The term recipe is not accidental: as the culinary variant is made up of various ingredients studied in the doses, functions and flavor combinations, even the best recipe for the treatment of cellulite consists of several interventions, certainly not random but also carefully considered. in relation to the characteristics of the individual.
ShutterstockContinuing to disturb the "culinary analogy, there are those who believe that the best recipes are those of our grandparents, because they are prepared with simple, cheap and genuine ingredients; similarly, even the recipe for cellulite treatment can be much simpler and cheaper than one might think: diet and physical activity represent a winning combination, the hard core of every anti-cellulite treatment; pity that this recipe is not very attractive for the lazy, constantly looking for innovative and less tiring solutions with the risk of becoming "chickens to be plucked" from a commercial point of view.
So let's try to understand, first of all, what cellulite is.
subcutaneous, or the "hypodermis. Since it is also a pathological alteration of the water-plasma exchange between the capillaries and the interstitial tissue, cellulite has been better named as edematous-fibro-sclerotic panniculopathy. It is clear to readers that cellulite, in itself, does not represent a risk to the health of the organism, however its premature, excessive or poorly localized appearance may indicate a clear symptom of homeostatic imbalance between the interstitial fluids of the hypodermis and blood plasma.As anticipated, cellulite (contrary to what certain TV advertisements may mention) is usually NOT a pathological phenomenon, even if its presence can be related to the lifestyle of the wearer (80-95% of women) and can improve (or worsen) ) through the modification of eating habits and increasing physical activity.For the avoidance of doubt, I would like to clarify that the margins for improvement of cellulite are often negligible as well as inversely proportional to the subjective predisposition, while (rarely) it can happen that unregulated and a little lazy girls benefit enormously by following a few dietary advice and moving more than strictly necessary.
Cellulite mainly affects female subjects with a gynoid (pear) conformation and is particularly localized in the areas of the hips and thighs. Cellulite is clearly visible in people with overweight and obesity problems, but it often does not spare even the most "thin".
The onset of cellulite is related to various pathogenetic or predisposing factors; the mechanism of onset of cellulite is attributable to the cytological structural alteration of adipose (fat) cells, which breaking free triglycerides and cytoplasmic solutes, increasing the osmolarity of the surrounding fluids ; this determines the recall of liquids from the capillary plasma and the histological deformation of the adipose support reticulum. Obviously, some systemic pathologies and the collateral action of various pharmacological therapies participate in the formation of cellulite.
We often wonder why cellulite gets worse over the years; the answers are basically 3:
- Cellulite is (probably) generated by the alteration of the microcirculation which tends to worsen over the years
- Cellulite is a perpetual degenerative process that gets worse by getting worse; the release of solutes and triglycerides in the interstitial tissue contributes to the continuous recall of water and the release of some inflammatory mediators (with an edematous effect)
- Advancing age usually tends to worsen the lifestyle of the subjects.
The medium and low intensity aerobic activity allows to reactivate effectively all the body circulation, therefore also that of the hypodermis; it promotes sweating by facilitating the expulsion of toxins but above all of sodium (Na) responsible for tissue water retention; moreover, it promotes the disposal of adipose triglycerides, therefore also of those contained in the tissues affected by cellulite.
However, it is very important not to "exceed" with the volume of aerobic activity, as the organism subjected to a very prolonged stimulus reacts by secreting cortisol, the hormone mainly responsible for water retention; in order not to take risks, run slowly or walk quickly 40 "for 4 times a week should be more than enough. Obviously, these indications subordinate to personal tastes; running can be replaced by swimming, canoeing, cycling, rowing, Nordic walking or other aerobic activities.
At the same time, the "anaerobic activity of strength (body building to be clear), induces large movements of blood in and out of the muscles involved. This effect also involves the surrounding tissues and at first analysis it might seem counterproductive; however, in my opinion, it is an excellent method of "washing" the interstices; all solutes and triglycerides released by the cyto-lysis of cellulite thus have the possibility of being diluted, reabsorbed or in any case metabolized. In addition, the increase in muscle mass favors the maintenance of an active basal metabolism and excellent muscle fitness.
For further information: Cellulite: what is the most suitable physical activity?Finally, let's move on to the hard core of cellulite: nutrition. Eating and drinking correctly is very important; first of all, it is advisable to eliminate all alcoholic beverages except (only if desired) for 1 (or better ½) glass of wine red daily. At the same time it is advisable to take care of hydration making sure to drink at least 2 or 3 liters of water per day (1-1.5ml per kcal consumed) and, being able to choose, use (except for special needs) a "low residue water" fixed or oligomineral. This is because poor body hydration greatly limits renal filtration favoring the stagnation of blood solutes (including toxins and unwanted molecules) and interstitial fluids. It is also FUNDAMENTAL to limit dietary sodium, both ADDED and contained in preserved foods (bagged and salted meats, legumes and vegetables in brine, canned tuna, etc.); this allows to limit the increase in blood and interstitial osmolarity. Not only that, many professionals recommend limiting blood acidification by preferring alkalizing foods, although I honestly do not believe that this can have a significant impact, as our body (physiologically) is perfectly capable of buffering changes in blood pH. Last but not least, the balance of the macronutrients introduced; it is essential to correctly supply lipids, carbohydrates and proteins, but above all, it is better to avoid the glycemic increase beyond the norm. This phenomenon, induced above all by the excessive portions of refined foods with a prevalence of carbohydrates, causes an increase in post-prandial blood osmolarity and stimulates strongly l "insulin. Excessive stimulation of this anabolic hormone (especially at inappropriate times) promotes the deposit of energy molecules in the tissues, favoring water retention; however, it is a transitory phenomenon which, if NOT repeated and protracted, tends to rebalance itself independently.
For further information: Diet and Cellulite For further information: Anticellulite Diet ExampleTreating cellulite is a very difficult operation that often does not provide the desired results; guaranteeing a correct diet associated with the right physical and motor activity represents the only truly effective and economical basic therapy for the prevention and improvement of edemato-fibrosclerotic panniculopathy.
For further information: The Most Effective Anti-Cellulite Creams