Do your pants immediately feel tighter after dinner?
Do you find yourself noticing extra fat around your midsection?
If this sounds familiar, you know how frustrating bloating and stubborn belly fat can be. While self-pity is unproductive, there are things you can do each day to improve these issues by addressing the real cause.
Inflammation could be one of the reasons you can’t shed those pounds or get rid of inconvenient bloating. This is great news if you haven’t seen the results you’ve wanted from diet and exercise alone.
Inflammation is a component of the body’s defense mechanism. For short periods of time, it’s a good thing.
For example, your body will induce a temporary fever to help ward off foreign pathogens when you’re sick.
This causes an intentional inflammatory response aimed at making you better.
However, long-term inflammation is different. Long-term inflammation is caused by food intolerances, stress, and poor digestion. When left unchecked, this can cause fat-storing hormones to be released excessively.
Here are some of the top inflammation-fighting practices you can get started on right now:
These inflammatory foods tax your body and immune system and can lead to increased body fat. Try to remove the following foods and ingredients from your diet and household:
tomatoes, bell peppers, potatoes, eggplants
baker’s yeast, brewer’s yeast, and fermented products like alcohol
Sugar has an immediate effect on the body and causes widespread inflammation.
A little natural sugar found in fruits is okay, but added sugar or sweeteners should be avoided.
Added sugar can even be found in food that doesn’t taste sweet, such as soup, bread and salad dressing. Get in the habit of checking nutrition labels and steer clear of foods with added sugar.
Sodium blocks normal hormone signals that make you feel full.
This is why salty foods tend to make you overeat even when you’re not hungry.
Check the sodium content of foods and sauces in your home and keep track of how much you consume each day. When possible, prepare your foods at home and use spices instead of salt.
Curcumin is the powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient inside turmeric that has incredible healing properties known to fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
Lowering oxidative stress can help regulate the release of fat-storing hormones, which makes it easier to lose weight.
This is a must-have in your daily routine if you want to combat stubborn fat caused by inflammation.
Icelandic Sea Kelp contains fucoidan, an anti-inflammatory complex carbohydrate that fights oxidative stress.
The fiber in sea kelp also helps you feel full, which can help promote weight loss.
Ginger is an amazing anti-inflammatory agent that helps support healthy digestion. It’s great for upset stomachs and can easily be added to water if your tummy needs a pick-me-up!
Astragalus is an incredible plant that supports the immune system, also known as an adaptogen.
Adaptogens are activated by stress and help lower cortisol levels in the body. Maintaining low, healthy cortisol levels is essential for weight loss.
Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, which helps break down protein and reduce bloating.
Pineapples are one of the only fruits that leave alkaline residuals in the gastrointestinal tract to help decrease inflammation.
With a little patience and these tips, you can fight bloating and stubborn belly fat caused by inflammation. It's never too early to start, and this might be the push you needed to finally fit into those skinny jeans!