Bollywood star Vidya Balan has always been open about her struggle with weight. From overcoming body embarrassment to weight loss challenges, the actress has never shied away from discussing her personal journey. In recent months, Vidya has surprised her fans with a remarkable transformation by losing significant weight. But unlike many celebrities who swear by intense workout regimens, Vidya revealed that her secret is not exercise but a strict diet. What’s even more interesting is that weight loss wasn’t just about reducing calories — it was about addressing inflammation.
Also read: 5 eating habits that cause bloating. stop now!
In an interview with Galata India, Vidya revealed how she met a nutrition group called Amura Health in Chennai, which made her realize that her constant weight struggle was not just due to excess fat but inflammation. She says, “He said, ‘It’s just inflammation; it’s not fat.'” Vidya’s revelation is important because inflammation may be the hidden culprit behind many people’s inability to lose weight, regardless of diet or exercise. Is. But how exactly does inflammation contribute to weight gain, and how can addressing it lead to successful weight loss?
What is swelling?
Before we dive into the journey of knowledge, let us understand the role of inflammation in the body. According to Dr. Dianne Brzezinski, chronic inflammation is a condition where the body’s immune system remains active for a long period of time, causing persistent low-level inflammation. Unlike acute inflammation, which occurs as part of your body’s natural healing response, chronic inflammation does not subside after an injury or illness. Instead, it becomes part of a broader health issue, contributing to various chronic diseases like diabetes, arthritis and even heart disease.
Chronic inflammation can be triggered by a variety of factors such as stress, poor diet, smoking, toxins, and even environmental factors. This chronic inflammation doesn’t just affect your organs and joints; It also plays an important role in weight gain. So, how does inflammation specifically affect weight?
The link between inflammation and weight gain
One of the major ways chronic inflammation affects weight gain is its effect on hormones that regulate metabolism and appetite. As Johns Hopkins Medicine explains, inflammatory foods like processed meats, fried foods, sugary beverages, and trans fats can increase inflammation in the body. These foods stimulate the immune system and contribute to a state of chronic inflammation, making it harder to lose weight.
Additionally, inflammation disrupts the normal function of insulin, the hormone responsible for controlling blood sugar. Insulin resistance, which occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, can lead to high blood sugar levels, accumulation of fat in the liver, and sluggish metabolism. This creates a vicious cycle: The more weight you gain, the more inflammation you have in your body, and the harder it becomes to lose that extra weight.
How diet affects chronic inflammation and weight gain
Researchers have found that diet is one of the most effective ways to combat chronic inflammation and control weight. Anti-inflammatory foods support the body’s ability to fight inflammation and maintain a healthy metabolism. According to Dr. Dianne Brzezinski, CRP levels remain elevated until inflammation goes down, and this increase can further impair the body’s ability to process insulin, leading to excess weight gain. Therefore, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can have a profound impact on reducing chronic inflammation and, by extension, controlling weight.
Also read: High fiber diet may help reduce inflammation caused by gout
A healthy diet boosts your weight loss journey.
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Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Include in Your Diet
Some of the most effective anti-inflammatory foods recommended by Johns Hopkins Medicine include:
- Fatty fish: Salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and aid fat loss.
- Leafy vegetables: Kale, spinach and broccoli are rich in antioxidants that fight inflammation and support overall health.
- Berries: Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are rich in antioxidants, which fight cellular damage caused by inflammation.
- Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds provide omega-3s and help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Fermented foods: Probiotics found in yogurt, kefir, and kimchi promote gut health, which is closely linked to inflammation levels.
- Turmeric and ginger: These spices have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can be easily incorporated into your diet.
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Foods that cause bloating:
Johns Hopkins Medicine lists the following as inflammatory foods:
- red meat, such as steak and hamburgers
- processed meats, such as bologna, bacon, sausage, and lunchmeat
- Commercial baked goods such as snack cakes, pies, cookies and brownies
- Bread and pasta made from white flour
- Deep-fried items like French fries, fried chicken, and donuts
- foods high in sugar, such as candy, jellies, and syrups
- sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda, bottled or canned tea drinks, and sports drinks
- Trans fats, found in margarine, microwave popcorn, refrigerated biscuits and dough, and nondairy coffee creamers
The main thing is clear from Vidya Balan’s weight loss experience: It’s not just about cutting calories; It’s about healing your body from the inside.
