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STOMACH FAT
WHAT DOES IT MEAN? WHAT'S CAUSING IT? WHAT CAN YOU DO?
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Find your imbalances and create a diet for your Weight by taking the
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Fat should be equally distributed around your body. When fat is dispersed across the arms, back, breasts, stomach, buttocks, and thighs, it is healthier than disproportionate weight or fat. When one of your body parts gains more weight than another, it could mean that your circulation is stagnant there. Excess weight concentrated in the stomach may imply congestion of the lymphatic system in the gut and poor fat digestion. This condition occurs when stress or other factors cause vasoconstriction of blood vessels in the area, which stop the body from burning fats and stores them instead.
The belly is 4x more likely to store fat from rich, Kapha-aggravating foods. The reason is because fat from excessively rich foods congests the lymphatic system in this area. Then, the fat gets stored in the stomach, instead of going into the blood. Short-chain fatty acids such as ghee and medium-chain fatty acids such as coconut oil are absorbed by blood vessels and then distributed evenly by the blood. These do not congest the gut-associated lymphatic tissue of the gut (GALT). Long-chain fatty acids such as canola and other vegetable oils are absorbed directly from the intestine into the GALT, causing congestion and stomach fat.
Stress may also cause excess stomach fat. Stress shuts down circulation to your gut. Under periods of high stress, your lymphatic system absorbs even more of the fats from food, causing you to gain more weight in the belly. Again, this was probably adaptive for early humans; storing fat in this area was a mechanism of self-preservation in uncertain times. This kind of apple-shaped fat concentrated at the mid and upper-sections of the body is generally Vata-Kapha in nature.
If your digestion is slow, your belly may appear large and bloated, and your belly button stretched. You might be tempted to think you've gained weight but really you are stuffed with food or gas. Wheat and rich dairy products like cheese are common culprits of slow digestion. A mild laxative like triphala can help your belly deflate to a normal size.
Bitter taste is a good remedy for metabolizing excess abdominal fat. Grapefruit, greens like arugula, kale, and dandelion along with tart vegetables like rhubarb are all good ways to start incorporating more bitter taste into your diet. Adding fiber can also help move fat out of the body. Experiment with blood thinning herbs like turmeric and tarragon which reinvigorate circulation and gently decongest the blood of excess fats. Movement and mild exercise can also help break-up excess abdominal fat. Twisting yoga poses, deep belly breathing, and gentle self-massage of the abdominal area gets blood flowing and helps shed an unhealthy tummy.
Disclaimer: Conditions such as 'Stomach fat' that cause tissue changes could be serious and should be checked by a medical doctor.
ARE YOU NEW TO AYURVEDA?
Are you wondering what Ayurveda is and how to use it for 'Stomach fat' and health in general?
LEARN MORE
REBALANCE YOUR BODY WITH DIET, LIFESTYLE & HERBS HAVING THESE QUALITIES
Everything you eat has an effect on your body, which Ayurveda categorizes in a simple and easy way, using gunas. Gunas are qualities (like cold and hot) that describe the effect a food or herb has on your body. Cooling foods like cucumber, decrease metabolism. Heating foods like chili pepper, stimulate your body and increase metabolism. For 'Stomach fat', you should select foods with the following qualities (gunas). Individual results will vary, based on your body type and the root cause of your imbalance. For best results, get a one on one consultation.QUALITIES THAT USUALLY CORRECT IMBALANCES
RELATED TO STOMACH FAT
| GUNA | FOODS TO FAVOR | CONDITION IN YOUR BODY |
|---|---|---|
CLEAR
Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.
|
CLEAR INGREDIENTS CLEAR RECIPES |  Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Clear' guna |
PUNGENT
Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.
|
PUNGENT INGREDIENTS PUNGENT RECIPES | Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Pungent' taste |
BITTER
Bitter is disagreeable and stimulating rejection, and a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.
|
BITTER INGREDIENTS BITTER RECIPES | Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Bitter' taste |
To learn more about the symbols above, click on them.
