80. Bloating and Gut Health in Midlife: How Hormones Affect Digestion

It was so great to sit down with Kelly Schmidt, a functional dietitian and founder of Kelly Schmidt Wellness, to explore the intricate links between gut health, hormonal shifts, and overall well-being in midlife. I have been on a quest in Season 2 to bring more midlife gut health episodes starting in Episode 79 with my own story and struggles with gut health. Kelly shares her insights on how hormonal changes, particularly the drop in estrogen, can lead to common digestive issues like bloating, food sensitivities, and constipation.  Kelly discusses how stress, lifestyle habits, and even some commonly prescribed medications can exacerbate gut issues, often creating a cycle of digestive distress that affects mood, energy, and metabolism. She emphasizes the importance of supporting the body through dietary strategies like mindful eating, proper food sequencing, and including diverse, whole foods in the diet.  You will also gain a fresh perspective on managing stress through daily routines and anchoring meal times to stabilize cortisol levels, improve digestion, and support mental clarity. Whether dealing with autoimmune concerns, fluctuating blood sugar, or simply looking for a healthier relationship with food, Kelly offers actionable insights that anyone can implement.  About Kelly Schmidt:With a lifelong journey managing Type 1 diabetes, Kelly uses her experience to empower others to take control of their health with real food. As a registered dietitian with over a decade of experience, she has helped thousands of clients optimize their health. With degrees and postgraduate training in dietetics, Kelly's mission is to guide clients in achieving balanced hormones, mental clarity, digestion, and blood sugar management. Tune in to learn practical tips on achieving a healthier gut and balanced hormones in midlife. Don't forget to check out Kelly's TEDx talk for more insights, and make sure to give yourself grace on your health journey! Highlights: Gut Health and Menopause Connection (0:02) Common Gut Issues in Midlife Women (2:01) Impact of Medications on Gut Health (4:34) Leaky Gut and Its Implications (5:38) Hormonal Shifts and Gut Motility (7:41) Pelvic Floor Issues and Gut Health (11:33) Stress and Its Effect on Gut Health (17:51) Food Sequencing and Blood Sugar Management (22:03) Emotional Eating and Blood Sugar (31:48) Gluten Sensitivity and Its Impact (36:16) Tips for Improving Gut Health (43:49)   Connect with Kelly: IG: https://www.instagram.com/diabeticdietitian/ Website:  https://t1dfunctionalnutrition.com/   Kelly's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbjO2OUeaTo If you like the Emotional Eats podcast, please subscribe/follow and give us a 5 star rating and review and tag us on social media. I would be so grateful.     Hey Cool Girl, Welcome to the Collective for Midlife Reset and Support! Join Here:  https://www.skool.com/coolgirlcollective/ Join us for a  space to connect, learn, and grow with other amazing women over 40 who are navigating midlife — everything from hormones, menopause weight gain, post menopause and emotional eating to holistic healing, calming the nervous system, and rediscovering who you are in this season of life Connect With Kim: Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038 Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kimhynesmidlife/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimhynesmidlife TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@kimemotionaleats YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife   Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.  https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth Get my favorite healthy Hot Chocolate (Organifi Chocolate Gold) here: https://www.organifishop.com/ Use code:  KIMH for 20 % off This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep. Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast. LMNT http://elementallabs.refr.cc/kimhynes   ParaFy Parasite Cleansing Kit https://rogershood.com/ref/1961/ Code: KIMH