Why Having a Healthy Gut is Crucial for Menopause Health and Weight Loss
Navigating menopause can be challenging, with its myriad of symptoms like:
- brain fog
- fatigue
- intermittent joint and muscular pain
- anxiety,
- depression, and
- weight gain
For a long time, I never considered that my gut health could be a contributing factor to these issues mentioned above, all of which I was experiencing.
I didn’t have the typical gut symptoms like regular constipation, bloating, gas or indigestion, so I didn’t connect the dots between my gut health and my overall well-being.
It wasn’t until I became a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® Practitioner (FDNP) and had the opportunity to run my own advanced labs, including a comprehensive gut stool test, that I uncovered the truth behind my issues.
The test results were alarming to say the least. What showed up for me was:
- an imbalance of good vs. bad bacteria
- bacterial and parasite infections
- numerous food sensitivities
- leaky gut
- poor protein digestion
- inadequate “waste” elimination, and
- gut inflammation.
This was a wake-up call that highlighted the critical role of gut health in overall health and wellness.
Here’s the thing:
Our gut is made up of trillions of bugs that play a huge role in our health: metabolism, blood sugar, immune health, hormone balance, brain health, mood and more! They literally run the health show!
The lining of our gut is delicate and protects us from any “foreign invaders” like toxins, chemicals, bugs, etc, but with our modern lifestyle it can lose its structure & function hence become “leaky”.
When our bugs get out of control and our lining is leaky, more unwanted symptoms arise.
No fun when we’re already dealing with the pesky meno symptoms, right?
The good news is that we can do something about our gut health.
Even Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, said, “All disease begins in the gut.” This ancient wisdom resonated deeply with me as I realized that if disease begins in the gut, then restoring gut health could initiate a positive ripple effect on other bodily systems.
This insight became the cornerstone of my approach in the Flourish in Menopause and Beyond Solution, where we emphasize gut health for all clients, whether they exhibit typical gut symptoms or not.
By conducting a thorough health history and running appropriate gut labs, we identify and address underlying issues that might be impacting overall health.
Why is our gut so important to our overall health?
Our gut is made up of trillions of bugs that play a huge role in our health: metabolism, blood sugar, immune health, hormone balance, brain health, mood and more! They literally run the health show!
The lining of our gut is delicate and protects us from any “foreign invaders” like toxins, chemicals, bugs, etc, but with our modern lifestyle it can lose its structure & function hence become “leaky”.
When our bugs get out of control and our lining is leaky, more unwanted symptoms arise.
What is The Connection Between Gut Health and Menopause?
During menopause, hormonal changes can lead to various symptoms, and gut health plays a pivotal role in managing these changes. Here’s why:
- Hormone Regulation: The gut microbiome influences estrogen metabolism. An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to improper estrogen breakdown, contributing to symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.
- Nutrient Absorption: A healthy gut is essential for absorbing vital nutrients. Poor gut health can lead to deficiencies that exacerbate menopausal symptoms.
- Inflammation Reduction: Chronic inflammation is linked to various menopausal symptoms. A healthy gut helps manage inflammation, reducing symptoms like joint pain and fatigue.
- Mental Health: The gut-brain axis connects gut health with mental well-being. An imbalanced gut can contribute to anxiety, depression, and brain fog, common during menopause.
- Weight Management: Gut health affects metabolism and weight regulation. Balancing gut bacteria can help with healthy weight loss, a common challenge during menopause.
The good news is that we can take proactive steps to improve our gut health!
10 Tips to Improve Gut Health During Menopause
- Eat a Diverse Diet: Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains like beans, legumes, wild rice, and lean animal as well as plant proteins to nourish your gut microbiome.
- Probiotics and Prebiotics: These can be helpful, but they may cause more harm with certain people if incorporated right off the bat. If a client comes to me with poor gut health including a list of typical gut symptomsI like to investigate the client’s health history along with running the gut test first, to determine whether we need to hold off on these for a while and start with other supportive strategies to improve her gut health BEFORE adding in these “biotics.” Some are able to kick start their journey, and then I encourage them to incorporate probiotic-rich foods like raw goat’s or coconut, yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, and prebiotic foods like garlic, onions, and unripe bananas to support healthy bacteria.
- Add 1 tsp-1 T apple cider vinegar in a glass of water BEFORE you eat – helps boost stomach acid and improves protein digestion.
- Sit down to eat, say a blessing and take several deep breaths. Turn off all distractions. When we eat in a calm state we can digest, absorb the nutrients more efficiently.
- Chew your food at least 20 times before swallowing. Take digestive enzymes (not in reel).
- Reduce Processed Foods: Minimize intake of processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats, which can disrupt gut balance.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises to maintain a healthy gut-brain connection.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to promote healthy gut motility and reduce inflammation.
- Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep to support overall gut health.
Flourish in Menopause and Beyond Solution
In the Flourish in Menopause and Beyond Solution, we prioritize gut health as the foundation for overall wellness. Through personalized health histories and targeted gut lab testing, we uncover and address hidden gut issues, paving the way for better health outcomes.
Is your gut health impacting your menopause health and weight loss?
If you’re struggling with menopause symptoms and finding it hard to lose weight, it might be time to take a closer look at your gut health.
By understanding the vital role of gut health in managing menopause and achieving healthy weight loss, you can take proactive steps towards improving your overall physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Don’t underestimate the power of your gut—it’s the gateway to a healthier, happier you.