FAVOR HERBS WITH THESE MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Ingredient and herbs each have unique effects on the various organs of your body. Herbalists study these effects and categorize them, so it is easy to identify which foods and herbs are most helpful for your unique body type. Click on the medicinal properties below to learn more about them, and to figure out which recipes, ingredients and products will be a good match for you. Individual results will vary depending upon the root cause of your imbalance. The following medicinal properties are useful for a general case of 'Stomach fat'. You must independently verify whether these medicinal properties address the root causes of your case of Stomach fat.| Digestion | Appetite suppressant , APPETITE-SUPPRESSANTSuppresses hunger without causing weight gainDigestive , DIGESTIVEHerbs that encourage healthy digestive.Stimulant Laxative STIMULANT-LAXATIVEStimulant laxatives induce bowel movements by stimulating peristaltic movement (the contraction of smooth muscle in the intestines). They are effective when used on a short-term basis. On a long-term basis, they can create dependency. |
| Cleanse and Detox | Burns Toxins BURNS-TOXINSAn herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them. |
| Heart & Circulation | Blood Thinner BLOOD-THINNERHerbs that thin the blood. Helpful for people with heart disease or clogged circulation. |
| Liver & Gall Bladder | Cholagogue CHOLAGOGUECholagogues stimulate the release of bile from the gall bladder for improved digestion. |
| Weight Loss | Hypolipidemic HYPOLIPIDEMICScrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels |
| Bowel-Poop-Elimination | General Laxative , GENERAL-LAXATIVEPromotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives...High Fiber Laxative HIGH-FIBER-LAXATIVEA class of laxative that adds bulk and water to stools. The size of a stool stimulates peristalsis and the stool passes more easily through the colon. It is important to drink plenty of water when using high fiber laxatives, as they can be dehydrating. |
Click here for general Weight Loss Tips
DISCLAIMER: The pathogenesis of each person's condition is unique, and so the diet must be fit to the individual and the unique root causes of the condition in your body. The best way to do this is with a one on one consultation.
DIET TO BALANCE 'STOMACH FAT'
(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 review
SAVE INGREDIENTAloe includes more than 250 species of flowering succulents and is native to Africa, Madagascar and Jordan. It is closely related to cactus, yucca and onion. For thousands of years and across many cultures, aloe has been used to heal a variety of health...
(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 reviewIn Norse mythology, apples are said to provide eternal youthfulness. Apples appear in many religious traditions, including the bible, often as a forbidden fruit. Apples originated in Western Asia, where its wild ancestor still grows today. There are more...
Its sharp peppery flavor is a sign that arugula is light and easy to digest for those with slow, cold digestion, or to help take a heavy meal and "lighten" it, so your body can assimilate the nutrients of the entire dish.
Black beans are a rich source of vegetable protein, easing any meat cravings for those seeking satiation. The shiny obsidian quality of the beans are a beautiful addition to any meal, providing an earthy depth and dark contrast. Black beans appear along...
(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 reviewWhen most people think of dandelion, they think of pulling this pesky weed out of their manicured lawn. It's the poster child for weeds. This is especially ironic because colonists brought the dandelion to the Americas as an important medicinal plant....
Regarded as both a force for good and evil, folklore and superstition abound when it comes to this little but poignant member of the onion family. A garland of garlic kept evil spirits and vampires away in the west. In an eastern Islamic myth, garlic...
(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 reviewGrapefruit is a relatively new addition to the citrus family. It is a hybrid first discovered in the 18th century. Described as tart, tangy, or sweet, the grapefruit is said to be one of the "Seven Wonders of Barbados, because legend says the fruit was...
Start with lacinto kale if regular Kale is too bitter but make sure you eventually switch over to the real stuff.
Raw brassicas contain chemicals that can block thyroid function called goitrogens. These chemicals are easily inactivated by steaming or cooking.
(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 reviewParsnip is native to the Mediterranean, where it is cultivated like carrots.
The word radish derives from the latin word for root, "radix." Domesticated in Europe in pre-Roman times, radishes are an edible root of the Brassicaceae family. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. They are inexpensive, grow quickly and...
