Belly fat is very dangerous, primarily because being overweight, in general, is one of the leading causes of many diseases. Visceral fat is fat that lies in close proximity to the vital organs, including the heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and other digestive organs.
Visceral fat can act somewhat similar to an organ, too, in that it releases compounds into the blood that alter hormone levels. When fat is stored close to those organs, it is easier for the fat to get into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the entire body, affecting blood vessels and metabolic functions.
Therefore, it can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, heart disease in general, strokes, fatty liver and gallbladder disease, pregnancy complications, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, diabetes, colon and breast cancer, asthma and Alzheimer’s, along with other types of dementia.
There are several culprits that cause us to gain belly fat.
The most prominent are eating processed or pre-packaged foods, avoiding fruits and vegetables, chronic stress, lack of sleep, eating trans-fats or highly-refined, inflammatory vegetable oils (which are most vegetable oils), and drinking alcohol.
Belly fat accumulates when several hormones are affected by our eating. Hormones involved in the accumulation of belly fat are insulin, ghrelin, leptin and cortisol. These are our food storage, hunger, satisfaction and stress hormones. It’s complex.
Insulin is released when we eat carbohydrates. It takes glucose out of the bloodstream to the cells to be used for energy. If there is too much glucose remaining (more than the body needs), it gets stored for later use as body fat. If insulin is continually activated, it can cause out of control fat storage, because it is a fat storage hormone.
How do we burn belly fat?
- Eat more of the foods that burn fat, which are real foods found in nature. Real foods include fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, clean meats and fish, and healthy fats – without the added chemicals.
- Every food you eat either increases or decreases inflammation. Real foods also provide vital nutrients your body needs to function properly and rid of unwanted visceral fat. They will also increase your fiber, which controls appetite, digestion and heart health, etc.
- It is equally important to know what not to eat. Sugar, liquid calories (like soda, sweet tea, sports drinks, etc.) and grains will add to visceral fat very quickly. Sugar is hidden in everything, it seems – dairy, juices, condiments and even “healthy” grain bars.
- Move your body. Just moving by walking is great. HIIT, which is high-intensity interval training (also known as intervals, surge or burst exercises) are all a very effective way to lose unwanted belly fat.
- Learn healthy ways to deal with stress. Chronic stress is dangerous and contributes to many diseases, including diabetes, mental/emotional disorders, autoimmune diseases and heart disease to name a few.
- Establish good sleeping patterns. Sleep deprivation is right up there with stress, too. Most people don’t realize how much it actually contributes to belly fat. Getting good sleep is actually a part of obesity prevention. A lot of repair goes on while sleeping.
Losing belly fat has overwhelming health benefits. As you lose visceral fat, you also decrease inflammation, fatigue and help your hormones (which are your bodies communication system) operate optimally. This is a way of living that will give you your life back. It’s not about deprivation… it’s about freedom!