To Reduce Cellulite

While this may seem like the title of a bad B-movie, it is actually a pretty accurate description of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). If you are like me and suffer from PCOS, you know how frustrating and difficult this condition can be. On one hand, you suffer with the effects of too much testosterone, including acne and increased growth of hair on the face, abdomen, upper thighs, chest, and back. Plus, you must contend with estrogen dominance issues, such as infertility and menstrual irregularities.

As if that weren’t bad enough, us PCOS women are also at risk for insulin resistance, which can cause many sufferers to become severely overweight, putting us at risk for diabetes and diabetic complications.

Part of the difficulty with PCOS is that it has multiple underlying causes, namely a number of different hormonal imbalances. Specifically, the production of the pituitary’s luteinizing hormone is significantly elevated in women with PCOS, while the production of the pituitary’s follicle-stimulating hormone is normal or slightly diminished. The imbalances in these female hormones upset the normal production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone by the ovaries and adrenal glands, disrupting the healthy balance between all three of these female sex hormones.

Fortunately, by following a particular diet (namely one geared toward women with estrogen dominance), and taking some targeted nutrients, you can find relief from PCOS. I know, because I have. And I’ll share the diet and nutrients with you in future postings.

I am heading to a lakefront cottage soon, and while I am thrilled to be getting away and spending time with family, there is one aspect I am not looking forward to—those few dimples that peek out the side of my swimsuit. Yep, I too have a bit of cellulite and will be spending the next week or so trying to reduce the appearance of cellulite on my tushie.

The first thing I’ll do is really clean up my diet. No sugar, dairy, and wheat for me! Plus, I’ll add in lots of complex carbs and lean proteins, such as brown rice, flaxseed, free-range eggs, and wild-caught fish. Eating this type of diet can help to reduce cellulite.

I’ll also up my water intake and reduce anything that makes me retain water, such as salt and caffeine. This will help me flush the toxins and fats out of my system, and more importantly, flush out the fat stores that contribute to cellulite.

And my cardio exercise will get a kick in the pants as well. This means increasing my daily walk to a daily run of at least 45 minutes. I’ve found that the more cardio I do, the easier it is to reduce cellulite in my problem areas.

Lastly, I’ll do a few coffee-ground massages to help remove toxins and improve circulation in the affected area, thereby reducing the appearance of cellulite. While ingesting caffeine can contribute to the appearance of cellulite, rubbing coffee grounds on cellulite helps to tighten your skin and tissues by constricting your superficial blood vessels.

There are several good products on the market that help to reduce the appearance of cellulite , but I prefer to make my own. Below is one of my personal favorite natural skin care recipes for cellulite-free skin. And it smells amazing!

Reduce Cellulite With a Luscious Latte Lather

1/3 cup raw brown sugar

1-1/2 tablespoon fresh coffee grounds

1-1/2 tablespoon ground almonds

2 teaspoon peppermint oil

4 teaspoon flaxseed oil

1 teaspoon squalane

9 drops peppermint oil

1/4 teaspoon cocoa powder

1. Mix all ingredients in an air-tight container (preferably plastic).
2. Use in the shower, rubbing all over your body in a circular motion. (You can use as much or as little as you want.)
3. Store remaining mixture in the refrigerator until your next cellulite-blasting massages!