Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life that initiates some hormonal changes such as mood swings, night sweats, and hot flashes. Most women get anxious about adding a few pounds once they hit menopause, as those bodily changes often lead to weight gain.
Most women struggle with managing their weight during and after the menopause phase due to a decline in estrogen levels. Balancing menopause probiotic is known to be an effective strategy because of the beneficial effects of probiotics on gut health. Thus, it is no surprise to see probiotics gain attention among women as a potential support in managing menopause-related weight gain.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of probiotics in dealing with weight gain during menopause.
Regulating gut microbiota
There is adequate research that suggests that changes in the gut microbiota can play a crucial role in weight gain and metabolic changes during menopause. As probiotics are the friendly and helpful bacteria that promote healthy gut microbiota, they can help reinstate the balance of gut bacteria to have a positive impact on weight management and thus keep the weight in check.
Controlling belly fat
Often, women complain of gathering fat around their midsection during and after menopause. Any increase in abdominal fat is linked to metabolic disorders and develop a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies show that certain probiotics, such as Lactobacillus gasseri, may help lower belly fat. These probiotics help in reducing fat accumulation as they can impact fat metabolism and adipose tissue distribution.
Managing appetite and cravings
Women often develop an increased appetite and food cravings because of the hormonal changes during menopause. As probiotics influence the production of certain hormones, they may play a role in appetite control and help regulate food intake, thus supporting the management of weight during menopause.
Promoting nutrient absorption
Our bodies, as we age, tend to slow down when it comes to nutrient absorption in the gut and become less efficient, and that can impact overall health and weight management. As probiotics can help improve nutrient absorption, they can certainly support overall well-being and weight control, especially for women in the menopausal stage.
Boost the metabolism
Menopause is often associated with a decrease in metabolic rate, making it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight. Some studies suggest that certain probiotic strains, such as Bifidobacterium lactis, may help increase metabolic rate and energy expenditure. By promoting a healthy gut environment, probiotics may help support a more efficient metabolism, potentially aiding in weight management during menopause. Certain probiotic strains, such as Bifidobacterium lactis, can increase the metabolic rate and thus promote weight loss due to energy expenditure. Some studies suggest that women can take advantage of probiotics and include them in their diet to support.
Additionally, as menopause is commonly associated with mood swings and emotional changes, it may contribute to emotional eating and thus result in weight gain. Probiotics can support a healthy gut-brain axis and thus deliver potential benefits for mental health and reduce emotional eating behaviors.
While further research is needed to understand the impact of probiotics on menopause-related weight gain completely, current research affirms some promising potential benefits, such as regulating gut bacteria to enhance nutrient absorption, regulate appetite and support emotional well-being.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
