Menopause: CBD and 4 other natural remedies to end the bloated belly

Menopause: why do some women experience it better than others?

A natural and inevitable stage in a woman's life, menopause generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and marks the end of the reproductive period. Insofar as it is accompanied by more or less significant hormonal changes, menopause can impact the quality of life of some women more than others depending on several factors:

• There is of course genetics, which arguably plays the most decisive role in how every woman experiences menopause. Family history, such as the age of menopause in the mother or grandmother, can influence a woman's experience of menopause.
• Then there is the general state of health. Women in good physical and mental health often have less difficulty managing symptoms;
• Lifestyles including diet quality, exercise, sleep, and stress management can influence quality of life during menopause;
• Emotional state and social relationships also come into play and condition the proper management of menopausal symptoms;
• The environment you live in, with variables such as ambient temperature (may impact hot flashes), air quality and noise pollution (sleep disturbances) may impact the intensity of the symptoms experienced during menopause.

Once we have said that, we must recognize that menopause is surrounded by a halo of received ideas and fake news. Here are 5:

1. Menopause would be a disease. No, menopause is not a disease, but rather a normal and natural biological stage. It results from the gradual decrease in the production of sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) by the ovaries, leading to the cessation of menstruation;
2. Hot flashes would be unavoidable. They are common, affecting 75% of postmenopausal women to varying degrees, but they are not systematic and are not inevitable. Hot flashes can indeed be managed through non-hormonal approaches such as regular exercise or relaxation;
3. The weight gain would be systematic. Again, nothing inevitable. A balanced diet and regular exercise will help maintain a healthy weight, even in times of hormonal changes;
4. The menopause systematically leads to a decrease in libido. The decrease in hormones can actually cause a drop in libido in some women, but this is not inevitable. Communicating with your partner, engaging in relaxing activities, and exploring new sensual approaches can help maintain a fulfilling sex life;
5. Menopause is synonymous with inevitable insomnia. Sleep disturbances can occur during menopause, but they are not systematic. They may be related to nighttime hot flashes, anxiety, or hormonal changes. Here, the good reflexes will consist in respecting a regular sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine at the end of the day.

Menopause and a swollen belly: what causes?

Some women may see their belly swell to a greater or lesser extent at the onset of menopause. This is a common symptom that can be attributed to three main factors:

1. Hormonal changes: The decrease in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to a more or less significant hormonal imbalance. And since estrogen contributes to the proper distribution of fats in the body, the decrease in their production can cause an accumulation of abdominal fat, thus causing a bloated belly;
2. Slowing down of metabolism: With age, the metabolism naturally slows down, which makes it more difficult to lose weight and manage body fat properly. This metabolic slowdown may contribute to the appearance of a bloated belly during menopause, but it is more a consequence of aging than of menopause itself;
3. Bloating and Digestive Issues: Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can also cause digestive issues and bloating, which in turn can exacerbate the symptom of a bloated belly during menopause.

The impact of this symptom can be divided into two: physical discomfort and effects on self-image. Like many of the symptoms associated with menopause, the swollen belly is not a fatality and can be apprehended in a natural way, without hormonal therapy. We explain how.

#1 Cannabidiol (CBD) to regulate digestion and satiety

Relieve pain, neutralize stress and anxiety, fight inflammation, reduce free radicals, improve sleep… cannabidiol (CBD) will be your precious ally during the menopause period. It will help you overcome certain symptoms and improve your daily quality of life, naturally and without psychotropic effects.

Through its action on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), CBD regulates many physiological functions, including digestion and the feeling of satiety, contributing indirectly to the prevention and/or reduction of belly swelling associated with menopause.

How does it work?

CBD primarily acts on the “CB1” and “CB2” receptors of the endocannabinoid system. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are primarily located in the immune system and peripheral tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract of interest here.

Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which binds directly to CB1 receptors and causes psychoactive effects, CBD has a lower affinity for these receptors and acts mainly by modulating their activity, without psychotropic effects and without the risk of addiction .

In the context of bloating and digestion related to menopause, CBD has a number of virtues. Short summary:

1. Modulation of intestinal motility by acting on the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the enteric nervous system. This can help prevent constipation and diarrhea, two digestive issues that can contribute to bloating and swelling;
2. Reduction of intestinal inflammation: CBD is an excellent anti-inflammatory. It inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. This action can be particularly beneficial for people suffering from inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders, including Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, but also for women in menopause, a period when inflammation can be exacerbated due to hormonal imbalances;
3. Pain relief and muscle relaxation: CBD is an interesting painkiller, as it targets muscle and joint pain. By soothing the sensation of pain in the abdominal area, it counteracts cramps and intestinal spasms and reduces bloating.

How to use CBD to get rid of a bloated stomach?

Our online store offers a wide range of CBD products to help you improve your quality of life. If you suffer from swelling in the belly, whether in the context of menopause or not, we recommend cannabidiol oil and/or herbal teas, two practical and effective formats. Follow these tips.

1. CBD oil against bloated belly

CBD oil is an extract of cannabidiol dissolved in a carrier oil, usually coconut, olive, or hemp oil. This format is easy to dose and administer, making it an attractive option for women looking to relieve bloating and other symptoms of menopause.

