If you are a woman over 40, you more than likely have had to deal with digestive distress in the form of bloating, gas, heartburn, constipation, and/or diarrhea.

Did you know that as a result of some anatomical differences in the digestive tract, women will experience more stomach distress than men? In addition, thanks to perimenopausal hormones, 40% of women over 40 will have recurring stomach issues.

This is not great news.

However, there are ways to manage and even minimize those responses that your body has. Take a look at these 8 tips to tame your tummy. Some of the tips will help to relieve discomfort when it comes on, and a few are great for preventative measures.

Stomach distress never comes at a convenient time but these tips will prepare you for when it does.

In addition, Chamomile is used to help:

• With anxiety and stress (by increasing serotonin and melatonin levels)
• Manage diabetes because it helps lower blood sugar and regulate insulin levels
• Help those struggling with sleep apnea

2) Heat

Women over 40 often associate “heat” with hot flashes, which more than likely has a negative connotation. However, applying direct heat to the abdomen when experiencing stomach pain, gas pain, or menstrual cramps, might be the answer you are looking for.

Research done at the University College London found that applying heat (of around 104 degrees Fahrenheit) via a hot-water bottle, caused the heat receptors in the skin to switch on. These, in turn, block the effect of chemical messengers that cause pain to be detected.(2) The result is a temporary relief from pain.

Heat wraps that can be purchased from a pharmacy stay warm for up to 8 hours. This is a great solution if you have to remain active but still need relief from IBS type symptoms.

Applying heat is quick, easy, and accessible, which becomes the “name of the game” when you are in the midst of discomfort and pain.

4) Flax Seeds

It would only take a few trips to a grocery store to realize that flax seeds are the trending superfood. They can be found in granola, cookies, cereal, salad toppers, and bread.

However, did you know that boiling flax seed creates a “flax mucilage” that is powerful in soothing an inflamed gut?

The mucilage has a slippery texture and looks similar to egg white.

In fact, it is downright slimy.

But don’t let that scare you. Drinking it helps to create a moisture-rich surface in the gut, assuring healthy intestinal flora and proper absorption of nutrients. In addition, it protects the gut from gastric acidity and helps to settle the inflamed nerve endings in the mucous membranes.

Consider drinking this routinely if your gut has been agitated for awhile.

A simple recipe to make flax mucilage is:

• Boil 2 cups of water and add 1-2 tablespoons of whole flax seeds
• Decrease heat to medium and boil uncovered until the water thickens and appears glossy - approximately 8 minutes.
• Set aside to cool and then store in a jar in the refrigerator
• Use within 10 days
  

Regular physical activity creates more diversity in the gut flora which translates to more stability for the whole system.

A loss of diversity in the gut flora is linked to several health issues, including gastrointestinal diseases; while increased diversity has been associated with health in the elderly.(4)

It is hard to ignore the major benefits that regular exercise can give. Finding immediate relief from disruptive symptoms, such as gas, bloating, and constipation can also be gained in the process of being active.

Adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week and 2 days of strength exercises a week. This is doable and looks like this:

• 30 minutes of aerobic activity 5 days a week
• 2 days where you add another 15 minutes of strength exercises
  

Isn’t that amount of effort worth all the health benefits?

6) Ginger Root

If you have ever had to deal with an ulcer, then you may be familiar with a troublesome bacteria known as H. pylori (Helicobacter Pylori.) This little guy is responsible for 90% of duodenal ulcers and 80% of gastric ulcers.(5)

In fact, two-thirds of the world’s population has this spiral-shaped bacterium that burrows into the lining of the stomach and creates a weakness that allows the stomach acid to irritate the lining.

A study done several years ago indicated that ginger root inhibits the growth of H. pylori.(6) This was good news since the medication used to kill the H. pylori can be harsh for some guts. Its benefits do not stop there, however. Ginger root accelerates the emptying of the stomach, which makes it effective in helping with the many symptoms of dyspepsia (bloating, nausea, and burping).(7)

Here are a few ways to use ginger:

• Slices of ginger root can be boiled in green tea. If you allow it to boil for 30 minutes, the anti-inflammatory compounds are released.
• Grate it up and add to dishes. This even works in desserts as well.
  
• Juice it along with your carrots and apples to add a little spice. 

This tip just requires an honest look at your present patterns and making the necessary adjustments. Despite what cultural norms may look like in regards to drinking, many people do have room for improvement. Striving for optimal health should always dictate our actions.

8) Probiotics

As science continues to advance we recognize that good bacteria has a “front and center” part to play in our health. Delicate balances exist between both good and bad bacteria throughout all of our body systems. However, the majority of bacteria “sets up camp” in the organs of our digestive system.

We are actually born with some natural probiotics (good bacteria), and that number grows as we grow. Unfortunately, due to medications, sugar, antibiotics from non-organic meats, and high carbohydrate foods, that number can dwindle and the delicate balance is affected.

Taking a high-quality probiotic can give your good bacteria a “bit of an edge” and fortify your body’s immune fighting capabilities. Here are some things to consider when choosing one:

• Look for a professional strength probiotic that has over 15 billion cultures and 10 or more strains.
• Read the label and look for these strains which are supportive of digestive functions. L. helveticus, L. Acidophilus, S. boulardii, B. longum, Bacillus subtilis.
  
• Be aware of the manufacturing process. The delicate probiotic strains should be produced in cool temperatures with low humidity, and then stored in a climate controlled warehouse.

The knowledgeable team at RealDose Nutrition took into account these and several other critical factors when creating a probiotic for their clients. Rightbiotics Rx is the ideal solution to give your gut a protective barrier against bad bacteria and toxic substances.