How To Reduce Menopausal Bloating

Following on from the previous blog 'How To Create A Healthier Gut and Why it Matters During Menopause' Linda Booth, one of our featured specialists shares what you can do if you are suffering from Bloating during Perimenopause or Post Menopause.

"If you’re getting bloated after meals, then do consider supplementing with a Vegan Digestive Enzyme tablet.  

Just pop it into your mouth and swallow with a little water before proceeding to eat.   Your stomach will thank you for it, and so will your waistline. 

Plant-based Digestive Enzymes ease the passage of food through the digestive system, reducing trapped painful gas, bloating and ensuring that the wastes are disposed of the following day, if you understand my meaning. I’ve always thought it ironic that at a time in our lives when we probably have the time and the disposable income to eat out more, that we can’t because of the after-dinner bloating.  It’s good to know that there is a simple, natural solution for this issue.  I carry a small supply of my Just For Tummies Digestive Enzymes tablets in my bag, in a small pill-pot, and they go everywhere with me.  Certainly if I’m eating late in the evening, or eating a larger meal than usual, or eating a rich meal, with alcohol, I will be taking one, or maybe two, of my enzyme tablets before the meal.

What to drink (and what not to) during menopause

If you get indigestion, heartburn, or acid reflux, don’t drink water with meals.  This has the effect of diluting your own stomach acid and pancreatic enzymes.  It’s much better to drink water at least an hour before food and half an hour afterwards, or eat lunch or dinner with a small (125ml) glass of red wine. Wine can be digested but water cannot. And don’t forget to chew!  Your stomach does not have teeth. Chew each mouthful of food until it resembles a paste, then swallow it.

Think – drink your food and chew your drinks.  When you have a drink of something, just swish it around your mouth a few times to collect some saliva (that contains the enzyme, amylase) before you swallow it.

Cut down on your caffeine too. I love my one cup of coffee a day, strong with a little hot milk and half teaspoon of brown sugar, but when I was going through the menopause I simply could not tolerate the caffeine. Like alcohol, it would trigger a hot flush.  Try drinking herbal teas like ginger, peppermint and chamomile. Ginger helps to stimulate digestive secretions, peppermint helps to get rid of intestinal gases, and chamomile is soothing and calming.

The menopause is a wonderful time of transition from fertile woman to wise old crone, but it can be a challenging time in a woman’s life with some uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms. However, with the right advice and support, you simply don’t have to endure the symptoms.

A happy and healthy gut will go a long way to a happier and healthier menopause.

Linda - Founder, Just For Tummies

For more guidance on treating gut, bladder or vaginal symptoms during perimenopause and post menopause from Linda Booth -  click the image below: