Connect with us

Health

Pot Belly: 5 Natural Ways To Reduce Visceral Fat

pot belly

Pot belly or what can be called abdominal, stomach, or belly fat is excess weight that develops over time around the center of the body. Getting rid of abdominal fat can have significant health benefits for some people. The presence of visceral fat releases hormones that can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart complications, stroke, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Here are a few natural ways to get rid of belly fat.

Cut Down On Alcohol Consumption 

Heavy alcohol consumption increases central obesity and leads to excess fat storage around the waistline. A study on alcohol use on 2,000 people showed that who drank alcohol daily but averaged less than one drink per day had less belly fat than those who drank less frequently but consumed more alcohol on the days they drank.

Practice Occasional Fasting

Intermittent fasting is enforcing a feeding pattern that alternates between periods of eating and fasting. These periods can be as much as 6 hours or more when you stay away from food. This cycle should be repeated for at least three months.

Substitute High Carbohydrate Foods With High Protein Food

As far as feeding is concerned, one of the biggest culprits is foods high in carbohydrate. Avoiding refined carbs — like sugar, candy, and white bread help to keep belly fat down. Reducing carb intake to 50 grams per day and filling your diet with protein foods like beans, lean protein sources include nuts, legumes, and lean meats. Adding these to the diet can help encourage feelings of fullness after eating and reduce cravings for sugary snacks.

Also Read: National Health Insurance Authority Act: Senate Passes Bill to Make Health Insurance Compulsory for Every Nigerian

Use Lemon Water, Green Tea and A lot of Water

Certain natural drinks have a track record of helping burn belly fat. Lemon water detoxifies your liver. This is important because when the liver is clean, it works best and it metabolizes fat so the fat doesn’t get stored in your stomach. Green tea contains antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which boost metabolism. Other natural remedies like boiling garlic and honey help with burning belly fat.

Develop An Exercise Routine

Developing an exercise routine is one of the surest ways to reduce belly fat. Research has proven that aerobic exercise (cardio) is an effective way to burn calories. Some cardio exercises include: walking, running, using an exercise bike, swimming.

 

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Pingback: Side Effects Of Air-Conditioners On Human Health - Spotlightafricamedia

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Health

TG Omori bemoans the high cost of dialysis in Nigeria

In a post on X, Omori expressed his sadness over how a single dialysis session costs over ₦100,000, with some patients requiring at least three sessions weekly. He compared this to the national minimum wage of ₦70,000, questioning how ordinary Nigerians could ever afford such life-saving care.

Dialysis is about 100k plus per session; sometimes you need 3 sessions in a week, minimum wage is 70k. Knowing this fact brought me tears in the hospital cause no hope for the common man.

The 30-year-old’s post sparked debate online, with many Nigerians sharing their frustrations about the state of the country’s healthcare system, and others comparing Nigeria to other countries.

See some reactions below:

“In Türkiye is free for citizens, I saw a man who has been on dialysis for decades and still looking healthy….Nigerians keep selling their votes for 5k every 4-year election circles, while churches keep selling faith every Sunday but reality is our Healthcare system is nothing to write home about. Dialysis machines are not expensive 💔”

Your President has been thoughtful about it. That’s why 80% dialysis subsidies is implemented.

This is where the phrase “bigman big sickness; poor man small sickness” comes from. Before a poor man gets to the level of needing dialysis they would’ve already died. Very sad reality of not being rich in Nigeria .”

“The reason I fight for good governance is me see that you can actually get this for free in the country I live. A young Nigerian guy was doing this for almost 4years until he had his kidney replaced and all this was done for free, like he did not pay a dime. If that young man was living in Nigeria, he would have been gone and buried.”

Continue Reading

Health

5 Common Daily Habits Bad for Your Brain Health

Your brain is the control center of your entire body; it handles your thoughts, memories, emotions, and even how you move. Just like any other important part of your body, your brain needs care and attention to stay healthy. Many people unknowingly follow habits every day that slowly damage brain function. Here are five common daily habits that could be harming your brain without you even realizing it

1. Skipping Breakfast

You’ve heard it before: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Yet many people rush out the door without eating. When you skip breakfast, your brain doesn’t get the glucose (sugar) it needs to function properly. This can make you feel tired, unfocused, and moody. Over time, constantly missing breakfast can affect your memory and mental performance.

2. Not Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep is your brain’s time to recharge. It processes information, forms memories, and clears out waste products. When you sleep less than the recommended 7–9 hours a night, your brain becomes foggy. Long-term sleep deprivation has been linked to poor concentration, slower thinking, depression, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Too Much Screen Time

From scrolling on your phone to watching TV or working on a computer, screens are everywhere. While technology can be helpful, too much screen time can lead to digital overload. It reduces your attention span, affects your sleep, and limits real-life interactions. Excessive screen use also keeps your brain from engaging in activities that build creativity and critical thinking like reading, playing games, or having face-to-face conversations.

4. Lack of Physical Exercise

Believe it or not, your brain loves it when you move. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and boosts the production of chemicals that improve mood and memory. Sitting for long hours without exercising weakens these benefits. A sedentary lifestyle has been linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

5. Multitasking

Trying to do several things at once, like texting while eating, watching TV while working, or checking emails during conversations, may seem efficient, but it makes your brain less effective. Multitasking reduces your focus, lowers productivity, and makes it harder to remember information. Over time, it can lead to mental fatigue and stress.

The good news? These harmful habits can be changed. Start your day with a healthy breakfast, aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep, move your body regularly, take breaks from screens, and give your full attention to one task at a time. These small changes can go a long way in keeping your brain sharp, focused, and healthy for years to come. After all, your brain works for you 24/7, it deserves better than burnout.

Continue Reading

Health

Superfoods to Boost Your Immune System

A strong immune system is essential for defending your body against illnesses and infections. While no single food can guarantee immunity, incorporating nutrient-rich superfoods into your diet can help strengthen your body’s natural defenses. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these superfoods provide the building blocks your immune system needs to function optimally. Here’s a list of top superfoods to include in your diet for an immune system boost.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are well-known for their high vitamin C content. This powerful antioxidant helps stimulate the production of white blood cells, essential for fighting infections.

How to Include: Add fresh lemon juice to water, and enjoy an orange as a snack.

Yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotics that support gut health, especially varieties with live and active cultures. Since a significant portion of the immune system resides in the gut, maintaining a healthy microbiome is key to overall immunity.

How to Include: Opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt and add honey or fresh fruits for natural sweetness.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining the health of mucous membranes, which act as a barrier to pathogens.

How to Include: Roast sweet potatoes with olive oil and spices, or mash them as a side dish.

Ginger

Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It can help reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress, which can weaken the immune system. Ginger is also beneficial for soothing sore throats and nausea.

How to Include: Brew fresh ginger tea, add grated ginger to smoothies, or use it in marinades and sauces.

Red Bell Peppers

Red bell peppers contain more vitamin C than most citrus fruits, making them a top choice for immune support. They are also rich in beta-carotene, contributing to healthy skin and mucous membranes.

How to Include: Slice raw peppers for a crunchy snack or roast them for a flavorful dish addition.

Turmeric

This vibrant yellow spice is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thanks to its active ingredient, curcumin. Turmeric may enhance immune cell activity and help the body fight infections.

How to Include: Stir turmeric into soups, curries, or golden milk lattes for a healthful boost.

Continue Reading

Trending