What are the foods we need to promote a healthy microbiota?

If you've ever experienced bloating before or during your period, know that you're not alone. Many women experience this discomfort linked to the hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle. You're probably familiar with that feeling of a tight stomach, as if your body is trying to retain every last drop of water, making your abdomen feel heavy and uncomfortable. This "bloating period" affects many women, whether they have a completely "normal" cycle or suffer from endometriosis, sometimes referred to as "endo belly," with its associated pain and bloating.

The "bloated belly" syndrome in women manifests as a swollen abdomen that often feels uncomfortable. This phenomenon can be linked to various factors: digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, or endometriosis; hormonal fluctuations related to the menstrual cycle or menopause; water retention; stress; or even an accumulation of abdominal fat. If you experience bloating after meals, abdominal pain, or slower digestion, it's natural to wonder what's really behind this swollen belly.

The "hormonal belly" refers to an accumulation of deep abdominal fat, often linked to hormones in women. During menopause, the drop in estrogen facilitates the storage of visceral fat around the organs, and excess cortisol during periods of stress further exacerbates this phenomenon. This fat, being more inflammatory and metabolically active, can make localized weight loss particularly challenging.

If you experience bloating due to stress, know that stress is often the cause of these bloating and intestinal gases. Indeed, chronic stress, through the release of cortisol, disrupts your digestive system: it slows gastrointestinal motility, unbalances your gut microbiota, and can lead to constipation or abdominal pain.

A bloated and hard stomach is often caused by a buildup of gas in the digestive system. This can be linked to an unsuitable diet, the consumption of carbonated drinks, digestive upset, or stress. Using dietary supplements to support good digestion can help alleviate these symptoms. These factors lead to bloating and abdominal distension.

If you suffer from dry skin, know that it's a common phenomenon. This problem stems from an estrogen deficiency, which reduces the skin's natural hydration. This period also leads to a decrease in the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, essential for elasticity and hydration.

Senile xerosis refers to dry skin caused by aging. With age, the skin's natural moisture decreases, the hydrolipidic film deteriorates, and the skin barrier becomes less effective, leading to marked dryness. This xerosis manifests as rough, tight, and often uncomfortable skin, particularly on the limbs and face. It is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and appropriate care for this senile skin dryness in order to maintain the health and comfort of your skin.

Dry skin, also known as xerosis, is a common condition characterized by significant dehydration. When the hydrolipidic film is compromised, the skin loses water and essential lipids, leading to tightness, roughness, peeling, and itching. To maintain optimal skin hydration, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive routine combining external skincare (such as moisturizers, natural oils, or anti-xerosis treatments) with internal hydration supported by proper skin nutrition.

Estrogens are essential hormones for women's health. They play an important role in the menstrual cycle , fertility, and overall well-being. These hormones influence not only physical health, by regulating bone and cardiovascular health, but also mental health, by modulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine , which directly impact mood and pleasure.

Diet is a key element in maintaining optimal hormonal balance. Certain foods, rich in phytoestrogens , can help to naturally regulate estrogen levels, particularly during periods of hormonal fluctuations such as the menstrual cycle or menopause.

In cases of hot flashes or menstrual irregularities, adopting a suitable diet can offer a natural solution to alleviate these symptoms. Phytoestrogens , found in foods such as soy and flax seeds , work by mimicking the effects of natural estrogen. They thus help reduce hormonal imbalances and improve quality of life.

Hyperestrogenism , an often overlooked hormonal imbalance, can have significant impacts on women's health and well-being. It is characterized by an excess of estrogen relative to progesterone , disrupting the natural hormonal balance.

This imbalance can be caused by several factors, such as exposure to endocrine disruptors , poor lifestyle, or certain medical conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) . As a result, the menstrual cycle can be disrupted, causing symptoms such as heavy and painful periods, water retention , or premenstrual disorders.