Cellulite and gut health

What is cellulite?

Cellulite (adipositas edematosa) is a localised accumulation of fat in the subcutaneous connective tissue, which is bordered by connective tissue ridges and makes the surface of the skin uneven, so that the affected area looks like orange peel skin. Not to be confused with the similarly named cellulitis, an inflammation of the skin caused by bacteria.

Who is affected by cellulite?

More than 90% of women after puberty are affected. It is rare in men. Cellulite occurs most frequently on the thighs and buttocks, less frequently on the stomach. It is not a disease in the true sense of the word. Although various treatment options are available, the effective therapy has not yet been clarified and the effectiveness of the various procedures is assessed differently in the medical literature.

How does cellulite develop?

Two important factors play a role in the development of cellulite. Firstly, the dominant role of hormones. Women are most affected, which is why oestrogen is probably the most important hormone in the development of cellulite. Other hormones such as insulin, thyroid hormones and prolactin are also involved in the development of cellulite.
Cellulite is rare in men, but occurs more frequently in men with androgen deficiency, e.g. in men receiving oestrogen therapy for prostate cancer.

The digestive system and cellulite

Estrobolomes are a collection of bacteria in the gut that can break down and alter the oestrogen circulating in the body.

The problem is probably caused by intestinal dysbiosis, an imbalance in the intestinal flora. Intestinal bacteria. If too many bacteria produce β-glucuronidase, it converts the oestrogen into its unconjugated active form and is then absorbed back into the bloodstream. This leads to oestrogen dominance.

Altered circulating oestrogen levels can contribute to obesity, metabolic syndrome, increased risk of certain cancers, endometrial hyperplasia, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO), fertility problems and cardiovascular disease.

Another factor in the development of cellulite is the production of toxins by harmful gram-negative intestinal bacteria (LPS), which lead to disruption of the blood circulation and lymphatic system in the microcapillaries of the skin. This leads to an accumulation of toxins and the breakdown of the collagen fibres that hold the skin layers together. These fibres harden, lose their elasticity and shrink slightly. They pull inwards and form dimples, the first visible sign of cellulite.

How is cellulite prevented?

The production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) by intestinal bacteria is important for the beauty of the skin. The production of short-chain branched-chain fatty acids (BSCFA) such as iso-, isovaleric and 2-methylbutyric acid by gut microbes is also important.

This can be achieved by consuming sufficient fermentable (water-soluble) Dietary fibre can be achieved. The most effective dietary fibre is Apple fibre with their high pectin content.

The role of pectin and inulin

Pectin and inulin provide large amounts of butyrate, acetate and propionate. Body fat gain and insulin resistance have been greatly reduced by pectin and inulin in various studies. In addition, triglycerides in the liver are lowered and insulin sensitivity is improved. Fulvicherb - Synergy contains pectin and inulin, among other things. Our product Fulvicherb with apple pectin and inulin contains high doses of pure pectin and inulin.

Branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) play a similarly important role in the skin. Both are "products" of the good gut bacteria.

The fermentation of branched-chain fatty acids in the human intestine is mainly carried out by Bacteroides species. These two types of fatty acids are rare in the internal tissues of humans, but are found in high concentrations in the skin. It is no coincidence that the skin of babies with velvety skin has the highest concentration of these fatty acids.

The best-known BCFA is sheep's wool fat, the skin-friendly lanolin. We can also obtain these special fatty acids from the food, meat and milk fat of grazing ruminants.

It has been shown that restoring the gut microbiome to an optimal state not only has positive effects on the human body internally, but also externally.

Read the article in English: Cellulite and intestinal health

Read the article in Polish: Cellulit i zdrowie jelit