How to Beat Endo Belly with Peppermint

Okay so this is week three of our Ease Endo Tea Challenge. Remember, if you’d like to receive a copy of each week’s challenge with all the references, research, doses and info, sign up to the challenge via email. I’ve linked to the sign-up page in my show notes. You can also hop over to Instagram and comment, ask questions or share pics of your challenge so far.This week, we're easing the endo belly!Did you know the endo belly might not be just caused by endometriosis?In fact, it's most likely not!Whilst the inflammation from endometriosis can definitely cause the endo belly at certain times of your cycle or make it worse, there are other contributing factors. Fluctuating hormones can be a cause - progesterone in the second half of your cycle slows gut motility down, leading to more accumulation of gas and waste in your intestines, which might create some bloating. The changes in oestrogen and progesterone in the second half of your cycle can contribute to water retention and bloating, and are worse when hormones are out of balance, especially in the case of oestrogen dominance. Adhesions from surgery or from the inflammation caused by endo, can stick to intestines and cause issues with the motility (or flow), creating pockets of swelling and gas, leading to bloating. Research has shown that people with endo tend to have some level of microbiome dysbiosis, which is an imbalance of the bacteria in our intestines, which can cause bloating. Research is showing that up to 80% of people with endo also have small intestine bacterial overgrowth, and the classic symptom of SIBO is a big, bloated belly. There are many other potential factors contributing to your own personal endo belly, from coeliac disease (which is common in the endo community) to chronic stress. To learn more about the possible causes, have a listen to this podcast.Clearly, there are multiple areas to possibly address when it comes to healing the endo belly, and we're not going to solve it all with just tea, but the first step is for us to get you feeling a little better so you have the encouragement, energy and health to even consider those steps...So this week, we're drinking peppermint tea.ReferencesThis episode is also sponsored by Semaine. Semaine is a plant-based supplement for reducing period pain and inflammation, that you take for 7 days of your cycle, during your period. Semaine is made up of 9 super-powered plant extracts and minerals that are all vegan and sourced for maximum quality and bioavailability and selected based on the latest clinical research. If you want to try Semaine, they are currently offering 15% off your first order and they deliver worldwide! Head to: www.semainehealth.comThis episode is sponsored by BeYou Cramp Relief Patches. Soothe period cramps the natural way with these 100% natural and discreet menthol and eucalyptus oil stick on patches. Click here to find out more and to shop: https://beyouonline.co.uk/pages/how-it-worksLet's get social! Come say hello on Instagram or sign up to my newsletter.My cookbook This EndoLife, It Starts with Breakfast is out now! Get 28 anti-inflammatory, hormone friendly recipes for living and thriving with endometriosis. Order your copy here.If you feel like you need more support with managing endometriosis, you can join Your EndoLife Coaching Programme. A 1-to-1 three month health and life coaching programme to help you thrive with endometriosis. To find out more about the programme and to discuss whether it could be right for you, email me at [email protected] or visit my website.This episode is produced by Ora Podcasts. Ora provides audio editing, management and other services to make podcasting simple and sustainable for their clients. Health coaches, nutritionists, mediums, personal trainers, tarot readers, teachers, or just those striving for a better world, Ora can help you start and maintain your podcast. Get in touch today.