(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 reviewSprinkle dried nettles into any soup or stir-fry, and they will impart a rustic, hearty earthiness. This is a rough, tough plant that brings it's strength as a gift for your body. Nettles provide a stellar nutritional profile to build stamina. At a time...
(4.55 out of 5 stars) 11 reviewsTurmeric is a warm, yellow, earthy, slightly bitter spice used in ritual, medicine, and cooking. Turmeric paste is applied to bride and groom before marriage in some places of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Although a deep yellow color, turmeric makes...
DO YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR UNIQUE BODY?
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR STOMACH FAT
Browse these educational resources for 'Stomach fat'.Learn how Ayurveda approaches weight loss in this Audio Lecture. Discover how simple, healthy, and effective an Ayurvedic diet is to lose weight.
ADD TO CARTBattling with a sugar craving? In this presentation you'll learn an easy way to reduce food cravings fast.
Learn about Ayurveda! Dive into this book of recipes and complete guide to Ayurveda's approach to healing foods for weight loss and metabolism. By Scott Gerson.
SPECIALITY FORMULAS, AYURVEDIC HERBS, & NATURAL PRODUCTS FOR STOMACH FAT
We've specially chosen these products because of their potential for healing imbalances associated with 'Stomach fat'. Choose a product from this list that also matches your imbalanced doshas and qualities, to ensure a good fit. Please review these products to determine which are right for you. Before making any changes to your health and wellness routine, please check with your medical doctor.Digestive bitters are revered in Europe for digestion, rejuvenation, bloating relief, and mental sharpness. Caution! A little goes a long way.
Promotes healthy flow of bile before or after gall bladder surgery. Improves fat digestion.
Famous Ayurvedic formula for weight loss & cholesterol reduction. Triphala, the classic detoxification and laxative combined with resinous guggulu scrapes excess fat from the system.
Weight Away is a cleansing formula with herbs traditionally used for weight loss and encouraging proper fat and sugar metabolism.
A natural source oil from certified organic Castor beans. A hard and shiny oil found in most cosmetics that acts as a barrier agent and protective medium against harsh conditions and extremes. Very soothing to the skin when included into cosmetic...
REMOVE THE CAUSES OF YOUR IMBALANCE
With Stomach fat, one or more of the following doshas and qualities may be aggravated. If you have an imbalance of one of these doshas or qualities, Ayurveda recommends avoiding foods and lifestyle habits that aggravate that quality and/or dosha. These imbalanced doshas and qualities will need to be brought back into balance before this condition can be healed. Click on the quality to learn what foods and lifestyle habits should be avoided. If you have a systemic imbalance of one of these doshas or qualities, Ayurveda would generally recommend avoiding foods and lifestyle habits with that quality.STOMACH FAT USUALLY MEANS THESE
DOSHAS & QUALITIES ARE AGGRAVATED 
Symptoms Tell A Story
The first step to healing is learning patterns from your symptoms.
Symptoms are clues that reveal underlying imbalances, showing you where your body is weak.
Specifically, they reveal the doshas & qualities that may have become aggravated.
If you notice a quality or dosha appears next to many of your symptoms,
it helps you establish a pattern that may be systemic.
Symptoms Tell A Story
The first step to healing is learning patterns from your symptoms. Symptoms are clues that reveal underlying imbalances, showing you where your body is weak. Specifically, they reveal the doshas & qualities that may have become aggravated. If you notice a quality or dosha appears next to many of your symptoms, it helps you establish a pattern that may be systemic.
| GUNA | FOODS TO AVOID | DO YOU HAVE THIS IMBALANCE? |
|---|---|---|
TOXIC
A substance that causes toxicity in the body, or that harms the body.
|
AVOID THESE TOXIC FOODS THAT MAY AGGRAVATE STOMACH FAT | Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Toxic' guna |
OILY
Oily refers to anything fatty, or that increases fat.
|
AVOID THESE OILY FOODS THAT MAY AGGRAVATE STOMACH FAT | Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Oily' guna |
HEAVY
Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.
|
AVOID THESE HEAVY FOODS THAT MAY AGGRAVATE STOMACH FAT | Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Heavy' guna |
GOOEY
Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.
|
AVOID THESE GOOEY FOODS THAT MAY AGGRAVATE STOMACH FAT | Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Gooey' guna |
SWEET
Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
|
AVOID THESE SWEET FOODS THAT MAY AGGRAVATE STOMACH FAT | Status UnknownTake these quizzes to find out if you have an imbalance of 'Sweet' taste |
To learn more about the symbols above, click on them.
