Bloated belly: Moringa, the unknown remedy

When menopause arrives, some women complain of an annoying and unflattering feeling of a bloated, hard belly, almost as if they were pregnant. The causes of this problem can be many and are usually due to a combination of factors. First of all, it should be considered that during this phase intestinal motility can slow down considerably because of hormonal fluctuations: gas can therefore build up in the bowel and localised fat deposits can form in the lower abdominal area. In addition, in some cases the feeling of bloating can be accompanied by pain and cramps, abdominal distension, constipation and nausea. The main causes of this bloating also include:

• imbalance of the intestinal bacterial flora: a high presence of bad bacteria in the intestinal tract affects the consistency of the stools, making them harder to pass;
• a drop in oestrogen levels: as the years go by this problem can arise and it also affects the digestive system, because a reduced production of bile salts alters bowel function and creates digestive problems;
• an unbalanced lifestyle: stress and low mood are typical of the menopausal period. For this reason many women also tend to cut back on physical activity, favouring a sedentary life. On the contrary, keeping the body active with light daily exercise helps the organs to work well — the bowel in particular — burns calories, supports weight loss, drains excess fluids and reduces fat deposits. Physical activity also benefits mood and, more generally, overall physical and mental wellbeing;
• an incorrect diet: a light diet and good hydration are essential to avoid the feeling of bloating and discomfort. Drinking 2 litres of water a day, choosing light foods, eating fruit and vegetables in moderation and keeping portions small can all help to ease this condition.

Although this is quite common, many women wonder how long a bloated belly lasts during menopause and which remedies are the most suitable to ease the discomfort. Among the most effective is undoubtedly Moringa Oleifera, a plant with extraordinary qualities which, thanks to its complex of vitamins, proteins and calcium, can help support proper digestion and ease a bloated belly during menopause. Not only that: as reported in an article in Medical News Today (Why is moringa good for you?; Sade Meeks, 2024), this plant may help protect the liver, nourish skin and hair, support the body's antioxidant defences and much more.

Digestive problems can be a cause of a bloated belly

As mentioned, during menopause (and also in the period before it) oestrogen and progesterone levels drop considerably. These hormones are in fact responsible for the production of bile salts, and they slow their work down, creating problems such as difficulty in absorbing fats and impaired bowel function. It is precisely for this reason that many women feel an uncomfortable sense of fullness and pressure across the whole abdomen, from the stomach area down to the lower belly, as well as constipation.

Another factor that can cause digestive difficulties is the alteration of the intestinal flora. Advancing age and hormonal fluctuations generate issues such as dysbiosis, meaning an excessive presence of bad bacteria in the bowel, which changes the consistency of the stools. In the same way, it should be considered that abdominal bloating during menopause can be caused by:

• a reduced production of digestive enzymes: these enzymes, which are responsible for breaking food down, have the job of making digestion easier and improving absorption. When they are in short supply, bloating and a strong presence of intestinal gas can be noticed;
• slower digestion: with menopause, digestive processes too undergo major changes that lead to constipation and a feeling of heaviness.

How to digest better and prevent a bloated belly

• vitamins C, A, E and K;
• plant proteins;
• mineral salts;
• sodium;
• magnesium;
• calcium;
• anti-inflammatory compounds such as quercetin and caffeoylquinic acid;
• antioxidants;
• fatty acids such as Omega 3, 6 and 9.

Moringa leaf extract is also rich in dietary fibre, and it is precisely for this reason that it is added to capsules and powders designed for the digestive discomfort that women can experience during menopause. It works effectively by stimulating bowel function and supporting motility, reducing constipation and that blocked-up feeling. Beyond supplements and products that can stimulate the body, it is important — especially during menopause — to look after yourself by keeping a healthy, active lifestyle.

Diet and activity play an essential role here. Choosing balanced, healthy meals while avoiding an excess of vegetables such as cauliflower and savoy cabbage, as well as carbohydrates and fried foods, which naturally tend to create abdominal bloating, can ease some of the most annoying symptoms. Taking regular daily exercise, even gentle exercise, also helps the bowel do its job and stimulates digestion.

A 30-minute walk, a stroll in the park with the dog, or choosing the bike over the car and public transport is enough to strengthen the muscles, including those of the abdomen, avoiding tissue slackening and the resulting feeling of bloating. Finally, among the good habits that support digestion during menopause is drinking up to 2 litres of water a day. As well as hydrating the body, this helps to regulate the bowel and the consistency of the stools, clear excess gas and keep under control the stress-driven hunger that can affect some women.

