We can't believe that the first season of The Golden Bachelor and the subsequent wedding are over! Where did the time go?! We thought Golden Bachelor, Gerry Turner, and winner of the show, Theresa Nist, would've drifted off into happily ever after, but we guess life had other plans for them since they're now getting divorced. It's certainly heartbreaking given how much they enjoyed spending time together, but only they know what's best for them!
Here's everything we know about their divorce following their publicized The Golden Bachelor wedding!
Theresa Nist Speaks Out About The End Of "The Golden Bachelor" Marriage
Image via John Fleenor/Disney
Theresa Nist took to Instagram to share her thoughts about the end of her marriage to Gerry Turner. She's aware that everyone has opinions about what happened, but she's asking for people to be considerate as they navigate a new process. She partially wrote, "For everyone else who is confused and angry and who does not understand, please try to find it in your heart to understand and to try a little kindness...Sometimes things don’t go the way you planned and that’s okay."
It seems like she's doing her best to remain positive in light of everything that's happened. We can only imagine how scary it is to open yourself up to love in the public eye and become the topic of everyone's conversation.
"The Golden Bachelor" Couple Are Ending Their Marriage
Image via Disney/John Fleenor
Just when we thought things were working well for "The Golden Bachelor" couple, they decided to announce the end of their short-lived marriage on Good Morning America. Gerry Turner told host Juju Chang, "Theresa and I have had a number of heart-to-heart conversations, and we’ve looked closely at our situation, our living situation, so forth and -- and we’ve kind of come to the conclusion mutually that it’s probably time for us to -- dissolve our marriage."
Theresa Nist clarified that she doesn't want the people who rooted for them to believe love and marriage are hopeless. "We want none of that to change for anybody," she said.
We're sure that they truly had a connection, but it's not easy trying to navigate merging your life with someone no matter how old you are. It seems that Gerry and Theresa couldn't bear the thought of one of them being separated from their families, ultimately resulting in the tough decision that getting married may not have been the best thing to do.
We hope that they take as much time as they need to continue navigating their decision to end their public marriage.
"The Golden Bachelor" Blended Family Went On "Celebrity Family Feud"
Disney / John Fleenor
Gerry and Theresa's newly-blended family revealed that they filmed an episode of Celebrity Family Feud in early April – and their opposing team wasn't that unfamiliar!
Theresa's daughter Jen posted some behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram, noting that the family went up against more Bachelor Nation members like Joey Graziadei, Kelsey Anderson, Charity Lawson, Dotun Olubeko, Zach Shallcross, and Kaity Biggar for their episode of Celebrity Family Feud.
Jen also gave us loose details about when the episode would officially air, writing in the caption of her Instagram post: "you’ll have to watch to see how it went down but no I’m not really sure when it’s going to be on… August?!"
Gerry posted a little preview too, saying that he "had a GREAT time at Celebrity Family Feud with the blended family."
Gerry's daughter Angie seemed super excited about being on Celebrity Family Feud as well, writing in her Instagram post that her dreams were fulfilled being on the show.
"Since I was little I wanted to be on family feud," she wrote. "I would dream about it and assemble my team in my mind. Yesterday…it happened!!!! We played celebrity family feud!!! It was so much fun."
A Recap Of "The Golden Bachelor" Wedding
Disney / John & Joseph Photography
Gerry and Theresa got married during a live taping of The Golden Wedding, and there were hardly any dry eyes during their sweet ceremony. To help them celebrate their new nuptials, former The Golden Bachelor contestant Susan Noles was their officiant. It felt like a full circle moment for Bachelor Nation, because more familiar faces could be seen in the audience, like Trista and Ryan Sutter.
Peoplereports that Gerry and Theresa's respective daughters gave heartfelt speeches that touched everyone. Gerry's daughters Angie and Jenny shared how proud they are of their dad before turning their attention to Theresa. Jenny said, "he found a fantastic woman that is beautiful inside and out to spend the rest of his life with."
Theresa's daughter Jen echoed their sentiments. She said, "we're beyond thrilled that you’ve brought us together as family."
Towards the end of the ceremony, Gerry could be heard telling guests, "I have a whole new outlook on life because of this journey and because of this woman." So cute!
An Inside Look At The Golden Wedding
Disney / John & Joseph Photography
Jen Woolston, Amanda Nist
Gerry and Theresa's daughters were all smiles as they walked down the aisle.
Disney / John & Joseph Photography
Rob Young, Matt Woolston
Gerry and Theresa's son-in-laws also walked down the aisle in tailored navy blue suits.
