Let’s talk about a topic that doesn’t get enough attention: Gastropause…
Think of it as the digestive system’s version of menopause or andropause.
It’s the natural slowdown that can happen as we age, but here’s the good news—you don’t have to suffer through it!
With the right care, you can keep your digestion running smoothly and feel fabulous at every stage of life.
Let’s explore what gastropause is, how it might be affecting you, and the steps you can take to give your gut the support it deserves.
What Is Gastropause?
Gastropause is considered a stage of life where your digestive system doesn’t work quite as efficiently as it once did.
Think of it as your gut saying, “Hey, I need a little more TLC these days!”
It happens because stomach acid, digestive enzymes, and gut motility naturally decrease with age. Stress, poor chewing, processed foods, and nutritional deficiencies can all add to the mix, making digestion feel like more of a struggle.
Signs You’re Experiencing Gastropause
Does any of this sound familiar?
- You feel bloated or full for hours after meals.
- Your bowel movements aren’t as regular as they used to be.
- You’re dealing with uncomfortable gas or indigestion.
- You’re tired, foggy, or just “off” after eating.
If you’re nodding along, your gut might be in the middle of a “midlife crisis.” But don’t worry—there’s plenty you can do to support it.
How Digestion Works (And Why It Slows Down)
Here’s a quick refresher on what your digestive system is supposed to do:
- Stomach acid (also known as hydrochloric acid) breaks food into smaller pieces and activates enzymes, like proteases, to digest proteins. This creates a perfect environment for effective digestion.
- The liver produces bile to break down fats, and your pancreas releases enzymes to digest carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The small intestine is where your body absorbs nutrients.
- Gut flora—the trillions of bacteria living in your digestive system aid your digestion and absorption of nutrients.
As we age, stomach acid and enzyme production can drop, making it harder to break down food. Slower gut motility can also lead to bloating and irregularity. Combine that with changes in gut flora, and you’ve got the perfect storm for gastropause symptoms.
How to Keep Your Gut Happy During Gastropause
The great news is you can take charge of your digestive health!
Here are some simple but powerful ways to support your gut:
- Spice Things Up
Certain spices are digestion’s best friend. Try adding these spices to your meals: Black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cumin and turmeric.
These spices can help to stimulate digestion, reduce bloating, and improve nutrient absorption.
- Embrace Bitters
Bitter herbs like gentian, dandelion, and globe artichoke are amazing for stimulating stomach acid and bile production.
Bitter foods like rocket lettuce, lemon, lime, and apple cider vinegar can also do the trick.
Even traditional bitter aperitifs—before they became sugary cocktails—were designed to aid digestion.
- Skip the Drinks During Meals
Drinking water or other fluids during meals can dilute stomach acid, making it harder to digest food.
Try drinking between meals and avoid fluids close to meal time.
Think of your stomach acid as a superhero—it needs to stay strong to break down proteins and get digestion moving.
- Love Your Gut Flora
Support your microbiome with fermented and fibre-rich foods: Yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, Stewed apples, pomegranate, and salad, fruits and vegetables keep things moving and support healthy gut bacteria.
- Chew Like You Mean It
This one’s a game-changer. When you chew thoroughly, you give your stomach and enzymes a head start. Plus, chewing activates digestive enzymes in your saliva, making digestion easier from the get-go. Pro tip: Take a moment to smell and savor your food before eating—it primes your digestive system for action!
Why Gastropause Can Be a New Beginning
Your digestion might be slowing down, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel sluggish.
Gastropause is your body’s way of reminding you to care for it differently. By making a few intentional changes, you can keep your digestion strong, your energy high, and your body thriving.
So, which tip will you try first?
Are you spicing up your meals, chewing more slowly, or embracing bitters?
Let me know—I’d love to hear how you’re supporting your gut!
And if you’re ready for personalised advice to tackle digestive issues head-on, contact me. Together, we’ll get your digestion back on track!
Ready to kick start Gut Health? Book a Call!
This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.
