Body & beauty

Beat cellulite naturally

Get summer beach body ready by starting a regime to tackle orange peel skin now, says nutritionist Susan Alexander

Cellulite occurs when the fatty layer of the skin is altered, creating a bumpy or nodular surface contour around the waist, thighs and abdomen, and occurs mostly in women. It is mainly caused by high fat levels, hormone imbalances and excess alcohol and toxins as they cause inflammation which weakens connective tissue, changing the fatty layer structure. Along with stepping up exercising, try these tips to improve the look of cellulite:

Boost immunity and antioxidants

Did you know that boosting immunity helps clear toxins faster? Unbeelievable Health’s Bee prepared immune support supplements (available at Revital) are great to combat colds and flu as well as hay fever, but were you aware that a healthy immune system and a diet rich in antioxidants could also help to reduce your cellulite?

Bee prepared Immune support is a great product to tackle cellulite because of its natural immune-boosting properties and high content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. The key antioxidants are elderberry (also including anti-inflammatory anthocyanins); olive leaf extract (which has twice the antioxidants of green tea, and double its ORAC value) and astaxanthin (the most powerful antioxidant to exist containing anti-inflammatory carotenoids founds naturally in algae), which are great at protecting the body from oxidative damage and inflammation. Bee propolis, also rich in antioxidants, is one of nature’s most powerful immune system modulators.

Stopping these changes in the fatty layer via antioxidants can also prevent circulatory issues, since it prevents the proliferation of altered collagen fibers compressing the capillaries, resulting in poor blood flow which exacerbates cellulite1. Vitamin C from the Elderberry and Acerola cherry will also help to cleanse the blood, also helping with circulation and moving stored toxins through faster.

Speed up metabolism

A thermogenic such as matcha green tea, which breaks down fat and increases metabolism and blood flow, is also helpful and is another powerful antioxidant.

Body brushing

Body brushing the skin is really terrific for cellulite as it gets circulation going and stimulates lymphatic draining. Make this part of your daily routine and you will see a difference.

Home-made cellulite cream

Combine coffee granules with coconut oil or even your regular body cream to make a mask/paste to cover affected areas and you’ve got yourself another great thermogenic! Apply after showering and leave on for 2 – 4 minutes before rinsing it off.

Cellulite-busting foods

Anything high in Vitamin C, oats, cilantro (which makes a great pesto!) as well as the omegas found in fish, nuts and seeds are all good for cellulite. It may sound counter-intuitive, but essential fatty acids actually help in the breakdown of fats.