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Let’s be honest: we all get stressed, lose sleep, indulge in processed foods and skip workouts. That’s just life and no one is perfect. But it does result in internal inflammation that’s directly linked to insulin resistance and weight gain. Your metabolism has a tense relationship with internal inflammation. See, the later is always trying to slow metabolism down. Inflammation (we all have some!) causes your hormones to go haywire and that can damper metabolism. The big takeaway is: too much inflammation can lead to weight gain due to a sluggish metabolism. Fortunately there are simple, natural ways to stamp out inflammation and get your metabolism up and running like new. So if you start the day with an anti-inflammatory supplement, it can offload inflammation, stop weight gain.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar that gives it that funky smell is also what helps you lose weight. It suppresses hunger and keeps you feeling full after meals. Plus it stimulates weight loss and helps to maintain consistent levels of blood sugar. A study found that people who took an apple cider vinegar supplement every day for 12 weeks lost more weight than those who didn’t have any. “Apple cider vinegar is a fermented food that aids digestion and promotes the growth of healthy gut flora,” says Dr. Lisa Davis, chief nutrition officer at Terra’s Kitchen. “Preliminary evidence also suggests that it may help with fat loss.” Having a healthy gut with friendly flora can reduce inflammation and improve digestion. There are a couple of ways to work this supplement into your morning. The adventurous can mix a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water and honey and down it. But we don’t feel that brave and prefer a simple apple cider vinegar tablet. Check out ACV products here.
Probiotics
We all have an army of friendly bacteria in our guts to help with digestion. Send in some backup with a probiotic supplement. A Canadian study found that overweight women who took probiotic pills for 12 weeks lost weight and continued to shed pounds even after they stopped taking the pills. The researchers suspect the slimming effect could be a result of the probiotics making intestinal walls less permeable. The current probiotic weight loss star is a strain called Lactobacillus gasseri. Eating plain yogurt and kefir is also a path to probiotics but you have to be sure the counts are high enough to make a difference. Check out probiotics here.
Ginger
This sweet and spicy, anti-inflammatory food aids digestion and helps metabolize excess adipose tissue (that’s a fancy word for fat). “Ginger also decreases hunger and bloating,” says Dr. Marizelle Arce, a naturopathic physician. We find it easiest to use fresh ginger in cooking and making teas. But not everyone loves the flavor. No worries. Taking a ginger supplement in the morning will provide all the benefits without the unwanted taste. Check out ginger products here.
Omega 3 Fish Oil
An omega-3 fish oil supplement helps your body burn extra fat and reduces your appetite, says Dr. Luiza Petre, MD, director of the Medi-Weightloss Clinics. A clinical trial found that women who supplemented their diet and exercise routines with omega-3 fatty acids lost a greater amount of weight, whether or not they followed a restricted calorie diet. Raise your hand if you don’t like eating fish? Fresh food is always going to be the best way to reap anti-inflammatory benefits. But the supplement form of omega-3 fatty acids is a great way to start. Maybe trying salmon will be part of your goal for next year. Check out omega-3 products here.
Green Tea
A clinical study of more than 100 women with excess belly fat who drank green tea for 12 weeks had significant reductions in waist circumference. And aside from the positive body effects it’s incredibly soothing to sip on green tea when your belly feels like a gas-filled balloon. “Green tea contains the compound EGCG, a catechin, which shines as an anti-inflammatory superstar thanks to its proven effects on a wide ranging spectrum of conditions and diseases,” says Rachel Swanson, a RDN at Lifespan Medicine. “Sipping on a beverage like green tea has the ability to raise your metabolic rate, too, allowing you to burn more calories – and who wouldn’t want that?” There are so many varieties that you’re sure to find a flavor to enjoy. And if not, try a green tea in pill form. Check out green tea products here.
[Photos: Shutterstock]
