Gassy Stomach? Here are the First Things to Do to Relieve It
Why Gassiness is More of an Issue in Perimenopause?
Perimenopause brings about alot of changes, and one particularly annoying symptom many women experience is increased gassiness. Hormonal fluctuations during this transitional phase can significantly impact digestion and the gut microbiome, leading to uncomfortable bloating and gas. Here’s what you need to know.
The Role of Hormonal Changes on the Microbiome
During perimenopause, levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate wildly and on a daily basis. These hormones play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. When they are out of balance, the diversity and function of gut bacteria can be disrupted, leading to issues like increased gas production and bloating. The imbalance in gut bacteria can also exacerbate conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), where bacteria that normally grow in other parts of the gut start growing in the small intestine, causing excessive gas, bloating, and discomfort.
Bloating vs. Abdominal Fat
One common issue during perimenopause is mistaking bloating for abdominal fat. The hormonal changes can lead to water retention and slowed digestion, causing the belly to feel and look distended. This bloating is often temporary but can be very uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing.
The Impact of Sugar on Gas Production
Sugar intake especially during PMS time can significantly impact gas production, especially during perimenopause. High sugar diets feed the bacteria in the gut, leading to increased fermentation and, consequently, more gas. Reducing sugar intake can help manage these symptoms and improve overall gut health.
Foods and Conditions that Cause Gas
Certain foods and medical conditions are known to cause gas. Common culprits include:
- Legumes and beans
- Fizzy beverages like La Croix
- High-fat foods
- Fried or spicy foods
- Lactose-containing foods like cheese and milk
Conditions such as constipation, gastroparesis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also contribute to a gassy stomach.
Solutions to Relieve a Gassy Stomach in Perimenopause
If you're dealing with gas and bloating during perimenopause, here are some effective strategies to find relief:
1. Drink Strong Carminitives such as Peppermint or Chamomile Tea
Peppermint Oil: Acts as an antispasmodic, reducing flatulence and easing the muscles of the intestinal wall to facilitate gas passage.
Chamomile: Known for its digestive benefits, helping with indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea, and nausea.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Shots
- Stimulates the stomach to produce more digestive enzymes and acid. Remember to dilute it to avoid burning the skin or esophagus.
3. Take Deep Breaths with Belly Massages
- Deep breathing can ease stomach pain and bloating by massaging the stomach and intestines, promoting relaxation, and enhancing digestion. Light massage to the lower right and left side of your abdomen can help move stuck gas.
4. Do Light Physical Activities
- Short-term exercise, like brisk walking, stimulates bowel flow and reduce gas and bloating,
When to Seek Urgent Care w/ a Gassy Stomach
However, persistent gas and pain could indicate a more serious underlying condition. Seek medical advice if you experience:
Vomiting: Especially if vomiting blood, indicating a possible serious gastrointestinal illness.
Sudden Weight Loss: Rapid weight loss coupled with stomach aches could signal food poisoning, stomach cancer, peptic ulcers, or infections.
Blood in the Stool: This could indicate serious health issues and warrants immediate medical attention.
Conclusion
Understanding the impact of hormonal changes on your digestive system during perimenopause is crucial. Remember, you're not alone in this, and there are effective ways to find relief and maintain your well-being during perimenopause.
We hope this article has helped you learn more about the advantages of looking deeper into your perimenopausal digestion status, and if you have more questions, we’d love to hear from you. Schedule a consultation with our team of experts at Potentia MedSpa in Lafayette, California, or call us at 510 230 2282.
We are the only Functional Aesthetics Medspa in the San Francisco Bay Area offering a combination of medical expertise, innovative technology in skin care, and holistic support for midlife hormone changes.