It’s true that snake oil in the supplement space is nothing new! I’m also confident we’re all old enough and wise enough to see through most of it too. But what worries me is that over-promise - wherever we find it - often undermines genuine value. By positioning hard working herbs like Bitters as ‘nature’s ozempic’ because of their ability to stimulate the hormone GLP-1, we taint both generations of traditional use and robust clinical trial results.
So, away from the hype, can herbs help bring our bodies back in balance?
Let’s start by taking a quick look at why we become more vulnerable to weight gain during our menopause transition.
Weight gain in midlife:
The natural hormonal changes that take place at this lifestage impact our propensity for weight gain in a number of ways. For example:
- Research shows our base metabolic rate slows, in part as a result of muscle loss
- Hormonal shifts mean how where we gain weight may change - it tends to appear around our waist / belly which is much more visible to us in the mirror too
- We become more predisposed to high blood sugar levels, which in turn can lead to an increase in food cravings and a shift in where we are getting our calories
- Our gut health is often impacted which influences how well we digest nutrients, our mood and energy..which again can lead to craving quick energy fixes to get us through the day
- We also know that we become less resilient to stress which impacts cortisol..further contributing to weight gain around the waist and on the food we crave and our lifestyle choices too
- Finally, sleep is an issue for about 60% of us. Poor sleep spikes cortisol as well as our hunger hormones so we receive signals to reach for food more than our body really needs.
It can feel overwhelming. But the important thing to know is that none of these factors are your fault. Weight gain in midlife is not a lack of willpower, greed or letting yourself go. Your body is undergoing a transition. It wants to be in balance. But, because multiple factors impact the unsettling of your hormone orchestra, the best response requires a whole body and mind view.
Where to begin?
We believe the best place to start is with a focus on the health of your gut microbiota. Not only does a happy gut ensure you extract the nutrients you need from food, but it influences your mood and your energy levels too. There is emerging research pointing to a link between a change in gut microbiota in menopause and neurotransmitters, hormones and compounds (SCFAs) that affect anxiety, sleep and even hot flushes / flashes too.
And the great thing about your gut? It responds pretty swiftly too!
The role of Bitters in rebalancing the gut:
Bitters have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to promote digestive health.
This wonderful family of plants also contain compounds that have been shown to stimulate the secretion of GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced in the gut in response to food which regulates blood sugar levels, insulin secretion and appetite. As GLP-1 rises, the gut literally signals to the brain, ‘I am full’! And the brain senses, ‘I am satisfied!’.
Bitters also help us digest fat by increasing digestive secretions such as bile by the liver. And, when used synergistically with herbs that support digestive capacity, reduce gut inflammation and feed the ‘good bacteria’ in our gut, we can get our body doing all it is designed to do, naturally.
3 herbs to introduce into your gut-balancing routine now:
1.
Artichoke Leaf: This is the queen of the Bitters family! We work with Artichoke Leaf because of its long traditional use as a powerful digestive aid but also as one of the most well researched Bitters. Clinical trials have demonstrated the potential of Artichoke Leaf Extract in significantly reducing symptoms of indigestion and digestive discomfort, and improving quality of life.
2.
Ginger: This humble and delicious root is one of the most powerful digestive aids you can use in your kitchen. With carminative properties, it reduces stomach discomfort, bloating, gas/flatulence and cramping.
3.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Clinical trials show that it can promote healthy blood sugar levels. And a recent meta-analysis of numerous trials shows that it also reduces markers of obesity too. We only work with Ceylon Cinnamon for its ultra-low coumarin levels and delicate taste.
Ensure you’re also focused on increasing your intake of prebiotic wholefoods too. We blend Actazin, a patented extract of the Green Kiwi, into Gut Instinct for its impressive trial results, but you can turn to garlic, chicory root, oats and many other easy-to-find ingredients in the supermarket aisle too.
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