As women transition through perimenopause and menopause, gut health becomes a vital yet often overlooked aspect of wellness. Hormonal changes can wreak havoc on digestion and impact overall health, especially for those managing diabetes.
My own experience taught me that even when you’re “doing everything right” — clean eating, exercising, and sleeping well — gut imbalances can still disrupt your life and make diabetes more challenging to manage..
Here’s my personal story, key insights from experts, and actionable steps to simplify the healing process.
My Gut Health Journey: Signs, Tests, and Surprising Results
It all started with a persistent skin rash that wouldn’t go away...combined with bloating, heartburn, and insulin resistance, made me realize something deeper was wrong.
The wake-up call came when I teamed up with fellow health coach Kim Hynes in Episode 78 of the Type 1 in Midlife Podcast. We shared raw emotional accounts of our struggles—mine with eczema and Kim’s with chronic constipation. Through our conversation, we uncovered how deeply interconnected gut health, hormones, and lifestyle are during this life stage. Hormonal shifts, particularly declining estrogen, often slow gut motility, leading to symptoms like bloating, constipation, and skin issues.
To get to the root of my issues, I turned to functional medicine testing, inspired by registered dietitian Kelly Schmidt, and we continued the conversation in Episode 79. Kelly emphasizes the importance of the benefits of testing, over speculation when tackling gut health.
Kelly recommends tests such as:
GI-MAP
GI Effects
These tests can reveal imbalances like gut dysbiosis or parasites—problems that standard check-ups often miss.
For me, the GI-MAP test was a game-changer. It uncovered a parasite in my gut, explaining the persistent symptoms that traditional methods hadn’t addressed. Armed with this knowledge, I could finally start healing.
The Healing Protocol: Steps to Gut Health Recovery
With Kelly’s guidance, I embarked on a three-step healing protocol:
Eliminate the Parasite: Oral antibiotic paired with a probiotic, followed by herbal supplements targeted the harmful organism, clearing the way for recovery.
Support Digestive Health: I added digestive enzymes, stomach acid (HCL), and probiotics to repair my gut lining and improve nutrient absorption.
Address Root Causes: Kelly stressed the importance of addressing lifestyle factors—diet, stress, and sleep—for long-term gut health.
Why Gut Health Matters for Women with Diabetes
Gut health plays a crucial role in managing diabetes, particularly during hormonal transitions. Declining estrogen and progesterone can disrupt gut bacteria and slow digestion, exacerbating issues like constipation, bloating, and blood sugar imbalances.
For women with autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes, these challenges are often amplified. Poor gut health can impair the body’s ability to regulate inflammation and blood sugar, making it essential to address imbalances proactively.
Testing is key, and functional tests like the GI-MAP, GI Effects and the Biome Effects can pinpoint specific issues, such as bacterial imbalances or parasites, helping tailor treatment for optimal results.
A Holistic Approach to Gut Health
Healing the gut requires more than supplements or quick fixes—it’s about adopting sustainable habits:
Diet: Enjoy nutritious, delicious meals by embracing real ingredients. Add fiber-rich foods like oats, leafy greens, and seasonal produce to nourish good gut bacteria and support overall health.
Probiotics: Rotate strains to maintain a diverse microbiome.
Digestive Support: Use enzymes and HCL to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
Stress Management: Practice mindfulness, yoga, or other techniques to reduce stress, and prioritize sleep which directly affects gut health.
These small, consistent changes have improved my energy, digestion, and skin health, showing that healing is a gradual but rewarding process.
Key Takeaways from the Experts
From my podcast discussions with Kim Hynes and Kelly Schmidt, these are the most important lessons for managing gut health and diabetes:
Test, Don’t Guess: Functional tests can uncover hidden gut issues like dysbiosis or parasites.
Address Hormonal Changes: Understand how estrogen decline impacts digestion and gut bacteria.
Focus on Holistic Healing: Combine diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes for sustainable health improvements.
Don’t Ignore Symptoms: Persistent issues like bloating or rashes are signs your gut needs attention.
To dive deeper, tune in to Episode 78 to hear Kim’s journey with constipation and Episode 79 for Kelly’s insights on gut health and functional medicine. Together, these episodes offer actionable steps to better gut health and a clearer path forward.
Final Thoughts: Taking Control of Your Health
This journey has been transformative, both physically and emotionally. I’ve learned that gut health is central to managing hormones, autoimmune conditions, and overall wellness. By addressing root causes and making targeted changes, it’s possible to reclaim your health and vitality.
If you’re dealing with bloating, fatigue, or skin issues, take action now. Functional tests like the GI-MAP can uncover the root causes, and small lifestyle changes can make a big impact.
Connect with RDN, Kelly Schmidt to discuss gut microbiome testing and get personalized support.
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