Are you prone to a problem with 'Stomach fat'?
Find your imbalances and create a diet for your Weight by taking the
free weight loss quiz.
STAGE OF DISEASE: 3 - ATTACKING TISSUE
If you have symptoms in this category it means that your imbalances are becoming stronger and weakening your body's resistance. Most people have a weakness in one or more organs. These areas of weakness are the 'weak link in the chain.' They are first to succumb when an imbalance reaches a tipping point. Repairing imbalances in this category often represent your last opportunity to prevent disease. At any moment, these imbalances could overwhelm weakened tissue and develop into a disease. You may feel pain or discomfort in the weakened area. At this stage you will need to support the weakened tissue with specialized foods and herbs for the weakened tissue.HOW AYURVEDA WORKS
ARE YOU WONDERING HOW AYURVEDA CAN HELP YOU?WHY IS AYURVEDA THE RIGHT SOLUTION?
Ayurveda strengthens the body, in addition to addressing the disorder. It take a holistic, systemic approach, instead of myopically focusing on the disorder in question. Ayurveda shows a person how to interpret signs and symptoms of imbalance, and how to address them using materials from home, so they can optimize their health on a continual basis. You can't take the doctor home with you, but you can take Ayurveda home with you. Ayurveda is the most advanced and easy to use home system for self healing with an exceptional focus on digestion.HOW DOES AYURVEDA WORK?
Ayurveda works by first discerning your body type, which identifies certain tendencies in your body to get sick (as well as identifying your strengths). It uses body type to determine the likely root causes of your disorders. Next, Ayurveda works by analyzing the nature of your disorder. It fits all your signs and symptoms into a pattern, expressed as a combination of gunas / quali- ties. For example, you may have a heat disorder, a cold disorder, or an oily disorder, etc. This simple categorical approach shows you how to correct systemic imbalances and strengthen your body as a whole.On Joyful Belly, we've created an extensive categorization of food in relation to qualities (gunas). By eating an optimal diet that balances your gunas, your whole body is strengthened and the conditions that created the disorder are removed. Once the root causes of the disease are removed, the disease lessens in strength or disappears altogether. Additional remedies - such as herbs and lifestyle practices - focused on the specific disorder, can greatly enhance your healing.
Want to learn more about Ayurveda and its step-by-step approach to healing? Click below.
LEARN MOREGET STARTED
To get started on your Ayurvedic journey, we first recommend that your find your body type by taking our free quiz. In Ayurveda, every solution is based on your unique body type, so by taking this quiz, you’ll get the best results.5 WAYS TO HEAL YOUR BODY
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RELATED SYMPTOMS & HABITS
The following symptoms & habits may be related to 'Stomach fat'. See your quiz results for a computerized assessment of your body type. Please click on the symptoms below to learn more about them.
About the Author
John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda exudes a certain ease, which many find enjoyable and insightful. His online course Balance Your Ayurvedic Diet in a Week provides tools for gracefully healing with Ayurveda to thousands. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda , which specializes in digestive tract pathology & Ayurvedic nutrition. John and his wife Natalie recently published Explore Your Hunger: A Guide to Hunger, Appetite & Food.John's interest in Ayurveda and digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, including his public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.
John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well.
Comments & Personal Experiences
How does 'stomach fat' affect your quality of life? What aggravates it? What has helped you? Is there something you'd like to know about 'stomach fat'?
What is Joyful Belly?
What is Ayurveda?
Learn about Ayurveda from the author of this article and founder of Joyful Belly,John Immel.