Here are our tips for using CBD oil for a bloated belly:

1. Start with a low dose: not all of us have the same receptivity to CBD and other cannabinoids from the hemp plant. It is therefore best to start with a low dose (5 to 10 mg) and monitor the effects to adjust the dose over time;
2. Gradually increase the dose: If you do not feel relief after a few days, you can gradually increase the dose of CBD until you find the amount that works best for you;< /li>
3. Take CBD oil with meals: Absorption of CBD may be enhanced when taken with food, especially fatty foods, as the molecule is fat soluble;< /li>
4. Opt for sublingual consumption: For faster absorption, place a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue and hold for about 60 seconds before swallowing. This allows CBD to enter the bloodstream directly through the capillaries under the tongue;
5. Opt for a full spectrum CBD oil to activate the "entourage effect". In consumption a CBD oil that contains all the molecules of the hemp plant (except THC),

2. CBD herbal teas against bloated belly

CBD herbal teas are hemp plant infusions that contain CBD and possibly other useful, non-psychotropic cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and CBC. They usually come in the form of extracts or dried flowers. These hot drinks are comforting and soothing, and combine the pleasure of taste with the many virtues of the legal hemp plant. Our tips for making the most of it:

• Choose your CBD infusion on our online store. We offer you premium quality products, from the best hemp crops in France, Switzerland and Italy, and tested by independent laboratories. Regardless of the taste, strain and concentration of CBD, expect simply outstanding organoleptic properties! Over here.
• Steep the herbal tea correctly: To prepare the herbal tea, add a teaspoon of CBD flowers or a prepackaged tea bag to a cup of hot water (about 95°C). Let steep for 5-10 minutes to allow the CBD and other cannabinoids to release;
• Add some fat: As CBD is fat-soluble, it is best to consume the herbal tea with some fat to improve the absorption of the molecule. For example, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or unsalted butter to your herbal tea to increase the bioavailability of CBD;
• Drink CBD herbal tea regularly: Drink one to two cups of CBD herbal tea daily, preferably after meals, to relieve bloating and promote healthy digestion;
• Monitor the effects: As with the oil, monitor the effects of the CBD herbal tea on your body and adjust the dose or frequency of consumption if necessary.

#2 Fennel seeds to expel gas from the digestive tract

Fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare) come from the plant of the same name, which belongs to the Apiaceae family. They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various digestive problems, including bloating, gas, cramps and indigestion.

How does it work?

Fennel seeds contain essential oils such as anethole, fenchone and estragole, which give them properties:

• Carminatives, which help to expel gases accumulated in the digestive tract;
• Antispasmodics, which act on the smooth muscles of the intestine to relieve cramps and spasms.

How to use fennel seeds to get rid of a bloated belly?

There are two ways to effectively combat bloating and cramping with fennel seeds:

1. Chew half a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals to aid digestion and reduce gas. The seeds release their essential oils when chewed, which facilitates their carminative and antispasmodic action;
2. Fennel Seed Infusion: To make an infusion, simply add a teaspoon of fennel seed to a cup of hot water. Leave to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain the seeds before drinking the infusion. You can consume this drink up to three times a day to relieve bloating and gas.

A few tips

Choose organic fennel seeds to avoid pesticides and other chemical contaminants. Make sure the seeds are fresh and stored in an airtight container to preserve their flavors and properties. They should be green or green-brown, with no signs of mold or spoilage.

#3 Apple cider vinegar to rebalance the intestinal flora

Apple cider vinegar, or ACV, is produced from fermented apples and contains acetic acid, which is good for digestion. The VCP will be a precious ally to relieve bloating and promote the balance of the intestinal flora.

How does it work?

Apple cider vinegar is rich in acetic acid, a substance that stimulates the production of gastric acid in the stomach, thus improving the digestion of food and the breakdown of fats. In addition, VCP can help balance the intestinal flora by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

How to use apple cider vinegar to get rid of a bloated stomach?

It's very simple:

1. Mix a teaspoon of VCP in a glass of water. You can also add a little honey or lemon juice to improve the taste, if you like;
2. Drink this mixture about 15 to 20 minutes before each meal. This will allow VCP to stimulate stomach acid production and prepare your stomach for digestion;
3. Start with a small amount (one teaspoon) and gradually increase to one tablespoon per glass of water, depending on your tolerance and absence of adverse effects.

A few tips

Look for an unfiltered, unpasteurized PCV, which contains "the mother", a substance rich in enzymes and bacteria beneficial to the intestinal flora. VCP should be stored in a glass bottle to avoid chemical contamination from plastic containers.

#4 Probiotics, or the boost to the intestinal flora

Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily bacteria and yeast, that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. These bacteria that want you well come to rebalance your intestinal flora, improve your digestion, stimulate your immune system and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract.

How does it work?

Probiotics work by "colonizing" the gut and balancing the gut flora, leading to better digestion of food, reduced gas production and less bloating. They can also strengthen the intestinal barrier, preventing harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream and causing inflammation.

How to use probiotics to prevent or treat a bloated belly?

Follow these tips to take full advantage of the benefits of probiotics:

1. Eat probiotic-rich foods regularly, including yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. Try to include at least one serving of these foods in your daily diet;
2. Vary sources of probiotics to get a wide range of beneficial bacterial strains;
3. If you prefer to take a probiotic supplement, consult a healthcare professional first who will help determine the appropriate strain and dosage based on your specific needs.

A few tips

It is recommended to practice diaphragmatic breathing several times a day, especially before and after meals, to promote healthy digestion and reduce bloating. With time and regular practice, this exercise will become easier and more natural, and you will notice a noticeable and gradual decrease in belly swelling.