Disney / John & Joseph Photography
Joey Graziadei, Faith Martin, Natascha Hardee, Brayden Bowers, and Christina Mandrell
The guests couldn't take their eyes off Gerry and Theresa! We love to see it!
Disney / John & Joseph Photography
A final look at the newlyweds!
Everything Gerry And Theresa Said About "The Golden Bachelor" Wedding
Disney / John Fleenor
After a long season, Gerry finally found his sweetheart. Theresa Nist, a financier from New Jersey, won the show with the ultimate gesture of love: a darling proposal from Gerry at the season finale! Despite the joyous ending, picking a final woman wasn't an easy decision for Gerry:
“I met some of the women and recognized they were beautiful and gracious and intelligent, but they weren't the right woman for me,” Gerry told People. “I had to find the right person.”
The lovely couple couldn't stop gushing about how thrilled they were as their big day approached. Their respective families are also over the moon, with Theresa's daughter and Gerry's granddaughters jumping on the opportunity to help celebrate.
“My daughter, she's seen a million weddings and she is incredible," Theresa said of her daughter, Jen. "She's put together the vision board. She's asking me, ‘Do you like this? Do you like this?’ And I go, ‘Wow, okay, I don't even have to do this. This is awesome.’ She's handling it pretty much.”
Gerry's daughters and granddaughters also attended the wedding.
“They're all involved,” he said. “There's a spot for every family member in the wedding party. We wouldn't have it any other way. It’s going to be spectacular.”
"The Golden Bachelor" Fantasy Suites Recap
Disney / John Fleenor
The Golden Bachelor fantasy suites episode followed Gerry and the last two contestants, Leslie and Theresa all the way to Costa Rica, where they were given the opportunity to get... closer.
Sure, the fantasy suites provides massive potential for physical connection (or "knocking boots," as Gerry put it), but the Golden Bach was focused on emotions more than anything this time around:
“[To] ask the difficult questions that are strictly between two people, and also have the opportunity to be physically intimate with each other,” he said on the show. “At this age, it’s more gentle, it’s slow, it’s something you can savor, because it’s something that’s the most special [thing] you can have.”
Before he could elicit official invites for the fantasty suites, Gerry took both women on some *quite* adventurous individual dates. He rappelled down a waterfall with Leslie, and rode horses through the wilderness with Theresa. At the end of each date, he asked each woman to join him in the fantasty suite.
Whether boots were knocked or not, it was hard to narrow down who Gerry was really into after the fantasy suites episode. He told both Leslie and Theresa "I love you," but Gerry ultimately made a decision about who won his heart over.
“I headed towards the end, I was really in conflict about several of the women,” Gerry told People. “As very specific events occurred, it really helped me gain clarity on what I wanted to do.”
When and where can I watch "The Golden Bachelor"?
Since the series' first season is officially over, you can stream allThe Golden Bachelor episodes on Hulu.
Who's the first Golden Bachelor?
ABC / Brian Bowen Smith
71-year-old Gerry Turner is the leading man on the spin-off series. Describing himself as "71 years young," the Indiana-based widower, father of two, grandfather, and retired restauranteur believes that it's "never too late to fall in love again."
Gerry was previously married to his high school sweetheart, Toni, who died in 2017 after becoming ill just six weeks after she retired. In an interview with Good Morning America, Gerry said that in her last weeks, all Toni wanted for him was happiness.
"For a while, I was having a hard time figuring out if she was okay... but we always told each other, when one of us goes, we want the other to be happy. She's up there rooting. She's saying, 'Yeah, Gerry, do this!'"
What is "The Golden Bachelor" about?
ABC / John Fleenor
The Golden Bachelor gives seniors another shot at love, following one hopeless romantic in search of a partner to share their sunset years with. Promising to “showcase a whole new kind of love story,” the show carves out space for women who have a whole lifetime of experience living through love, loss, and laughter to meet their forever.
Each of the 22 women invited to the show hopes for a spark that ignites a future full of possibilities. In the end, the Golden Bachelor is set to find everlasting love in just one of them.
Angie and Jenny, Gerry's two daughters, were "very excited" about their dad's role on The Golden Bachelor. When asked about what he was looking for in a future Mrs. Turner, he says he's looking for someone with "high energy," who might even play pickleball and golf. Even now, there's no slowing down Gerry!
How many women are a part of "The Golden Bachelor"?
The Golden Bachelor started with a total of 22 women who are 60+ years of age. We love that the series was intentional about featuring a cast who's near the same age group as Gerry.
Which contestants stood out the most?
