At Just For Tummies, we are incredibly passionate about empowering women through every stage of menopause. We know that navigating this transition can feel overwhelming, with so much conflicting information to sift through. Should I take HRT? Should I be eating more soya – or avoiding it? Why is my hair falling out? What happened to my sex drive?! Am I imagining my symptoms? With so many questions and mixed messages, it can be hard to know what’s right for you. That’s why we’re committed to raising awareness, educating, and giving you the insights you need to manage your symptoms, take control of your health, and make informed decisions.
It’s also why we created our brand-new Menopause Plus supplement – a natural, all-in-one solution designed to help you feel like yourself again. Formulated with powerful ingredients to support hormonal balance, digestion, and energy, it’s made to help you thrive through menopause, not just get through it.
In this second part of our menopause and digestion ‘mini series’, we’re focusing on practical tips to help you combat sluggish digestion, reduce bloating, and boost your energy levels. From supporting gut health and balancing hormones to staying active and prioritising sleep, these simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference in how you feel each day. If you missed the first part, you can read it here on our blog.
Slower digestion and weight gain
As hormone levels shift, your metabolism may slow down, making it easier to gain weight, especially around your midriff, and harder to lose it. Sluggish digestion can also cause bloating, constipation, and feelings of heaviness.
Oestrogen plays a role in how your body stores fat, and its decline during menopause may lead to fat accumulation around the abdomen. When your body isn’t efficiently processing food and nutrients, it can contribute to that sluggish, low-energy feeling.
Tip: Eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overloading your digestive system and reduce bloating.
More tips for boosting energy and supporting digestion during menopause
- Prioritise gut health – A healthy gut is essential for better digestion and improved energy levels. Here’s how to support it:
- Add probiotic-rich foods (yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut) or take a high-quality supplement to support healthy gut bacteria.
- Eat prebiotic foods like garlic, onions, and asparagus to feed your good gut bacteria.
- Ensure you’re getting enough fibre (around 30g per day) from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to keep your digestion regular and prevent constipation.
- Support hormonal balance – To combat menopause-related fatigue and sluggishness, consider natural ways to support hormone balance:
- Phytoestrogens: Found in foods like soya products, flaxseeds, and legumes, these plant compounds can mimic oestrogen and reduce symptoms like hot flushes and fatigue.
- Adaptogens: Herbs such as ashwagandha and maca root can help the body adapt to stress and boost energy.
- Vitamin D: Deficiency is common during menopause and can contribute to fatigue, so ensure you’re getting enough through sunlight, fortified foods, or a supplement.
For an easy, all-in-one solution, try our Menopause Plus capsules. They contain a powerful blend of natural ingredients specifically formulated to support women during menopause:
- Ashwagandha and maca root: To reduce stress and boost energy.
- Dong quai and soya isoflavones: To naturally support hormonal balance and help ease hot flushes.
- Vitamin B6 and B12: To combat fatigue and support energy metabolism.
- Aquamin (calcium and magnesium): To promote bone and muscle health.
- Sage leaf and alfalfa powder: To support digestion and liver function, reducing bloating and discomfort.
Improve sleep quality
Since poor sleep is a major contributor to fatigue, it’s worth making sleep a priority:
- Stick to a schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day – even at weekends.
- Reduce screen time: Avoid devices at least an hour before bed to limit blue light exposure.
- Create a calming routine: Try reading, stretching, or deep breathing before sleep to wind down.
Stay active
Regular physical activity can boost your energy, support your metabolism, and improve digestion:
- Exercise regulates hormones and reduces stress, which can help ease fatigue.
- Even light activities like walking, yoga, or swimming can make a big difference.
Stay hydrated
Dehydration can worsen both fatigue and digestive issues. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Hydration helps prevent bloating and constipation.
- It also supports energy levels by keeping your body functioning optimally.
Menopause can bring a range of changes, but you don’t have to let fatigue, bloating, or sluggish digestion control your life. By supporting your gut health, balancing hormones, and making simple lifestyle adjustments, you can boost your energy and feel more vibrant during this stage of life. If you would like to know more about Menopause Plus or any of the other supplements in our digestive, gut and women’s health range, please get in touch.
