Menopause and Digestion: tips for healthy living

Do you feel like a Pepto Bismol commercial; cramps, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea?

Cortisol, the stress hormone, and estrogen imbalances can cause many strange symptoms in a menopausal woman including an upset tummy. When you enter menopause, your estrogen levels fluctuate constantly which has a profound effect on other chemicals in your body, like cortisol.

However, poor lifestyle choices can not only aggravate hormone imbalances, but can be the root of your troubles. For digestive health especially, diet and exercise are incredibly influential.

Below is an example of a day in the life of a woman who is doing everything in her power to protect her digestive system, and prevent other overall health complications.”

Morning

Wake up early

Give yourself plenty of time to have a bowel movement. You can’t rush these things. Doing some stretches first thing can help get the insides moving.

Get your exercise in.

Whether it’s your yoga or aerobic day, the morning is the best time to get your exercising done. You will have energy throughout the rest of the day, and it helps establish a routine, which is great for digestive health.

Skip coffee

Though coffee is a diuretic, it can also dehydrate you, which is completely counterproductive to digestive well being. Instead, try having some green tea. And some water.

Eat breakfast

Protein is a great way to start your day, but if you’re having problems with constipation, cheese may be the last thing you need. Instead, try scrambled eggs or yogurt with probiotic bacteria, great for regulating your bowels. Don’t forget fiber.

Noon

Anise seed cookie snack.

It tastes like licorice and promotes bowel regularity.

Keep drinking water.

Any hair style that requires you to pull at your hair or twist it unnecessarily will have a damaging affect. A tight ponytail or even just straightening it will cause the hair to either break or come away from the scalp when it is pulled too hard.

Fiber for lunch

Have a salad filled with raw vegetables like chard, cauliflower, and broccoli. Add some raspberries for color and some grilled chicken to avoid that unsatisfied feeling. Have a piece of whole grain bread on the side. Have some unsalted butter to break up the monotony.

Night

Did I mention drink water?

If you aren’t hydrated, you can’t expect your digestive system to work correctly.

Eat an early dinner.

Give your body plenty of time to digest before you lie down for a solid eight hours. Try eating a bean salad with a lot of vegetables.

Take an after dinner walk.

Help your body digest by moving around for about 20 minutes after dinner. Enjoy a cup of green tea if you like too.

For more tips

If your digestive problems are persistent and chronic, they may be caused by something more serious and should be addressed by your doctor. Lifestyle changes and healthy diet are the lowest risk options that still produce results. If you aren’t doing everything in your power to maintain your health, maybe you like being sick. For more information on digestive problems in menopause, follow this link.