Celebrating International Women’s Day
Friday 8 March 2024, marks International Women’s Day. On this day, it is important to acknowledge the advancements that women have made in various aspects of life, from education and politics to business and healthcare. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting women’s rights across the globe. Amidst the celebrations, it is also crucial to acknowledge the issues that continue to affect women, one of the most significant being women’s health.
Women’s health encompasses a range of areas including reproductive health, maternal care, mental well-being and chronic diseases.
Over the years, there have been significant advancements in addressing women’s health concerns, but a lot of work remains to be done as a discrepancy in the representation of genders in health studies still exists. One area that has gained increasing attention in recent years, particularly for women, is gut health and its impact on overall wellbeing. However, research into the female gut microbiome is still limited.1
Female gut health
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, influencing digestion, immune function, mental health, and more. Research has shown that the composition of gut bacteria can differ between men and women2, and women’s gut health can be influenced by factors such as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and menopause.3
Furthermore, although evidence remains somewhat limited, several female-specific health conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, have been linked to imbalances in gut bacteria. 4,5 Moreover, maintaining good gut health is essential for women of all ages to prevent common digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and bloating. These issues can significantly impact daily life and overall wellbeing if left unaddressed.
Take control of your gut health
Caring for our gut microbiome doesn’t need to be overly complicated, and there are simple diet changes that we can make to have a positive impact on our gut health.
First and foremost, focus on fibre. Try to consume the recommended 30g of fibre per week. Adopt a balanced diet rich in fibre, fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods. When it comes to eating more fibre, think ‘INclusion not EXclusion’ – what can you add to your meal to make it higher in fibre? For example, you could sprinkle seeds on top of your salad or add an extra tin of mixed beans to your chilli.
The more different types of fibre, the better. This is because fibre ‘feeds’ our gut bacteria, allowing them to diversify and grow in number. A more diverse gut microbiota is better at performing important functions around the body such as nutrient absorption, vitamin synthesis, and regulation of immune responses. We can also improve our gut microbiome via lifestyle changes. For example, reducing our stress levels, improving our sleep quality, exercising and staying hydrated are also crucial factors in maintaining gut health. Additionally, women should prioritise regular check-ups with their healthcare providers to address any gut-related concerns and ensure early detection and management of any underlying conditions.
We’re here to help
At Love Your Gut, we understand the importance of empowering everyone to take charge of their health, including their gut health. We offer a wide range of resources and information to help women make informed decisions about their health. These resources include blog posts, gut-loving recipes, top tips and expert advice on gut health, and much more. Whether you’re looking to improve your digestive health, manage a specific condition, or simply learn more about women’s health, we’re here to support you.
This International Women’s Day, let’s continue to advocate for gender equality and support women’s rights worldwide. Let’s also prioritise women’s health and well-being, including the often-overlooked aspect of gut health. Empowering women to understand and prioritise their health can encourage them to make informed choices, and together we can create a brighter, healthier future for women everywhere.
References
[1] Siddiqui, R., Makhlouf, Z., Alharbi, A.M., Alfahemi, H. and Khan, N.A., 2022. The gut microbiome and female health. Biology, 11(11), p.1683. [2] Kim, N., 2022. Sex difference of gut microbiota. Sex/gender-specific medicine in the gastrointestinal diseases, pp.363-377. [3] Yoon, K. and Kim, N., 2021. Roles of sex hormones and gender in the gut microbiota. Journal of neurogastroenterology and motility, 27(3), p.314. [4] Corrie, L., Awasthi, A., Kaur, J., Vishwas, S., Gulati, M., Kaur, I.P., Gupta, G., Kommineni, N., Dua, K. and Singh, S.K., 2023. Interplay of Gut Microbiota in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Role of Gut Microbiota, Mechanistic Pathways and Potential Treatment Strategies. Pharmaceuticals, 16(2), p.197. [5] Svensson, A., Brunkwall, L., Roth, B., Orho-Melander, M. and Ohlsson, B., 2021. Associations between endometriosis and gut microbiota. Reproductive Sciences, 28, pp.2367-2377.