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The Toxicity Theory

This theory on the causes of cellulite is popular amongst those in the supplements and natural health camp. It sounds persuasive, but it might be too simplistic to account for the myriad factors that act on our bodies and health. This theory ties into the next one, relating to an impaired circulation of blood and lymph in our bodies. It states that an excess of toxins builds up in the cells under the skin, which in turn causes fluid and fat retention.

It is known that toxins are often stored in fat cells. In a healthy person, toxins are processed in the liver and excreted via the body's elimination channels - the lungs, our colon, urinary system, and the skin (through sweat). But if the toxic load becomes too great, or the body is simply unable to process out the toxins for another reason, perhaps lacking the enzymes or other factors required, then toxins are taken out of the circulatory system and stored in our fat cells. But whether this is the main cause of cellulite is not certain, though it may play a role.

Cellulite occurs in the subcutaneous layers of the skin. That is, in the topmost layers of the skin. Yet we carry fat (adipose tissue) throughout other areas of the body too, sometimes in significant quantities. There is a reserve layer of fat deeper in the skin, and we even carry fat in our organs. The reserve layer of fat may be significant in some people. And toxins can be stored in all fat - not just fat in the subcutaneous layer of skin.

Of course, the level of toxicity and chemical residue in our bodies is greater than most of us realize, and may be having an indirect effect on cellulite, via its' influence on our hormones, metabolism, and general health. More on that later in the article!

Theory Of Impaired Circulation

In the theory of impaired circulation, physical damage due to overexertion or restriction causes damage to the microcirculation and lymph vessels involved in the circulatory system. Free radicals are also said to play a part in this process. Examples of 'over-exertion' and restriction include sitting for too long in one place, wearing tight clothing (even tights!), and 'over-exertion' due to training or physical exercise, at least according to those who believe this is the one of the key causes of cellulite. By that rationale, however, athletes and dancers would have massive amounts of cellulite. After all, no-one does physical over-exertion like a professional athlete or dancer. Heck, they even perform, compete, and train when they are injured. Yet, it's know dancers have little, if any, cellulite. And you could probably count on one hand the number of professional athletes that have cellulite.

This theory goes that with a reduction in the ability of the circulatory system (blood and lymph), free radicals build up, there is a lack of oxygen at a cellular level, and the overall effect is one that reduces the functional ability of the fibroblasts located within our dermis. Fibroblasts give rise to connective tissue, and make collagen. Connective tissue is the structure that holds our fat cells in place. When that thins and weakens, as it does when we age, visible cellulite forms. That much is true. Whether it is simply caused by free radicals and over-exertion or physical restriction that impairs blood flow is another story, one that doesn't appear to have been firmly established. Whilst these issues may play a role in the causes of cellulite for some people, it is doubtful that they represent the whole story.

Role Of Estrogen

The exact role of estrogen in the causes of cellulite is unknown, though we do know it does have an impact on the way fat is distributed in women's bodies (mostly on the breast, thighs and hips. Other hormones are involved too. Progesterone, when levels drop as they do in the week before a woman's period, can cause fluid retention, as well as weak veins and gaining weight. And scientists hormones like insulin, noradrenaline, prolactin, and thyroid hormones are also involved.

Despite being associated with the causes of cellulite, you cannot treat cellulite with hormone therapy.

Heredity

Heredity was long thought to be among the primary causes of cellulite, and it does have a strong impact. Certainly, we can be predisposed by genetics to things like how strong our veins and lymph vessels are (which affects the circulatory system), and how affected we are by hormones. But like any genetic predisposition, we don't have to be bound by our genes. Having a healthy, active lifestyle, reducing the toxic load on our system, doing strength training - these are all things we can do to make sure a genetic predisposition doesn't manifest itself.

Diet

The causes of cellulite are more than simply about carrying excess weight. However, when we do, it creates more stagnation in our circulatory system, which can exacerbate the problem. Cellulite does appear worse when we are overweight. Perhaps that is due to a loss of muscle tone, or poor dietary practices, or both. Certainly, we can be overweight but poorly nourished. That can mean we are missing out on essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This is especially true today when so much of the goodness has been leached from the soil due to modern farming practices.

Exercise

A lack of exercise may not be amongst the causes of cellulite, but it can certainly help fix it. Strength training, done with light to moderate weights, and done at pace, can help build long, lean muscle and reduce weight and cellulite.

Our Modern Environment

"we have 300 to 500 measurable manmade chemicals in our bodies that would not have been found there 50 years ago (Lowrie, 1997)."

Some salient points:

* toxins like dioxins and PCBs tend to be stored in fatty tissue

* Not only are we exposed to a lot of chemicals via household cleaning products, personal care items, the food we eat (vegetables, grains, beans, and meat), the food we eat is often exposed too. And the animals and plants can't necessarily get rid of it. So it ends up in our bodies too.

Also see: "Toxic Chemicals that Store in Fatty Tissue"

Ultimately, the causes of cellulite may be a number of these factors. It makes more sense to look at the impact of toxins, the health or otherwise of the circulatory system, diet, stress, how active we are, our hormone profile, and issues like a genetic predisposition, together. Because in some cases, it seems like a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation, in terms of, what came first? It may simply be that cellulite is a symptom of a wider struggle in functioning within our bodies.

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