Do you have to exercise twice as much to keep your weight and the bloating down?

Weight control can be harder at this time, many women find that they start to have a problem metabolising carbohydrates so you may find really reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing protein and vegetables helps.

Unfortunately, exercising twice as much can be counter-productive and can cause weight gain in some women! In the menopause your nervous system often goes into 'Flight or Fight mode' and if you exercise too much the body thinks there is an energy crisis so it will slow your metabolism down.

For most women HIIT exercises, 10 minutes 3 times a week is the best form of exercise.

With regards to bloating, falling levels of oestrogen can affect the digestive process, slowing everything down, resulting in bloating and/or wind. Exercise is a great way to ease bloating. Even just a brisk walk every day can help because the movements of walking help to 'massage' the digestive tract.

If your bowel isn't moving at least once per day (preferably twice) then this can contribute to bloating too. I would suggest Molkosan, as this is traditionally used for bloating.

However, any bloating that has gone on for more than a couple of weeks, especially if it is constant or painful, must be checked out by your doctor as well.

Eileen Durward