Foods That Flatten Your Belly

Deflate that spare tire with these fruits and herbs that naturally trim belly fat

The top belly-fat blasters have actually been a part of a healthy lifestyle since the beginning of time, but you may not have thought of them to help slim your waistline.

Watermelon: A hydrating fruit rich in lycopene, it will increase your body’s arginine levels, an amino acid that ups the body’s fat-burning potential. At the same time the juicy red fruit helps the body burn fat, it also builds lean muscle. Just 1 cup a day does the trick.

Dill: Add this herb to veggies (especially cabbage), fish, casseroles, soups and stews, Dijon mustard or reduced-fat mayo to ease gas and bloating. You'll also get the added benefit of speeding up the breakdown of carbs and proteins in the gut.

Pineapple and Papaya: These two tropical fruits contain the enzyme bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties and shrinks belly fat. Many women know the disappointment of having a waistline that spills over the top of her waistband. But think of taking your first steps toward a slimmer middle this way--to change your waistline you have to first change your mind. Think differently about food and make food choices that work for you, rather than against you.

Mint: An herb, yes, but this one goes the extra belly-fat burning mile. Mint leaves trigger the release of extra bile from the gallbladder, which is important because it helps the body to digest fat. For a quick remedy to belly bloat (maybe you want to ease into that little form-fitting black dress?) add 10 crushed mint leaves to 2-4 cups of roasted dandelion tea every day and you could lose two or more pounds in 10-14 days.

Dandelion Root: I like roasted dandelion root tea to beat belly fat. The dandelion root increases liver function, which flushes toxins and excess water from the belly area and in turn gives you a flatter tummy. Just 2-4 cups a day does the trick.

The top 10 vitamin and mineral deficiencies

These are the top 10 vitamin and mineral deficiencies I've found in the majority of my patients.

I'm certain these deficiencies extend to the larger North American population . . .

Iodine
Vitamin B12
Magnesium
Vitamin C
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

And also . . .

Vitamin D
Sulfur
Zinc
Chromium
Potassium
You already know about iodine deficiency and how it can lead to cancer. But take the second item, vitamin B12, for example.

Because of the typical American diet that creates heartburn and acid reflux, there is a huge business in antacids, including both over-the-counter antacids and prescription proton-pump inhibitors, which claim "just one pill a day."