Do Women Need Their Own Gut Health Game Plan?

Gut health specifically for women: Is it just another ploy, the pink tax, or beauty scam designed to make women think they need products they don’t? We know you’re wondering, and so were we.

Women have gotten used to having special needs in pertinence to their bodies. Menstruation, pregnancy, hormone imbalances, and menopause are just a few of the special feats of having female anatomy, being a woman is complicated so fun!

In all seriousness, being a woman can be fun, and women are special. We’ve got guts of our own.

But Why?

The anatomy of a female gastrointestinal (GI) tract is considerably more complex than that of a male for its structural accommodation of the uterus and ovaries.

This in combination with how it interacts differently with hormones, stimulants, and nutrients are reasons to consider how a unique approach to gut health might be optimal.

UTI’s Are One Reason

Ah yes, the dreaded urinary tract infection. As the urethra in women is shorter than men, they are far more prone to UTI’s — as much as thirty times more.

Four in ten women who experience a UTI will get another one in the next sixth months. I told you being a woman is unfair, so fun! Regulating gut health can actually aid in the bacteria that keep these infections at bay.

Let’s Talk about Fertility

Not all women are interested in having children, and that’s their choice –respect it. For those that are interested or actively trying without results, gut health can be a very important aspect to consider.

The microbial makeup of any specific woman can help determine which hormones or bacteria are preventing or supporting the ability to get pregnant. By extension, it is also relevant to overall vaginal health. Consult with a gynecological physician to find out more about your individual makeup, and how you may be able to optimize your health and chances for fertility if desired.

Digest This

Women are known to be more sensitive to sweet and bitter foods and have stronger muscles in the esophagus, which are more likely to increase sensations of heartburn and indigestion.

Constant changes in the hormones progesterone and estrogen and the way they interact with enzymes in the liver and bacteria in the GI make female digestion significantly more especially complicated.

It is more common for women to experience digestive issues like constipation, regularly.

Those with female anatomy are six times more likely to experience irritable bowel syndrome or IBS.

So, in answering the question of whether women need their own approach to gut health,  adjusting the bacteria and microbial makeup of the female GI can help to regulate symptoms particular to having female anatomy.

A Note from GR8NESS

There are no two peas alike in this world. Our gut microbe is so different, not to mention it’s ever-changing. What works for some, may not do much for others. If you believe your gut health is suffering, consult with your physician for any medical concerns.