Cellulite And Copper Dysregulatio

I’m sure many of us have experienced the familiar feeling of looking in the mirror and feeling a wave of dissatisfaction with our bodies. It’s easy to get caught up in nitpicking at the areas that we may perceive as having looser skin or not being as toned as we’d like. It's important to remember that our bodies naturally evolve with time, but that doesn't change the fact that we're worthy of love and respect. Understanding why our bodies change can actually help us address any underlying issues, especially if we're already working hard to maintain good nutrition and fitness levels. Keep it up!

I get it, it can be seriously frustrating when certain body parts don't cooperate with your fitness routine. No need to worry though, we'll tackle it together. Let's talk about cellulite. If you've noticed it on your thighs, belly, or behind, don't stress. It's totally normal and no big deal. While a healthy lifestyle has many benefits, it's not a magic cure-all for cellulite. But don't worry, we've got this!. Cellulite results from a build-up of fat cells that push against connective tissue, causing skin to appear dimpled or textured. Even those who are diligent in their exercise routine and eating habits can still develop cellulite. 

What is cellulite?

Dealing with cellulite can be frustrating, especially when it feels like no amount of diet or exercise will get rid of those pesky pockets of fat. It's important to understand that cellulite is a natural occurrence, as the collagen fibers in our skin begin to weaken and allow fat to collect in certain areas. As we age, our skin undergoes many changes. Thinning of the skin is one of the most common changes we experience. This leads to a loss of elasticity and less collagen production. 

So what we know now is that cellulite is caused by 2 things: excess fat and less collagen production.

Cellulite and minerals

Cellulite can be an uncomfortable and distressing issue for many people, and while we once thought that there was nothing to be done about it, the understanding of cellulite has changed in recent years. Now we know that it's not just related to body fat, but is also caused by a lack of collagen production. But what does this mean regarding minerals?

Estrogen dominance and weight gain

Sometimes people struggle with gaining weight even when they're doing everything right. Did you know estrogen dominance could be part of the problem? Yep! While often thought of as a "female hormone," estrogen can actually stimulate cell growth, good for things like bone density and menstrual cycles, but also lead to cysts and cancer, especially in terms of fat buildup. Copper is also closely linked with estrogen. While copper is necessary, too much or the inability to use it can cause issues over time. Keep that in mind when you're considering why you can't lose weight.

It's important to understand the intricacies of copper availability in our bodies. A little refresher on copper availability if you haven’t read this article here. Simply put, we need a properly functioning liver and adrenal glands to produce ceruloplasmin, a protein that helps us use copper. Without it, copper can accumulate in our tissues and lead to unpleasant symptoms, like those associated with excess estrogen. However, even if your ceruloplasmin levels are in check, issues with detoxing copper can still result in similar symptoms. We're talking weight gain, hot flashes, hypothyroidism, hair loss, and mood swings. It can be overwhelming, but remember, understanding the root cause of these symptoms is key to finding a solution.

Copper and collagen production

Many things can contribute to a decline in collagen production, including not getting enough protein in your diet and being deficient in essential minerals like silica and copper. Understanding these factors can be the first step towards a healthier, more youthful complexion.

It can feel frustrating when you're doing all the right things- taking collagen supplements and prioritizing your skin's health- but you're not seeing the results you hoped for. The truth is, if your body struggles to regulate copper levels, you'll have difficulty synthesizing collagen properly. 

Solutions for cellulite and improving copper status

Cellulite is incredibly common – an estimated 85 to 98% of post-pubescent women experience it. It’s an unfortunate fact of life for many people, regardless of age, size, gender or fitness level, but that doesn’t mean there isn't something we can do about it.

• Figure out where your copper status is by purchasing a hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) through us by clicking the link here.
• Work on liver health. Our liver requires amino acids, B vitamins, antioxidants and glucose to function optimally. Nourishing yourself appropriately on an omnivorous diet is key here
• Consider some helpful tools to help cleanse the liver like TUDC supplements, castor oil packs or coffee enemas. 
• Incorporate some strength training into your exercise routine if you haven’t yet.
• Aim to get a minimum of 100g of protein a day. Ideally you want to be reaching 1g of protein per pound of body weight.
• Try some dry brushing to increase lymph flow as well.

Conclusion

Understanding the connection between cellulite and minerals like copper can empower individuals to take control of their body's appearance and overall health. By incorporating a hair tissue mineral analysis, focusing on liver health, and implementing lifestyle changes such as strength training, protein intake, and dry brushing, one can effectively address the root causes of cellulite. It's essential to remember that every person's journey is unique, and results may vary. However, with determination, patience, and self-love, it is possible to improve the appearance of cellulite and embrace a healthier, more confident version of oneself.

Barbara Madimenos
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis Practitioner
Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner
Integrative Health Coach