How Gut Health Affects Your Menstrual Health

What is Gut Health?

Good gut health is essential for a healthy, successful life. It’s one of the most important parts of your immune system and it affects how your immune system works. In fact, you have more bacteria in your gut than you have cells in your entire body! Gut health is closely linked to how well your body digests food and gets the nutrients it needs to thrive. It also has a lot to do with how well you absorb the vitamins and minerals your body needs for energy, mood, and to keep your immune system strong. Your gut is properly referred to as your “second brain” because it produces 90% of your serotonin, the happiness hormone and one of the most important neurotransmitters in your body. In addition, gut health can affect your stress levels and overall mood.

The gut is home to all of your intestinal bacteria and yeast. The type of bacteria and the ratio of good-to-bad bacteria can make a huge difference in your ability to lose weight. Furthermore, research has shown that some people are more sensitive to certain types of bacteria, which may cause inflammation and a breakdown of the gut wall. This can lead to a leaky gut, which triggers your immune system to attack healthy and undesired weight-loss-friendly bacteria. The gut is home to trillions of microbes and yeast, which are also called probiotics. These tiny organisms are more than just your friendly bacteria – they are a major part of your immune system, protecting you from pathogens and even cancer.

How Does Your Gut Affect Your Menstrual Cycle?

Experts say that our digestive system is the foundation of our health. The good bacteria in our stomachs can have a positive or negative impact on our overall well-being. It’s estimated that up to 70% of women suffer from some form of gut imbalance, which can affect their menstrual cycle. Women’s menstrual cycles are affected by many factors, including the gut microbiome. Research has shown that changes in what you eat can alter your gut microbiota and lead to irregular periods. It is possible that the connection between the gut and the reproductive system is explained by hormonal signaling from the gut to the brain via chemicals in our digestive tract which impact appetite, mood, energy levels, metabolism, libido, cravings, and weight.

How the Microbiome Plays a Role in Your Menstrual Cycle?

The gut microbiome is made up of trillions of microorganisms that live in the intestines. These microbes are responsible for breaking down foods, fighting off pathogens, and producing vitamins. New research suggests that these bacteria can also affect your menstrual cycle. The gut microbiome has been found to make small changes in the levels of hormones like leptin, which can lead to hormonal imbalances. This can cause irregular periods and other symptoms sometimes associated with PMS. Studies also show that women taking probiotics to balance gut bacteria may be relieved of symptoms of PMS.

Foods That Help Better Digestion

In order to help our digestive systems, we should always focus on the types of foods that will help us feel better. It is important to drink plenty of water and eat a diet high in fiber, which will keep you feeling fuller for a longer period of time. Fiber also helps food to move through your digestive system faster.

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Have you ever walked the aisle of make-up products and come across “skin-lightening” creams or lotions? Skin lightening or brightening, creams are aimed at and designed to lighten skin complexions. It interferes with the melanin pigment of your skin. Melanin is a pigment produced by skin cells that determines how dark or light your skin appears. Most of these products reduce the melanin concentration in your skin.

Free Young ethnic female in robe with terry towel on head applying moisturizing cream on face while looking in mirror in house Stock Photo

The notion of beauty has been associated with lighter skin complexions for a long time. Not only do these creams have health hazards but a negative impact on perpetuating “colourism”. People ignore the risks when it comes to lightening creams.

Dominance of skin-lightening creams in India

It’s difficult to pinpoint how many people are using skin lighteners–legal or otherwise–in India, but around the world, business is booming. A World Health Organization study found that the number is 61% in India. Another review published in March 2021 in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology compiled shocking statistics showing the prevalence of skin whitening globally:

On the Indian subcontinent, 50% of all spending in the skincare industry is on skin whitening products.

Skin-lightening creams are dangerous – yet business is booming. Can the trade be stopped? | Race | The Guardian — Source

If you have walked on Indian streets, it’s impossible to avoid billboards glorifying fairness creams. In 2020, the global market for skin bleaching products was estimated at $8.6 billion and is estimated to reach $12.3 billion by 2027. The pervasive message echoes clearly: white skin is a must!

Muskan, 25, a fashion buyer from India, recalls how she used to be sent beauty products in her college hostel from her family members. The end consensus was – lighter skin. She describes how constantly she received skincare tips from almost everyone. Home remedies, from trying turmeric, and honey to rubbing raw lemons, were a must. She also shared from her personal experience that using steroid creams for a long time without even knowing the harmful health effects has led to acne and itchy problems.

Why fairness creams are dangerous?

These skin lightening creams do not always come with detailed information on the ingredients used or the associated health hazards. The product’s end goal is much concentrated on the result, which is- lighter skin.

In 2020, OTC products containing hydroquinone were removed from the market. This was because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified them as “not generally recognized as safe and effective.” Even though hydroquinone products were removed from store shelves, they’re still available by prescription.

People especially, women, have been using skin lightening creams all over the globe, irrespective of the terrible side effects. These creams often include dangerous ingredients like steroids, mercury, and hydroquinone, which, when used for a prolonged period, can have serious health hazards. The deep legacy of lighter skin tones as the definition of beauty has formed this obsession with lightening creams.

“Patients who use strong steroids on their skin to lighten or to treat rashes can get recalcitrant steroid acne or perioral [around the mouth and nostrils] dermatitis. This is like an addiction to steroids, as their skin will become red, itchy, and bumpy when the steroids are stopped, so they reach again for the steroid,” said Dr. Elizabeth Liotta, a dermatologist and member of the Healthy Women’s Health Advisory Council.

Takeaways

It is a fact that there is no way to limit the supply if the demand continues to increase manifolds. This issue is a cultural legacy that is deeply rooted in society. People are using such toxic products. Consider your health before you step up to buy a fairness cream.

Always consult your health care provider before using cosmetics on your skin to get an understanding of whether the product is safe for your skin. And instead of getting into the rut of lightening your skin complexion, hydrate, wash and keep your skin away from harmful UV radiation.

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This text is provided for information purposes only and is not aimed as an alternative to professional medical advice. Always take the advice of a health specialist if you have questions regarding your health or a medical condition.