Menopause Bloating – Can’t See Your Toes?
May 31, 2009 // Posted by: admin // Category: cheap plus size clothingMenopause, the natural stage of a woman’s existence, starts between the ages of 45 to 55. During this phase of a woman’s life the woman’s reproductive system shuts down, the ovaries stop creating eggs and the body provides less estrogen and progesterone. It is a natural biological process, not a medical condition. However, a number of females experience a number of physical and emotional disorders including menopause bloating.
Menopause bloating is a widespread disorder that lots of women encounter. In menopause bloating, air occupies the abdomen bringing about a sensation of heaviness and discomfort along with varying degrees of pain. More than a normal amount of intestinal flatulence and fluid retention is produced by fluctuating hormones, particularly estrogen, which is often connected to gaining weight.
Estrogen influences water retention and throughout menopause when estrogen levels are up and down, water retention becomes a problem leading to bloating. Estrogen also affects the making of bile, a substance that helps maintain lubrication in the intestines. As estrogen levels diminish during menopause so does bile. Without bile, the stools become hard and dry. They will gather in the small intestine thereby causing constipation and bloating.
Consuming certain foods can also bring on bloating. This may be foods such as cauliflower and broccoli which are flatulence producing and may add more gas to an already bloated intestine. A diet high in protein can add to a bloated feeling because your body has trouble being able to digest it. Foods packed with sugar can result in extra bacteria. A heavy salt consumption causes intestinal fluid retention and bloating. Calcium supplements may cause bloating in some of us.
Swallowing air may be causing bloating. Some individuals swallow more air when we are upset or anxious. Chewing gum and smoking can make us to inhale more air. Conversing while eating is another common cause of swallowing air.
While menopause bloating is a natural occurrence and is not a serious disease, if the bloating is not subsiding you should consult a professional. Seek medical advice immediately if bloating coincides with a change of bowel habits, continuous diarrhea and constipation, blood in stool, fever, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms may be a sign of some critical underlying medical condition. Some medical conditions that may subject you to bloating include; bowel obstruction, colon and rectal cancer, diabetes, diverticulitis and liver cirrhosis. In females it could also be from ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids.
In dealing with menopause bloating it’s best to begin by making lifestyle changes. If menopausal bloating has resulted from excessive intestinal gas, begin by establishing changes in your eating habits. Steer clear of dairy products, sodium and gas-producing foods such as broccoli and beans. Chew your food meticulously and consume several light meals during your day. This will prevent swallowing air and improve digestion. If insufficient digestion is a huge problem add enzyme-rich foods such as pineapple and papaya to your diet. A powerful digestive enzyme product is worth trying.
Add dietary foods that decrease gas and battle bloating. These include bananas, grapes, rice, peanut butter, herbal teas and yogurt. Add foods that promote better estrogen levels such as soy, apples, alfalfa, cherries, rice and yams.
If menopausal bloating is caused by constipation then increasing fiber in the diet should relieve the bloating. A highly usable, nutrient-dense, vegetarian source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber works great. Make sure you are consuming lots of water, at least 8 cups per day.
Stress reduction techniques such as yoga or meditation can be helpful. Core exercises such as Pilates that improve the muscle tone of your abdomen also helps.
This article courtesy of www.healthtopics.ca