Gut Health: The Missing Piece in (Peri)Menopause and Burnout

Key Insights from Our Webinar: Your Gut Matters

 

By The MotherMind Doctor

Following the response to our first collaboration webinar, I joined forces again with Lindsay Black, fitness and health trainer. Our latest conversation delved into a topic that is a cornerstone of wellbeing, yet often overlooked during the menopausal transition: gut health.

Gut Health and Menopause Connection

In this webinar, we explored the profound connection between the gut, our hormones, and the symptoms that can define this life stage, from physical discomfort to mental and emotional burnout. The evidence for the gut-brain axis's influence on our health is growing, and it's clear that nurturing our gut microbiome is a critical strategy for navigating perimenopause with vitality.

Lindsay and I discussed how the hormonal shifts of menopause can directly impact gut health, above and beyond the stubborn midline weight gain, sometimes leading to issues like joint pain, digestive distress, and mood fluctuations. Understanding this link empowers us to move beyond simply managing symptoms and instead address a root cause.

Understanding Prebiotics and Probiotics

A key part of this understanding lies in utilising prebiotics and probiotics.

- Prebiotics are the non-digestible plant fibres that feed the beneficial bacteria in our gut. Think of foods like oats, potatoes, and chia seeds as fuel for your internal ecosystem.

- Probiotics are the live beneficial bacteria themselves, found in fermented foods like yoghurt and kimchi, or taken as supplements.

By incorporating both into our diet — a combination known as synbiotics — we can actively cultivate a healthier, more balanced gut microbiome.

Midlife Health Strategies

This phase of life, often burdened by the demands of caregiving and professional responsibilities, requires practical and sustainable self-care. The conversation highlighted that small, consistent changes can yield significant results. We explored simple yet powerful strategies such as:

- Prioritising a whole-foods, anti-inflammatory diet rich in fibre and protein.

- Establishing a regular restorative sleep routine, being mindful of how caffeine and alcohol can disrupt it.

- Incorporating regular movement, particularly strength training, to support bone density and muscle mass.

- Considering all available support, which may include consulting with a health professional about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) options.

The Next Steps

For those looking to take the next step, Lindsay has a 5-day gut health handout in her Facebook groups and offers a comprehensive online program for nutrition support. For my part, I have released a targeted menopause module that complements the foundation course of The Burnout Rescue Kit.

Addressing perimenopause and burnout requires a multifaceted approach. By focusing on the gut as the core to our health, we harness a powerful and tangible tool from our kit, helping to re-establish balance and build a foundation for long-term physical and mental wellbeing.