Ninety per cent of women suffer from cellulite at least once in their lifetime, and this happens even to women who appear slender and fit. There is an awful lot of misleading information out there about cellulite – why it happens and how to get rid of it.
Body fat is not the only reason behind cellulite; toxins are the real evil. Luke Coutinho, Holistic Nutritionist, author and Exercise Physiologist explains, “Cellulite is a hormonal imbalance and no cream can take away the root cause- which is toxins.”
High levels of estrogen, the female hormone, can be dangerous for women (as well as men). It is a known fact that body produces excess estrogen in women who have more fat cells (overweight). However, there are other reasons too that lead to increased estrogen levels in the body. It is this overdose that leads to cellulite. Let’s have a look at some other factors too…
You are what you eat. An increased intake of junk and processed foods or foods with preservatives and irritants (excess salt and sugar), increases sugar in your body. This all contributes to high toxins in the body.
Most of us are guilty of drinking water from plastic bottles. Little do we realize that the more we drink out of plastic bottles, the more estrogen our body stores. While BPA plastic is better than regular plastic, people must opt for brass, glass or stainless steel.
Women who are constantly on the pill should regularly consult their doctor. Contraceptive pills mean more estrogen and bigger health problems as it messes your hormonal balance.
Keeping lymphatic system clean is extremely important to remove toxins. If it is not functioning well, toxins get trapped inside your body as cellulite. Water intake is the most effective way to cleanse the lymph system.
Women who use more cosmetics absorb chemicals, parabens into their skin. They are harmful toxins for your body. It’s always better to use natural oils such as coconut oil and almond oil.
If you sit in one place for too long, it leads to cellulite as there is poor blood circulation. Sitting for too long cuts blood circulation to the lower body, making it important to stay active during the day.
Tight clothing restricts blood flow and prevents your body from flushing out toxins. This applies to both men and women. People should not wear very tight underwear or tight underwire bra as there are lymph nodes under your arms and they get choked. Do not sleep with tight clothing, especially when you sleep because that’s the time detoxification happens.
If you can’t do without coffee, a cup a day is fine. Overdose of caffeine (especially if you are in a habit of ordering Frappuccino) will give you cellulite.
Yoga and pilates are very effective in fighting cellulite. Dry brushing is another technique that helps drain out toxins – always stroke in an upward direction. Detox baths are also highly detoxifying.
(Inputs from Luke Coutinho, Holistic Nutritionist, author and Exercise Physiologist)
Exercising regularly undeniably makes you feel great, particularly, when you start seeing a difference in your body. And this is when suddenly all your life’s happiness starts to revolve around your fitness regime. But the actual problem arises when unknowingly, your fitness dedication turns into an obsession and you become a gym addict!
Addiction is defined as “a state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that causes psychological or physical dependency”. Getting addicted to healthy habits is good but if the habits start controlling your routine beyond a limit, it is time you take action. When your passion for lifting weights or running all the time starts ruling you, it ain’t healthy no more. Instead of making you healthy and fit, this addiction can take a toll on your health.
When you exercise, your body releases endorphin and serotonin. These are the major tools to combat depression and stress. But at the same time, gym addiction may cause sore muscles, dizziness, nausea, heartburn and side stitch.
Check for the following points and know if your fitness enthusiasm has converted into gym addiction.
Who doesn’t want a toned and perfect body? But if your happiness revolves just around your six packs, you are no longer a fitness enthusiast but a gym addict. Your happiness should not only depend on flaunty abs but self-awareness, which tells you how much is too much.
source”times of india”
