So many of us may be wanting to lose a bit of weight, but often we find that cellulite persists even when in the healthy weight range. Today lets dive into the causes, testing, and treatment options for cellulite and weight!
Cellulite is the herniation of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue that manifests as skin dimpling. Fat loss won’t always result in cellulite loss, as breaking down the connective tissues takes time and often therapeutic intervention. (I’ll give you DYI tips today as well) 85-98% of women have it, and it is not abnormal or unhealthy to have it.
Cellulite – Why Do I Have It?!
Hormones play a dominant role in the formation of cellulite. Estrogen may be the important hormone in the development of cellulite, which is men don’t generally have it unless they are estrogen dominant and overweight. Testing note – There are 3 estrogens, E1, E2 and E3. Standard testing covers E2. We do all 3, plus testosterone, progesterone and SHBG.
Other hormones, including insulin, adrenaline, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin, are all believed to participate in the development of cellulite.
The Thyroids Role in Cellulite
Low thyroid function can cause negative structural and functional changes that attribute to skin aging and visibly evident in signs of cellulite. More facial wrinkles, drier skin, thinner skin, and hair loss are all signs of thyroid hormone concerns, so checking this is a vital aspect to a truly holistic approach. Testing note: TSH, fT4, fT3 and rT3 are vital tests for a full picture. Thyroid antibodies should also be tested, as autoimmunity is a growing concern in thyroid symptoms.
Genetic factors
There is a genetic element. Researchers have traced the genetic component of cellulite to particular polymorphisms in the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1A (HIF1a) genes.
Lifestyle Factors
A stressful lifestyle causes an increase in the level of adrenal hormones have also been associated with the development of cellulite. Testing note – Check your adrenal function with a 3-point saliva cortisol test. This is the most sensitive test to pick up cortisol dysregulation issues that affect energy and weight gain.
Circulation
Predisposition to lymphatic and circulatory insufficiency have all been shown to contribute to cellulite.
Self-check – take a close up photo of your eye. If you have a lymphatic rosary, then this is an important aspect to your cellulite build up. (Image below)
Treatment Options
There are several cosmetic procedures that may help, but results aren’t guaranteed. Some therapies include; massage, suction therapies, ‘topical’ products, injectables, radio frequency, ultrasound and laser and pulsed-light devices.
We believe that addressing the hormonal aspect is just as important – if not more – than using cosmetic procedures alone.
Given that cellulite is driven predominantly by hormones, if the hormones don’t get balances, then the cellulite will just come back, and you are thousands of dollars out of pocket.
At Home Treatment Options
Time true and tested, dry skin brushing and drinking plenty of filtered water is an extremely cheap and effective daily practice that you can do.
Exercise in general increases blood flow removes toxins from the body and breaks down fat cells which are all factors reducing the build-up of cellulite (and losing weight).
However, if you have adrenal hormone disruption, then exercise doesn’t work either. If you are not sure, then doing the 3-point salivary adrenal profile is needed to truly understand your adrenal hormone status.
Dry brushing is brushing the skin in a particular pattern with a soft to medium bristled dry brush, usually before showering.
The skin is typically brushed toward the heart, starting at the feet and hands and brushing toward the chest.
How to Dry Brush the Skin:
- Start at your feet in long, smooth strokes. Brush each section of skin 10 times. For lymph flow, always brush toward the heart/chest area where the lymph system drains.
- As a good rule of thumb, always brush toward the center of the body.
- Repeat the same process with the arms, starting with the palms of the hands and brushing up the arm toward the heart. Again, brush each section of skin 10 times.
- On the stomach and armpits, brush in a circular clockwise motion.
- Then repeat the process on the abdomen and back.
After brushing, have a hot shower. A cold blast at the end stimulates your thyroid metabolism.
Dry off, and then massage a topical oil into the cellulite areas. Dilute your essential oil – don’t apply directly to the skin. Use 1-5 drops per teaspoon carrier oil. Common ones you might have in your pantry include coconut oil or olive oil.
Essential oils for cellulite:
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Lime
- Grapefruit
- Rosemary
- Sea buckthorn
- Lavender
Water
You must flush the body with lots of water. Start the day with 1 glass of water with 1/2 lemon squeezed into it. Follow with a second glass of filtered water. Aim to have 2-3 liters through the day – only filtered water.
Be Patient and Consistent
This will take time, as breaking down the fibrous tissues is not a quick process. Be diligent, and after a few weeks you should start to see the results happening.
Hormones
This is where we come in!
The driving factor behind a hormone imbalance is different for every person. Signs ans symptoms will help point us in the direction of the possible causes, but it does not tell us effectively what is the extent of the imbalance, or what started the imbalance. This is where functional testing is needed.
Functional testing picks up the ‘function’ of the body – it does not just pick up a ‘disease’ like standard medical pathology.
Once we understand the functionality of your body, we then can see what is out of balance, why, and how to treat it.
Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss our screening and treatments, and how we can assist your ultimate wellness.
