Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+

I am delighted to connect with Dr. Tricia Pasricha today. She is a gastroenterologist specializing in neurogastroenterology, a physician scientist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. In our conversation, we discuss her new book, You've Been Pooping All Wrong, which is truly delightful and a definite must-read. We explore the science of poop, and the stigma surrounding it, how stress impacts motility, the gastrocolic reflex, and what is considered normal, regarding pooping frequency. Dr. Pasricha explains how she addresses travelers’ constipation, and we also dive into women's issues specific to perimenopause and menopause, the effects of dyssynergia, red flags that concern her, and the symptoms and causes of early colorectal cancer, in addition to my rapid-fire menopause gut addition. Today’s discussion with Dr. Tricia Pasricha is truly invaluable. She is both smart and accessible, and I know you'll enjoy our conversation. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why women tend to be more inhibited about their bodily functions than men The gut-brain connection and how stress can affect bowel movements What is normal when it comes to bowel frequency? The importance of treating both the central and enteric nervous systems to manage IBS symptoms Why fiber is essential, and various ways to incorporate it into meals How fiber improves bowel regularity and overall health Common issues women experience with bowel movements during perimenopause and menopause The role of pelvic floor dysfunction in constipation and how it can be treated Dr. Pasricha identifies three red flags for serious health conditions The potential link between environmental factors, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, and early onset colorectal cancer. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to [email protected] Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Dr. Trisha Pasricha On Instagram Dr. Pasricha’s book, You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong, will be released on April 7th. Pre-order now! https://www.trishapasricha.com/youvebeenpoopingallwrong

Welcome to this week’s Midlife Minute, and the final episode in our three-part series on fiber. Bloating in middle age is a very common concern for women. Stay tuned as I explain how to address that and clarify how to increase your fiber intake without bloating. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why fiber is crucial for women in perimenopause and menopause How declining estradiol negatively impacts the gut microbiome Why soluble fiber becomes especially important as insulin sensitivity decreases in midlife Why many women tend to bloat when increasing their fiber consumption Strategies to increase your fiber intake gradually The importance of proper hydration The gold standard for fiber intake Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to [email protected] Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Download Cynthia’s 10 Fiber-Rich Carbohydrates that Support Midlife Metabolism List HERE. Research Links Relation of Dietary Fat and Fiber to Elevation of C-Reactive Protein Cholesterol-Lowering Effects of Dietary Fiber: a Meta-Analysis The Effect of Fiber on Satiety and Food Intake: a Systematic Review The Emergence of the Metabolic Syndrome with Menopause The Effect of Dietary Fat and Fiber on Serum Estrogen Concentrations in Premenopausal Women Under Controlled Dietary Conditions From Dietary Fiber to Host Physiology: Short-Chain Fatty Acids as Key Bacterial Metabolites The Impact of Dietary Fiber on Gut Microbiota in Host Health and Disease Dietary Fiber and Body Weight