Cellulite occurs when alterations to connective tissue occur. Imagine that underneath the outer layer of skin, is a noughts and crosses patterning of structures holding things in place. Underneath those structures, is fat (and it needs to be – that’s healthy!) so when the criss-crosses start to get further apart, the fat underneath pushes up through the gaps and we see that on the outside as the dimpled appearance of cellulite. While it is the result of connective tissue changes, aspects of liver function can influence its appearance.
The liver is one of the body’s most vital organs, performing over 500 functions that include detoxification, metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, and the regulation of numerous hormones. Its role in detoxification is particularly crucial as it processes toxins in preparation for elimination from the body. It’s helpful to imagine that the liver can get overloaded with rubbish requiring detoxification due to poor diet, exposure to too many pollutants, or excessive alcohol consumption. This can significantly diminish how efficiently it can do its critical detoxification work.
How the liver affects cellulite
Accumulation of problematic substances
If the liver can’t keep up with its load, problematic substances can end up being recycled rather than sent off for elimination. If they end up being recycled and back in the blood, they can’t stay there – they were sent to the liver to be detoxified so they could exit the body. If they end up back in the blood, this is the same blood that will flow through your vital organs. So the body, in its wisdom, moves the recycled ‘toxins’ out of the blood and pops them into fat cells so they can’t hurt your organs. Is their accumulation, enlarging fat cells under the skin, making cellulite more visible? Many who start to take care of their liver and see improvements have said so.
Hormonal imbalance
The liver also plays a critical role in regulating hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. An excess of estrogen and a lack of progesterone in the second part of the menstrual cycle, and also a common scenario in perimenopause, can drive the body to retain fluid, worsening the appearance of cellulite. A healthy liver helps maintain hormonal balance, potentially reducing fluid retention, which can exacerbate the appearance of cellulite.
Poor lymphatic flow
A ‘sluggish’ liver affects overall lymphatic circulation in a lousy way. Good lymph flow is necessary to help carry away waste and potentially harmful substances from each cell that makes up your physical structure. Poor lymphatic flow can lead to the accumulation of these substances around cells, rather than their efficient detoxification and elimination, requiring fluid to be maintained to ‘dilute’ their effects. This may also make cellulite more pronounced.
Strategies to support the liver and help combat cellulite
Focus on eating food, not junk. Increase vegetables in particular, as their bitter taste properties help the liver to make more bile (this is very helpful to detoxification). Reduce your intake of ultra-processed foods, refined and artificial sugars, and trans fats, which can add to the liver’s load.
Limit alcohol and exposure to other problematic substances that add to the liver’s load. Think pesticides, preservatives and synthetic chemicals added to skincare, make up and other household products.
Stay hydrated – drinking plenty of water helps everything. Proper hydration also helps to keep the skin elastic.
Supplement with Liver Love which contains a concentrated dose of St Mary’s Thistle (milk thistle), turmeric, globe artichoke, broccoli and gentian – foods and herbs renowned for their detoxification and liver regeneration properties. We would recommend taking it for 3-6 months, or as long as you’re enjoying the benefits.
Remember, a holistic approach to health always yields the most comprehensive benefits, so take the very best care of your liver, and it will be reflected on the outside.
