HEALTH WISE
(05/08/2009) By Valerie Greguire,
Certified Herbalist, Natural Health Consultant

Dimples That Don’t Make You Smile

The spring season brings so many changes everywhere we look. Our home and wardrobes take on many changes as well. The heavy sweaters and longs pants we wore all winter get replaced with sandals and shorts instead. It’s about that time that we suddenly become aware of our bodies again and the changes that occurred over the winter months. Weight gain, wrinkles, and aging skin seem to suddenly appear. And what of that awful cellulite, even thin women are not exempt from this one. Dimples may look cute on a smiling child but when they cover your thighs they don’t make us smile.

Cellulite is a fact of life for the majority of women. Cellulite and “saddle bags” along the thighs are partially the result of impaired lymph flow to certain areas. This causes immobilized pockets of fat and trapped toxins in the cells. Over 90% of women have some form of cellulite resulting from weight gain, a genetic predisposition, or inactivity. Cellulite begins when numerous fat cells collect in one area (generally the buttocks, thighs and upper arms in women), causing the skin to bulge. The dimpling effect occurs when the connective fibers in the skin pull down in areas where body fat is pushing up. This becomes visible because of a weakening of the connective tissue that holds the fat cells in place underneath the skin. It is a condition that worsens with age as the general strength of tissue and elasticity of skin all deteriorate with age. Weakening connective tissue is also the reason for wrinkles to form as we age and is part of the reason for the formation of varicose veins.

The good news is that you can improve the appearance of cellulite. Remember with the formation of cellulite, toxins and lymph fluid accumulates in the pockets of fat. In addition, the breakdown of the connective tissue impairs circulation into this area. So, improving the circulation of lymph in areas prone to cellulite and reducing toxic burden are two successful ways to diminish cellulite from the inside out. I’ve talked many times about cleansing, so if you’ve done your spring cleanse you’ve already accomplished step one. There is an herbal formula called Cellu-Smooth w/ Coleus which can give your body an added advantage on combating cellulite. This combination of herbs is taken internally. It is designed to enhance circulation to affected areas, strengthen connective tissue and improve detoxification of the cells. This formula also nourishes the thyroid gland which helps to improve metabolism and the breaking down of fat cells in the body. In addition to the supplement you need to do exercises that improve lymphatic system circulation. Walking, dancing, swimming or using a rebounder are all good examples. Dry skin brushing with a natural bristle brush is another way to improve circulation in the skin. Topically you can use Cellu-Tone essential oil blend. The oils in this formula improve circulation to the skin, reduce cellulite and excess fluid retention and tighten sagging skin. This oil blend should not be used topically just prior to sun exposure. It should not be used with people with kidney disorders. To make it easy for daily use, I mix about 100 drops of the oil (2/3 bottle) in a bottle of Herbal Trim skin treatment. Apply once daily, after your shower or before bed. To improve the program as well as the overall appearance of your skin, dry brush daily before your shower or at bedtime before applying the oil.

In addition to improving circulation and the elimination of wastes from the cells, improving cellulite requires strengthening connective tissue. Although there are several herbs in the Cellu-Smooth that help to do this, if your cellulite is bad, I would also recommend a couple other supplements for you to consider. Collatrim powder is a supplement that provides a high quality, easy to absorb form of protein that is used to make collagen in the body. It helps the connective tissue to repair, which will lessen the appearance of cellulite. It also helps us fight aging (fewer wrinkles) as well as repair bones, muscles, injuries etc. If you take your Collatrim powder before bed (without having consumed any forms of sugar or carbohydrates for 2 hours), it will activate growth hormone release. Growth hormone helps the body to repair damaged tissues, increase metabolism and helps convert fat into muscle. So Collatrim works to both stimulate the metabolism and promote the conversion of fat into muscle... which helps with weight loss. To improve the benefits of the Collatrim in the body it is recommended to take at least 500 mg. of vitamin C, I like the form called Citrus Bioflavanoids daily. Vitamin C helps the body to manufacture the collagen that forms your connective tissues. Since vitamin C is depleted under stress, those under stress should take a little more.

For more specific information or to have your questions answered. Please visit Nature’s Remedy at 18 Monroe Street, Ellicottville NY or by calling 716.699.HERB (4372).

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this publication is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose illness nor prescribe treatment. Rather, this material is designed to be used in cooperation with your nutritionally-oriented health professional to deal with your personal health problems.