org, Sign up for your free eNewsletter.