Every season, there’s always a handful of contestants who make unforgettable first impressions, and this time was no different.
Some of the most noteworthy ladies from the show included Sandra, a 75-year-old retired executive assistant from Doraville, Georgia. The most seasoned of the bunch kicked her first interaction with Gerry off with a sensual meditation session where she proclaimed her love for the “F” and “S” words. Same girl, same.
Theresa, a 70-year-old financial services professional from Shrewsbury, New Jersey, bared it all on her first meeting with Gerry. It was her cake day after all, and she figured there was no better time to show off her birthday suit than the show's first episode. LOL.
Faith, a 60-year-old high school teacher from Benton City, Washington, exuded cool-girl energy with a head-turning stunt. Riding in on a motorcycle with hair whipping, and even shocking audiences with a guitar solo, there’s no surprise that she walked away with a little kiss (and the first impression rose).
One of our favorite step-outs of the first night was Leslie, 64, who left the limo in a gray wig, a muumuu nightgown, and a walker to boot. But – after pulling off the guise to reveal a show-stopping sparklingly dress, the retired dancer proved that she’s anything but geriatric. And also, apparently Prince ( yes, *the* Prince) wrong a song about her?! Talk about an “it" girl.
Stay updated on the latest entertainment news with Brit + Co!
Lead photo via Disney / John Fleenor.
This post has been updated. Previous reporting by Olivia Taylorand Kaitlyn Ingram.
We all have big feelings. And thanks to social media and rising levels of anxiety, those feelings, well, feel bigger than ever. That’s exactly where resources like Wondermind come in. The self-proclaimed “mental health ecosystem” is all about exploring, discussing, and navigating our emotions together. This Mental Health Awareness Month, Wondermind wants you to live your mental health journey in community because Mandy Teefey, who co-founded the company with daughter Selena Gomez, knows what it’s like to walk that journey alone.
Image via Wondermind
“As I went through a very long journey of finding I did have a mental health diagnosis — and then I was misdiagnosed and then I had to go through that — I was blessed to have the resources to do that,” Teefey, who received an ADHD and trauma diagnosis after a 20-year bipolar misdiagnosis, says. “Whenever I started my journey of discovering what mental condition I had…I didn't have anybody to lean into or explain the way I was feeling.”
While these personal experiences helped Teefey better understand mental health, it wasn’t until she produced Netflix’s 2017 series 13 Reasons Whythat she saw just how far the mental health conversation goes. The hit show went viral almost as soon as it aired because of its realistic depiction of mental health and all the aftershocks of trauma.
“After we did 13 Reasons Why and saw the reaction and the need for that support, me and Selena were trying to really figure out what could be next,” Teefey says. “Everybody was releasing things [at] different times. It's like you have to have 12 apps to have a program, and then remember to use them all. So that's when we decided to create a mental fitness ecosystem. So it's all-encompassing, but there's something for everyone.”
“We're not a medicinal company [but] we do have an advisory committee that oversees everything that we do,” Teefey continues. “We're technically not doctors, but we are for everyone when it comes to feelings. Everybody has feelings and they can go to our content hub and just kind of explore that for a while.”
Image via Brit + Co
Admittedly, that exploration bit is pretty fun. The articles are inspiring, and the worksheets (which are each created by an expert) are incredibly helpful. Seeing every program, article, and podcast episode feels like an opportunity to start fresh, but once you have all the ideas in front of you, what do you actually do? Teefey recommends journaling, even if it’s just a sentence every day. (She also loves watching journaling videos from Planning Annie: “Anytime I'm feeling sad or like a little unmotivated, I put her on.”)
Journaling every day, even if your entries are short, allows you to track your mood over an extended period of time. If you notice a consistent sadness, for example, it could be a sign it’s time to check in with your doctor. Plus, journaling can help prepare you for the conversations mental health appointments bring up.
“Sometimes if you go into a therapy session and you're not really settled or concrete in who you are and what may be going on, you might go through what I went through, which is being misdiagnosed,” Teefey says. “It's more important for you to know who you are and what you need prior to going in. So you can give that to them instead of them guessing and working around that process with you.”
Image via Brit + Co
Establishing a consistent routine can help decrease your stress, whether you’re eating the same breakfast every day, or you stick to a tried and true skincare regimen like Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie does on Euphoria. I immediately thought of this teen drama when Mandy Teefey mentioned how important her 4 a.m. routine is. But while Cassie spends time doing her skincare and makeup, Teefey spends time nurturing her soul.
“If I don't have [that routine], I'm usually really off kilter,” she says. “So I get up at 4 when everyone's still asleep, and I found that time could be about me, and I'm not taking it away from anybody. And so that's really what helped me be more grounded throughout the day.”
