Belly Fat Flush Diet

The Fat Flush diets, devised by Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman, focus on nutrition choices that detoxify while encouraging weight loss and better overall health. Gittleman addresses the dangers of carrying belly fat, which is a concentration of fat in the abdomen, in several of her more than 20 titles, advising dieters who want to lose fat in this area to make specific dietary and supplement choices.

Belly Fat

According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, fat around the middle of the body increases the risk for high blood pressure and blood vessel diseases. Even modest amounts of weight gain in this area have been found to put a strain on blood vessels, say scientists, yet losing the weight immediately lowers the risk factor.

Seasonal Flush Diet

Conjugated linoleic acid, often referred to as CLA, is found in grass-fed meat sources, which Gittleman highlights in her Seasonal Flush program. She advises dieters to increase intake of this fat to reduce the inflammation that can cause metabolic syndrome, a condition that leads to excess abdominal fat. Studies published in the "Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis" in January 2010 support this theory, indicating that CLA can be considered a functional fat that has demonstrated a positive effect in the modulation of abnormal fatty acid.

Fat Flush Diet

Gittleman's Fat Flush program advises users to avoid sugar, flour, margarine and artificial sweeteners, as they tend to slow down your metabolism. Focus instead on lean protein, vegetables and essential fatty acids, particularly gamma-linoleic acid, or GLA, an omega-6 fat that the human body cannot manufacture on its own. "GLA mobilizes metabolically-active brown fat," explains Gittleman on her website. "Primarily activated by cold, brown fat triggers the body to burn more calories and generate body heat. Overweight people have been found deficient in this fat, and by adulthood, brown fat may be metabolically inactive in many individuals."

Gut Flush Diet

Gittleman devised the Gut Flush program to eradicate parasites, bacteria and pathogens, which she sees as a main cause of belly bloat and gastrointestinal distress. This program advises dieters to eschew starches, sugars and molds, while adding probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fish oil reduces triglyceride levels and increases body fat reduction when combined with exercise, theorizes Gittleman. Studies published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" corroborate her body fat claims, concluding that increasing fish oil could be useful when dieters are interested in improving their body composition.

Considerations

Pregnant women should avoid taking any herbal remedies or medications for weight loss, including CLA and GLA, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. High doses of GLA, greater than 3,000 mg per day, may increase inflammation. Check with your doctor before taking any supplement or medication for weight loss purposes.