Cellulitis worsens with inflammatory eating; see how to prevent

Cellulite is considered an aesthetic problem for most people. The condition, known to experts as gynoid lipodystrophy, often strikes women of childbearing age.

According to Débora Aparecida Oliveira Modena, a dermatofunctional physiotherapist, fat deposits and poor circulation promote fluid accumulation and a type of irregular scarring called fibrosis, which leads to the dreaded holes in the skin.

Also according to the physical therapist and doctor of surgery science, cellulite is influenced by several factors. Women are more prone to this condition because the skin structure favors the appearance. Its hormones also promote a greater accumulation of fat and a lower lymphatic circulation.

People who are fair-skinned or who use contraceptives are even more affected.

Is cellulitis a disease?

Cellulitis is not a disease, it is a tissue dysfunction caused mainly by genetic factors. However, an unhealthy lifestyle can make this condition worse.

According to Marcella Garcez, a nutritionist, diet is one of the most important factors. A high-calorie diet, with an excess of ultra-processed foods and few nutrients increases the inflammatory state of the body, which can disrupt circulation and favor the formation of fibrosis.

Lack of physical exercise and rapid weight gain also increase the chances of developing cellulite.

How to prevent?

Also according to the doctor, who is the director of the Brazilian Association of Nutrology, the main way to prevent the appearance of cellulite is to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

A balanced diet, with complex carbohydrates, such as those found in fruits and vegetables, and rich in proteins, such as those found in lean meats, is the main ally.

According to Garcez, proteins are necessary for the maintenance of vessels that favor better blood circulation and for the formation of collagen, which makes the skin firmer.

Consumption of healthy fats such as those found in avocados, olive oil and cold water fish are necessary for the structure of the skin. The other nutrients, such as antioxidant vitamins, are important because they fight cellular aging.

Exercising also helps. A workout that combines aerobic and strength exercises are ideal. Aerobic exercises help with circulation and fat reduction, and strength exercises increase muscle and skin tone – which makes tissue firmer and less likely to develop cellulite.

Does drinking water help?

Yup. According to the nutritionist, “the most important thing is adequate water intake. We need to hydrate our body. The tissues that are close to the skin, more peripheral, are the last to receive water”.

Proper hydration favors better blood circulation and this helps to reduce cellulite.

According to the doctor, two liters of water a day is adequate for most adults, but people who practice more physical exercises or spend more time outdoors may need to consume more.

Are dietary supplements important?

For Garcez, supplements can help, but they are not miraculous, as they often promise. People who do not have a healthy lifestyle do not benefit from supplements. For example, if the individual does not consume adequate amounts of protein, a collagen supplement will not help with skin health.

For people who hydrate and have a balanced diet, the consumption of food supplements based on substances such as collagen and vitamin C can help prevent cellulite.

However, the doctor points out that some supplements can be harmful or may not work for some people and, therefore, supplementation should always be done under the supervision of a professional.

How is the treatment done?

Almost all women will have cellulite and the level of severity can vary between mild, moderate and severe, depending on each individual’s genetics and lifestyle. As it is an aesthetic problem that does not compromise health, those who are affected by the condition only need to seek treatment if they feel uncomfortable.

According to Modena, there is no cure, but a professional specializing in dermatology and aesthetics can help reduce this condition.

Treatment depends on each patient, but, like supplements, they are not miraculous. According to the physical therapist, the procedures are mainly focused on improving lymphatic circulation, promoting fat breakdown and increasing collagen production. However, for treatment to be effective, it is necessary to adopt a healthy lifestyle – eat a balanced diet, exercise and stay hydrated.