Research by The Harvard School of Public Health has discovered that American women who have difficulty losing belly fat may actually be suffering from hyper-inflammation syndrome, a condition defined by chronically elevated levels of inflammatory compounds like C-reactive protein and prostaglandin E2. Eight out of ten American women are shown to have extraordinarily high levels of these compounds, at least 80% more than European women, who are generally thinner. The reasons for this epidemic? There are three known causes: toxic compounds present in our environment, stress, which taxes the immune system by as much as 55 percent, and chronic infections in the gut.

Continuous exposure to known toxic substances, such as smog particles and pesticides, can alter the membranes of fat storage cells and inhibit your body’s natural appetite-control mechanisms, destroying insulin receptors in the cells so they can’t take in glucose. The result? The brain is misled into believing the body is food-deprived, thus triggering the desire to overeat. This hyper-inflammation cycle triggers insatiable cravings for sugary foods and carbohydrates and activates the hormone cortisol, making it nearly impossible to burn fat stores. This hormone sets off biochemical reactions that damage DNA in the cells of the stomach lining and the brain, preventing the production of serotonin, one of nature’s most effective anti-inflammatory chemicals. It’s a vicious cycle, but changing the way you eat can resolve the inner inflammation that triggers weight gain.

The remedy is simply this: combine phytonutrient-laden foods with healthy fat sources. Both are anti-inflammatory, but when eaten together, their healing compounds are more effectively absorbed.

Phytonutrient foods include dark, leafy vegetables, cruciferous foods (broccoli and cauliflower), hot and sweet peppers, garlic, onions, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, whole-grains, and berries. Healthy fats include, avocados, olives and olive oil, raw nuts, nut butters, sesame, flaxseed and their oils, and Omega-3′s found in fortified eggs and fatty seafoods like salmon, shrimp, and halibut.

Combining foods from each of these lists can boost energy, clarify the skin, elevate moods, ward off diabetes, and prevent cancer turbo-charging your system to melt belly fat- fast!