Fat Flushing Foods (and Spices) I Bet You’re Already Eating

May 3, 2017
Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS

Award-winning nutritionist and New York Times bestselling author.

Keep on consuming these slimming and bile building superstars.

Would you love to learn how to turn up your metabolism while tuning up your gallbladder? The great news is, I bet many (maybe even all) of these Fat Flushing powerhouses are probably already in your daily diet. They’re not only great for shedding those extra pounds, but they’re also critical for quality bile production, which we know is key for optimum health, fat digestion, and correcting “mystery” illnesses.

Read on to get the skinny about these fantastic ten—and do make sure they’re all on your next grocery list.

Beets. Beets contain betaine which thins the bile and helps prevent gallstones. Betaine is also a rich source of hydrochloric acid, which is critical for digestion and triggers your gallbladder to release bile. Beetroot protects your liver from chemical toxicity.

Artichokes. Artichokes are a fabulous bile-producing food and liver protector. They may boost your glutathione levels as much as 50 percent.

Bitters. Bitter foods trigger your pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes and your gallbladder to release bile. Although digestive bitters are particularly important if you’re vegan or vegetarian, they are really helpful for everyone, with or without a gallbladder. Bitter greens such as arugula, endive, dandelion and radicchio offer wonderful benefits—as well as horseradish, which is also anti-cancer. Orange peel, gentian root, bitter artichoke and Angelica root are also excellent bitters. Stay away from Swedish bitters, which typically contain herbal laxatives such as rhubarb and senna.

Choline. Choline is an essential nutrient that acts as an emulsifier, assists fat digestion, reduces cellulite, decongests the liver, improves nerve and brain function, and builds hormones. Ninety percent of us are choline deficient.

Lecithin. Lecithin is one of the primary emulsifying agents in bile, containing significant choline. Lecithin breaks down fats making them more digestible. Lecithin also helps keep your homocysteine levels low, thereby reducing your cardiovascular risk. Lecithin from non-GMO soy or sunflower seeds makes a great fat-flushing supplement.

Apple cider vinegar. I call apple cider vinegar a “miracle in a bottle!” ACV contains malic acid, which helps your body digest protein and thins the bile. Take one tablespoon of raw ACV in a glass of water before meals.

Taurine. Taurine is a key component of bile acids, made in the liver. Many are deficient, especially vegans and vegetarians, because taurine is derived from organ meats and other animal proteins. Taurine helps thin the bile, assists detoxification, improves lipids, and lowers the risk for obesity.

Capsaicin. Capsaicin will ignite your fat burning engine! Found in sweat-inducing foods and spices like cayenne, capsaicin stimulates metabolism by activating brown fat, as well as helping optimize your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Cumin. The smoky-peppery spice cumin can boost your metabolic rate, promote weight loss, reduce body fat and LDL, and stimulate pancreatic enzymes. In one study, just one teaspoon of cumin increased weight loss by 50 percent. I use cumin in just about everything from soups to salad dressings to casseroles.

Omega-7s. Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) is the amazing omega you might not yet know about. Omega-7 operates as a “lipokine”: a hormone-like molecule that optimizes energy utilization and storage in body tissues at very low concentrations. Omega-7s really shine when it comes to improving your blood glucose, insulin and lipid levels. Omega-7s will even help build collagen! Where do you find them? Macadamia nuts, sea buckthorn, and deep sea anchovies.

For even more superstar foods that you (and your family) will love, pre-order your copy of The NEW Fat Flush Foods. And, for tips on how to whip them up in delicious dishes, add The NEW Fat Flush Cookbook to your shopping cart, too.

Bon appétit!

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Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS, is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty books including The Fat Flush Plan series and her latest book, Radical Metabolism. She’s been rewriting the rules of nutrition for more than 40 years and is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the field of diet, detox and women’s health issues. 

For a FREE daily dose of tips and strategies for maintaining healthy weight, conquering insomnia, and much more…check out my Radical Health Tips.

I’d like to meet and greet you on my Facebook groups, so won’t you check us out at the Radical Metabolism RevolutionFat Flush Nation, or my Inner Circle!

10 Comments

  1. Amy

    Thank you for this helpful list!

    Reply
  2. Cheryl Edwards

    I love ACV but does it ruin the enamel on your teeth?

    Reply
    • Adriane

      ACV can be tough on tooth enamel, so get the diluted ACV down quickly instead of sipping a little here and there. Then rinse your mouth a few times with water. Can also use a straw to lessen the contact with teeth. Be sure to rinse after and spit out the water if you have mercury amalgams.

      Reply
    • Clara

      They have AVC supplements, you can take those. Or you can just use AVC and olive oil and use it as a salad dressing, and then brush your teeth. You don’t have to always take it as a spoonful. I love slicing up cucumbers and putting them in a mixture of AVC, water, and different herbs and spices, and letting them soak in it, kind of like really healthy pickles! There are a lot of different ways to incorporate it into your diet. It can be tough on your enamel, so I kind of switch it up between the supplement capsules, and using it in foods.

      Reply
  3. Geraldne King

    I have colitis & don’t think I should probably do any dieting. What do you think?

    Reply
    • Ann Louise Gittleman

      Dear Geraldine: You may benefit from the phase 3 Fat Flush program which incorporates many well cooked foods and healing fiber which many of our colitis followers tolerate quite well. Good luck!

      Reply
  4. Philippa Mercer

    Should I be concerned about Kombucha with a cancer stage four diagnosis, is it too acidic?

    Reply
  5. Ann Louise Gittleman

    Dear Philippa: I am not a fan of Kombucha due to the high fluoride and “wild” yeast content which can impact the immune system. Thank you.

    Reply
  6. Pat

    I did the Fat Flush many years ago and have enjoyed staying close to it, but in the past 2 years I was slightly less active while doing knee replacements. My Thyroid doubled and I gained 7-10 pounds which I have attempted to lose with the new Plan. I did the 3 day Cleanse and gained 3 pounds. Determined, I went into Phase I two weeks ago and have now only taken off 2 or the 3 pounds. The primary changes I have made are no nightly wine, no rice or other carbs, no coffee, no chocolate, and have re-started Weight Loss Formula, GLA, lecithen and all the cran water. I have also started rebounding and have reduced my walking during these stages. I was already eating all organic and very close to the plan. I only have about 10 pounds to lose, so I wasn’t expecting quick results, but I am getting discouraged. Any thoughts?

    Reply
    • Team ALG

      Move on to phase 2 by adding one serving per day of a starchy veggie from the list. This way you can exercise more again. Phase 2 is actually the weight loss phase.

      Reply

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