Do you feel like you have low energy all the time and can’t seem to lose weight? It could be your metabolism. In this episode, Jen explains what your metabolism is and shares five simple habits that you can implement to boost your metabolism daily.
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SHOWNOTES
Are you bloated? Has your body not been the same since menopause? It’s a complaint I hear all of the time as I work a lot with women this age through my group Rising Crone, so I wanted to talk more about this today.
Causes of bloating
Many things that can influence bloating through menopause in particular and other times in your life.
Fluctuating hormones
During menopause, increased estrogen can cause water retention, which can in turn cause bloating. The good news is that you’re likely to experience less bloating after menopause when your ovaries stop making estrogen and progesterone, and your body maintains a lower level of hormones.
Air retention
Gas bloating is typically located in the stomach and results from trapped air. Gas bloating can be prevented by eating slower, not drinking carbonated beverages, and eating smaller, more balanced meals.
Water retention
This is really common, and it can totally be prevented. You know you are retaining water if you notice swelling in your hands and feet, through your midsection, or throughout your body. This is often caused by having less water than you need. Make sure you have 33ml per kilogram per day.
So, is it bloating or weight gain?
Menopausal bloating, unlike weight gain, is also often accompanied by a distended, swollen belly and discomfort.
With bloating, you will have:
- Rapid onset of weight or size during or after meals
- Changes in size and shape to the stomach throughout the day
- Short periods of bloating, either after meals or during hormone fluctuations
- Discomfort or pain
Weight gain, on the other hand, will stay. Weight gain often happens during menopause due to the metabolism slowing and can occur with or without bloating (see Episode 100 for more on your metabolism).
Weight gain alone does not cause the stomach to distend during the day. So, if your belly feels full and tight, you are getting bloated.
Nine hacks to prevent bloating
- Stay hydrated. While water retention leads to bloating, hydration keeps the gastrointestinal tract moving smoothly.
- Exercise regularly. Working up a sweat helps relieve water retention and move food through the digestive system.
- Avoid trigger foods. Foods that cause gas retention include some beans, broccoli, and fatty, fried foods.
- Avoid carbonated beverages. Carbonated drinks can lead to excess gas in the stomach.
- Don’t chew gum. Chewing gum can cause a person to swallow air.
- Reduce salt intake. Eating too much salt can cause water retention and swelling. To reduce salt content, a person should avoid processed foods.
- Take probiotics. Yoghurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and other probiotic foods can promote digestive health.
- Use digestive enzymes. Kiwi fruit, pawpaw, pineapple
- Drink herbal tea. Ginger and peppermint are great teas to help ease your gut.
True prevention is to work on balancing your hormones. Whether it is bloating or weight gain at this time, look behind the symptoms. Look at your hormones and use adaptogens and enzymes to support your gut.
Jen’s favourite adaptogen tonic
Healthy Life Hacks
The Healthy Life Hack I want to share with you today is:
- What’s going on? Are you bloated? Where is it coming from?
- What can you commit to reduce, eliminate, or bring in for prevention?
Did you enjoy the podcast today? Please let me know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Every month I draw one lucky reviewer to have a free one-hour consultation with me. Also, remember to subscribe wherever you’re tuning in from so that you always catch the next episode.
Are you looking for more great resources? Get a free copy of my Feed Your Body ebook here and be sure to explore my blog while you are there.
