Vidya Balan reveals the secret behind drastic weight loss – how this special diet helped

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan has always been open about her struggle with weight. From being body-shamed to overcoming her weight loss challenges, the actress has never shied away from discussing her personal journey. In recent months, Vidya has surprised her fans with a remarkable transformation, losing significant weight. But unlike many celebrities who swear by intense workout regimens, Vidya revealed that her secret was a strict diet and not exercise. What’s even more interesting is that weight loss wasn’t just about cutting calories—it was about addressing inflammation.

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In an interview with Galatta India, Vidya talks about how she came across Amura Health, a nutrition group in Chennai, which helped her realize that her constant weight gain was not just due to her struggle but inflammation. “They said, ‘It’s just inflammation, it’s not fat.'” Vidya’s revelation is important because inflammation may be the hidden culprit behind many people’s inability to lose weight, regardless of diet or exercise, she says. But how does inflammation contribute to weight gain, and how can addressing it lead to successful weight loss?

What is inflammation?

Before diving into the lore, let’s understand the role inflammation plays in the body. According to Dr Diane BrzezinskiChronic inflammation is a condition where the body’s immune system remains active for a long time, causing persistent low-level inflammation. Unlike acute inflammation, which occurs as part of your body’s natural healing response, chronic inflammation does not subside after an injury or illness. Instead, it becomes part of a broader health problem, contributing to various chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease.

Chronic inflammation can be triggered by various factors such as stress, poor diet, smoking, toxins, and environmental factors. This chronic inflammation doesn’t just affect your organs and joints; It also plays an important role in weight gain. So, how does inflammation specifically affect weight?

The link between inflammation and weight gain

One of the main ways chronic inflammation affects weight gain is through its effects on hormones that regulate metabolism and appetite. Like Johns Hopkins Medicine Inflammatory foods such as processed meats, fried foods, sugary drinks and trans fats can increase inflammation in the body. These foods stimulate the immune system and contribute to a chronic inflammatory state, making weight loss difficult.

Additionally, inflammation interferes with the normal function of insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Insulin resistance, which occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, can lead to high blood sugar levels, fat deposits in the liver, and a slow metabolism. This creates a vicious cycle: the more weight you gain, the more your body grows, and the harder it is to lose that extra weight.

How diet affects chronic inflammation and weight gain

Researchers have found that diet is one of the most effective ways to fight chronic inflammation and manage weight. Anti-inflammatory foods support the body’s ability to fight inflammation and maintain a healthy metabolism. Dr. According to Diane Brzezinski, CRP levels remain high until inflammation subsides, and this increase can further impair the body’s ability to process insulin, leading to further weight gain. Therefore, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can have a profound effect on weight management by reducing chronic inflammation and, by extension, weight management.

Also Read: A high-fiber diet can help reduce inflammation caused by gout

A healthy diet boosts your weight loss journey.
Photo credit: iStock

Anti-inflammatory foods to include in your diet

Some of the most effective anti-inflammatory foods recommended by Johns Hopkins Medicine include:

1. Fatty fish: Salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and aid in fat loss.
2. Leafy greens: Kale, spinach, and broccoli are loaded with antioxidants that fight inflammation and support overall health.
3. Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are full of antioxidants, which fight cellular damage caused by inflammation.
4. Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds provide omega-3s and help reduce inflammation in the body.
5. Fermented foods: Probiotics found in yogurt, kefir and kimchi promote gut health, which is closely linked to inflammation levels.
6. Turmeric and Ginger: These spices have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can easily be added to your diet.

Also read: From Akshay Kumar to Katrina Kaif on ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’, celebrity diet secrets revealed

Foods that cause inflammation:

Johns Hopkins Medicine lists the following as inflammatory foods:

• Red meat, such as steak and hamburger
• Processed meats, such as bologna, bacon, sausage and lunch meat
• Commercial baked goods such as snack cakes, pies, cookies and brownies
• Bread and pasta made with white flour
• Deep fried items such as French fries, fried chicken and donuts
• Foods high in added sugar, such as candy, jelly, and syrup
• Sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda, bottled or canned tea drinks, and sports drinks
• Trans fats are found in margarine, microwave popcorn, refrigerated cookies and dough, and nondairy coffee creamers.

The key takeaway from Vidya Balan’s weight loss experience is clear: it’s not just about cutting calories; It’s about healing your body from the inside out.