Food supplements for a bloated belly

So, what should you take for a bloated belly during menopause? Natural food supplements are certainly an excellent solution. On the market, alongside classic lactic ferments, you can find powders and herbal teas based on:

• lemon balm: perfect for dealing with flatulence, it can help reduce intestinal gas;
• fennel: in the case of slow digestion, fennel supports intestinal transit by drawing in the water present in the bowel and regulating the consistency of the stools;
• passion flower: thanks to its calming properties, it is perfect for those who feel a sense of tightness, because it relaxes the abdominal muscles and counters the feeling of bloating and tension;
• green tea: ideal for anyone dealing with water retention and fat deposits;
• chamomile: acting as an antispasmodic, it is included in products used for irritable bowel syndrome;
• ginger: useful for easing the feeling of nausea, it works in a targeted way against dyspepsia.

Alongside the ingredients listed above, there is a powerful natural extract that can work effectively on menopausal complaints. The Organic Moringa Oleifera food supplement is designed specifically to ease the feeling of bloating and the heartburn linked to gastritis. Produced in Italy with 100% natural raw materials of certified organic quality (by the Canary Islands Institute for Agri-Food Quality (ICCA) and by the Italian inspection body (INOQ)), Organic Moringa Oleifera helps make digestion easier.

In addition, thanks to the presence of specific active compounds, it can help stimulate the metabolism, countering fat deposits, burning lipids and reducing water retention — typical complaints of the menopausal period.
Moringa does in fact have extraordinary properties:

• antimicrobial: as reported in the study Investigating of Moringa Oleifera Role on Gut Microbiota Composition and Inflammation Associated with Obesity Following High Fat Diet Feeding (Elabd EMY, Morsy SM, Elmalt HA; 2018), it acts effectively on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which allows the digestive system to carry out its function properly, helping to avoid the unpleasant sensations of heartburn, gastritis, bloating and constipation;
• antioxidant: thanks to the high quantity of polyphenols it contains, Moringa helps preserve the healthy working of the body's cells and supports lipid metabolism;
• anti-inflammatory: phenolic acids and flavonoids help protect the bowel and stomach, supporting proper digestion of foods;
• anti-hyperglycaemic: the terpenoids naturally contained in this plant can help regulate insulin levels.

Each pack contains 90 capsules, enough for 1 month of use (3 capsules a day).
They are made entirely from dried Moringa Oleifera leaves, harvested in the volcanic area of the Canary Islands or in inland Spain. For this reason they are vegan and gluten free and can be taken by anyone, at any age. In any case, if you suffer from allergies or specific conditions, we recommend speaking to your doctor before taking the product. Using this supplement is easy and intuitive: simply swallow one capsule with a glass of water before each of the 3 main meals. 

A bloated belly and medical conditions

Before asking yourself what to do about a bloated belly during menopause, it is essential to understand whether the problem might stem from other conditions. If you experience pain, intense and prolonged discomfort, difficulty passing stools, nausea or complaints affecting the digestive system, it is always advisable to speak to your doctor. Only a competent, reliable specialist can provide all the information you need, make a diagnosis and, if necessary, prescribe treatment. Many women are not aware that there are numerous illnesses that can cause the same symptoms and digestive difficulties that characterise menopause.

Among the most common are tumours, appendicitis, cystic fibrosis, coeliac disease, liver cirrhosis and irritable bowel. In all these cases it is not enough to look up information online: it is better to turn to specialist centres where the appropriate examinations can be carried out. What's more, bear in mind that if any condition is diagnosed, natural food supplements may not be enough. Medicines, medical treatment or, in serious cases, surgery can be essential to improve patients' quality of life.

Women who notice major changes with the arrival of menopause should therefore pay attention and undergo thorough checks if the discomfort starts to affect their quality of life. Finally, the psychological side matters too. Hormonal fluctuations, as well as the physical changes that occur at this specific moment in a woman's life, can generate malaise, anxiety, stress and low mood.

Here too it is always advisable to speak to a psychologist or your GP. Looking after your mental health contributes to maintaining physical wellbeing. A specialist may also be able to identify psychosomatic causes and recommend the appropriate therapies.
In short, it is worth remembering that excessive or debilitating bloating and discomfort in the abdominal area can be symptoms of complex conditions that require medical care.

It is therefore always good practice to turn to specialist professionals, avoiding using the internet as a source of information and following only advice found online. On the contrary, if you notice unusual changes in your state of health it is essential to consult a doctor promptly, so that any conditions can be treated properly and prevented from becoming chronic or worsening.

Sources :

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6108815/
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319916