But before we blame ourselves and commit to another punitive diet regime, here is what we need to know about our beautiful biochemistry:
- In medical terms, menopause is defined as an inflammatory state
- Our metabolic rate slows in midlife
- Our gut microbiota becomes less diverse
- Probiotics, if not prescribed, can exacerbate gut discomfort, distention and unbalance.
The route back to balance, as is so often the case in menopause, is about nourishment not punishment. Our guts need more attention because they play a critical role in hormone production. Did you know:
- 90% of serotonin is produced in our gut: we need a happy gut to feel happy
- Our gut microbiota regulates oestrogen metabolism through the estrobolome. A healthy estrobolome supports balanced circulating oestrogen, which can reduce the intensity of hot flushes, night sweats, and even vaginal dryness. An unbalanced gut may impair oestrogen recycling, making our symptoms worse
- An unbalanced gut increases inflammation in the body. An inflamed state is a stressed state, resulting in increased cortisol levels and a more rapid depletion in our progesterone stores
- Gut bacteria regulate glucose metabolism and secretion of hormones like GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which affect blood sugar balance and appetite.
If you have time to implement just 2 things, this is where we recommend you start:
1. Up your fibre intake: Fibre helps bind and excrete excess oestrogen via the gut. This is crucial in midlife, when fluctuating oestrogen can worsen symptoms. Fibre also slows glucose absorption, stabilising blood sugar, reducing cravings, and lowering risk of insulin resistance. It helps reduce cholesterol too. Yet 60%-90% of us don’t eat enough. Look to whole grains, the legume family and nuts and grains. You can also up your fibre using MPOWDER’s range.
2. Add Gut Instinct to every plate: Why? In our community product impact study, these are the results you shared with us:
- 93% reduction in heartburn or reflux
- 81% reduction in bloating / abdominal distension
- 81% reduction in food craving.
Designed to be taken 30 minutes before food, or just before you eat, this clever blend uses demulcents to calm and repair and prebiotics to replenish your microbiota. Many of you report seeing results in just a couple of days too. Curious to learn more? Check out the ingredients HERE.
With love Rebekah and the MPOWDER team.
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