79. Menopause Gut Issues: My Personal Journey with Bloating and Digestion

 Welcome to Episode 79 of the Emotional Eats Podcast! In this episode, hosts Kim Hynes and Melissa Slemp engage in an open and vulnerable conversation about their personal journeys with gut health challenges and hormonal shifts over the past year.  They discuss that these are more symptoms to add to the midlife and post menopausal journey. Both health coaches want to provide you with support, empathy, and practical advice as they share the ups and downs of navigating these health issues while also guiding their clients. This authentic discussion sheds light on how even experienced health professionals can face significant personal health struggles and shows the importance of tuning in to your body, advocating for yourself, and exploring holistic approaches as well as medical approaches to healing. Kim and Melissa explain how their gut health issues were unexpected, even with their background in health and wellness and daily eating and lifestyle habits. Melissa shares her sudden onset of severe skin issues in late 2023, initially misdiagnosed as eczema, which persisted and worsened over time. She details her frustrations and describes her ongoing treatments.  Kim then opens up about her battle with severe constipation, which began in early 2024 and led her to try various dietary changes, digestive aids, and functional medicine testing. After more medical testing, a clear colonoscopy and changing habits, adding supplements and eliminating foods, the symptoms have changed.  Both Kim and Melissa emphasize the importance of listening to your body, being your own advocate, and seeking medical, holistic and lifestyle coaching support when needed.  Connect with Kim and Melissa:  Melissa (Blood Sugar Boss)Type 1 in Midlife Podcast: https://www.abundanthealthwithmelissa.com/podcast Instagram: @BloodSugarBossWebsite: AbundantHealthWithMelissa.com   If you resonate with this episode or have a similar story, Kim and Melissa encourage you to reach out to them, share your story, and continue the conversation. They welcome feedback and stories from listeners who are navigating similar challenges.  Thank you for tuning in to this episode, and be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Emotional Eats Podcast!  You really help us out by downloading the episode. Note:  The information in this podcast is not to replace working with your doctor, other medical practitioner or mental health practitioner.  This podcast is to provide conversation, information and entertainment. My favorite evening drink (or dessert) is Organifi Gold Chocolate.  It is like a "healthy dark hot chocolate".  With reishi mushrooms and lemon balm extract for calming and relaxing, it's perfect in the afternoon or evening.  Gold  also has superfoods like tumeric and ginger.  It's nonGMO, vegan and organic. You can check out all of Organifi's healthy products at https://www.organifishop.com/  and make sure to use the code:  KIMH   for 20% off.