Is it possible that the health of your gut is closely related to hormone balancing? It is estimated that over 70 million Americans have been diagnosed with some type of digestive problem, and many times these digestive conditions could be treated by improving the diet and balancing the healthy flora in the gut. For many women going through menopause, they find that balancing their gut has a positive impact on their hormones and other menopause symptoms.
Gut Problems: Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause
Women are twice more likely to experience digestive problems than men, and typically the diagnosis is made between the ages of 20 – 50 during a woman’s life. For some women, some of the hormone changes can actually lead to digestive symptoms, which makes it hard for doctors to draw a line between hormone imbalances and other digestive conditions. Symptoms of digestive problems related to hormone changes might include things such as constipation, excessive gas, bloating, and more. It can be uncomfortable to go through hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, only to find that you are dealing with an upset stomach at the same time!Solving Your Gut Issues with Probiotics and Other Lifestyle Changes
Luckily, these digestive issues can be solved, and you need to focus on both hormone balancing and improving the good bacteria in your gut. The good news is that the daily habits that support balanced hormones are also beneficial to support better digestive health. So, you can get the benefits in both areas of your health by making the same simple changes in your daily habits. Here are a few steps that you can follow to improve your health and overcome gut problems during menopause:- Avoid Junk Food: Sugar, pre-packaged snacks, and other types of processed foods kill off the “good” probiotic bacteria in your gut. At the same time, the junk food spikes your blood sugar levels, which can have a domino effect on your hormones. Cut the junk, and you will feel better.
- Use Probiotics: Once the delicate balance of healthy flora in your gut has been damaged, it is difficult to restore balance. Use a high quality probiotic supplement, which is an effective way to re-establish the good bacteria that you need to improve your gut health. Also, include fermented foods in your diet, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and tempeh.
- Drink Plenty of Water: When you are getting enough water, the digestive system can function at optimal levels and the body has an easier time flushing out waste and unwanted substances. Drinking water is an important step to help you overcome both hormonal and digestive issues.
- Eat Nutrient Dense Foods: The foods that you eat have a direct impact on your hormones and your digestive health as well. Make sure that you are choosing plenty of nutrient-dense ingredients for your meals.
