Menopause is a significant transitional phase in a woman's life that brings about a variety of physical and hormonal changes, specially digestive. Let's understand this here!
One key aspect that often gets overlooked but plays a vital role in overall health is gut health, mainly because the other symptoms can be so overwhelming that we forget that it's interconnected. Not anymore!
Why is gut health so important for menopausal women?
The gut microbiome, a complex community of trillions of microorganisms residing in our digestive tract, influences numerous aspects of our health, including immune function, hormone regulation, and nutrient absorption. Imbalances in the gut microbiome can lead to a host of health issues, especially during menopause, when big hormone changes start to occur.
What do women during this phase start to experience?
Change in sex hormones - mainly estrogen
Naturally shifts in our gut bacteria - when younger we have a huge diversity in our gut bacteria, and studies show that it plateaus at around 40
Pelvic health change as we age, this leads to a increase in bloating and constipation
Poor sleep
Declining bone density
Here are a few reasons to prioritise gut health during this transformative phase:
Balancing Hormones: with the decline in hormone levels, which can result in symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain, a healthy gut microbiome plays a substantial role in hormone regulation, as certain gut bacteria contribute to the metabolism and elimination of hormones. By nurturing your gut health, you support hormonal balance and potentially alleviate some menopause symptoms.
Boosting Mood and Mental Health: menopause is often accompanied by changes in mood, increased anxiety, and occasional bouts of low mood or depression. Recent studies suggest that the gut-brain connection, also known as the "gut-brain axis," has a significant impact on mental health. A healthy gut microbiome can support the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which contributes to mood stability and overall mental well-being.
Supporting Bone Health: the risk of osteoporosis increases due to declining estrogen levels. Surprisingly, the gut microbiome plays a role in bone health too. Certain gut bacteria help to regulate bone metabolism by impacting the absorption and utilisation of essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which are vital for maintaining strong bones.
Enhancing Nutrient Absorption: when experiencing changes in digestion and nutrient absorption, an imbalanced gut microbiome can affect the absorption of essential nutrients, leading to potential deficiencies. By nurturing your gut health, you can support optimal nutrient absorption, ensuring that your body receives the necessary vitamins and minerals to thrive during this phase.
Tips for Nurturing Gut Health During Menopause:
Consume Probiotic-Rich Foods: including probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi in your diet is highly beneficial, since they contain beneficial bacteria that can support a healthy gut microbiome.
Prioritise Fiber: fibers play a key role during this phase, and opting for a fiber-rich diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes will be the fuel for beneficial gut bacteria and will aid in maintaining a diverse microbiome.
Eat at Regular Times Throughout the Day: keeping an adequate eating schedule will provide your body safety and constance it needs. It's important to point out that fasting might not be as beneficial during this stage if you're not constantly monitored, and studies show that keeping a food schedule supports your circadian cycle which improves overall well-being and gut health.
Reduce Highly Processed Foods: as we age, our metabolic health naturally declines our body's ability to breakdown processed foods to breakdown processed foods, making it more likely to be stored as fat and cause gut issues.
Avoid Excessive Stress: we know it's hard, but chronic stress can disrupt the gut microbiome. Practice stress-management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or gentle exercise to support a healthy balance of gut bacteria (meet our Ballates Platform and have access to a variety of stress-management classes).
Stay Hydrated: drinking plenty of water maintains optimal digestion and supports the movement of waste through the intestines.
Consult with a Healthcare Provider: always check-in with your physician, specially if you're experiencing severe gut-related symptoms or have concerns about your gut health, consult with a healthcare provider who can provide personalised guidance and recommendations.
Menopause is a time of transition and a period for self-care and prioritising your well-being. By nurturing your gut health, you can support hormonal balance, enhance mood, strengthen bone health, and optimize nutrient absorption. Remember, a healthy gut microbiome is a crucial asset in navigating the menopausal journey and promoting overall vitality and wellness.
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