I can attest that my own quiet time in the morning is vital for a successful day — as is knowing what my boundaries need to be. Because honestly, boundaries can change daily! Teefey and I both acknowledge we have to stay away from sad music to protect our mental health, and she also recommends staying off social media when you feel your mental health struggling.
“I can go three days without looking at social media and then when I go on there, I start having anxiety because I'm like, ‘Oh my gosh, I haven't liked this person. I haven't even liked our own pictures [for] Wondermind.’ And then I start feeling guilty,” she says. “There's just some kind of [expectation] to do social media and you really don't. Not everybody needs to know everything, you know? There's beauty in privacy.”
Even Selena Gomez admitted at the 2024 Time100 Summit that taking time off Instagram "was the most rewarding gift I gave myself."
Image via Brit + Co
The idea of staying off social media is way easier said than done (speaking from first hand experience here). If you feel like you’re drowning in engagement announcements, anxiety-inducing news, and FOMO, Teefey recommends keeping tabs on your reactions to gauge when it’s time to take a serious break.
“If it invokes any emotion that is a negative emotion, I [know] it's not worth being angry about, it's not worth losing sleep about,” she says. “It just feels like there's an unintentional taunting on social media and, ‘Wait a minute, is that about me?’ You don't know this person and then you start running with all this stuff in your mind.”
Like every area of life, social media is all about balance, and if you’re looking to unplug while still staying informed, Mandy Teefey recommends bringing a journal with you when doing your morning news scroll — that way, you can process emotions while keeping tabs on what’s happening. “If anything evokes emotion, I'm meditating during the quiet time,” she says.
Studies have found journaling can help decrease your anxiety, and that it can help you break obsessive thought cycles. And while you’re the only one who can process your thoughts and emotions, it’s important not to isolate yourself from your community — especially when you’re struggling. “You gotta build trust and you gotta build the boundary of who you volunteer [your] help to,” she says.
When it comes to her own daughters, Mandy Teefey knows it’s a process. “You have to work with them and meet them where they're at, and then see the help they need and don't assume [they’re going through] what you went through,” she says. “You've got to really understand them to be able to give that advice.”
Image via Natalie Rhea
In her own life, Mandy Teefey got to experience building that trust first-hand with Selena Gomez! “One time it was very, very cold in California and me and Selena were on the opposite sides of the pool,” she says. “We were in sweats and she says, ‘Do you trust me?’ And I went, ‘Yeah.’ And she goes ‘Okay, if you trust me, on three, we're gonna jump in this ice cold pool.’”
While Teefey wasn’t convinced, she trusted Gomez, and they both ended up in the freezing cold water! Which is both a funny story and a fond memory: “We couldn't get out of the pool because [our clothes were] so heavy. It was madness!”
“There's a lot of things I know my daughters don't tell me and that's their right,” she continues. “It's so sensitive between teenagers — especially teenagers — and their parents. They're going through that phase and they don't want to be around them and they don't wanna tell them things. It's definitely not easy but maybe put some feelers out there and just make sure that they know you're there and make it okay to have these conversations.”
Thanks to all this actionable advice, we know that Mental Health Awareness month isn’t limited to TikTok videos or Instagram posts we can reshare. There are real tips we can use to take care of ourselves — and a place to go when we need a boost.
Watch Our Full Interview With Mandy Teefey Here!
If you're struggling with your mental health, check in with your doctor or check out the mental health resources Wondermind offers. You can also use Psychology Today to find a therapist near you.
Lead image via Getty
The Bachelor finale aired on Monday night, and it was FULL of shocks and surprises. While I'm still riding the engagement high of it all, it's time to get ready for a brand new crew for The Bachelorette. Here's everything we know!
SPOILER ALERT! SPOILERS AHEAD: The latest episode was heartbreaking and heartfelt, with the girls' incredible friendship bond, Daisy leaving, and Kelsey and Joey's engagement. Those two seem SO in love, and I'm just so excited for them to be together...and to see them date in the real world. When it came time for The Bachelorette announcement, they geared up the whole night for it to be Daisy. So when they sat her down and she said she wasn't ready to find love again, all of America was in shock, quickly trying to guess who it might be. Some thought it would be Maria, some thought it would be Rachel, some of us were simply on the edge of our seats.
Finally, they announced the Bachelorette would be Jenn Tran! I loved her flirty and fun personality, so I'm elated to watch her season. While we may have to wait a while for the season to air — due to Golden Bachelorette filming — we can't wait! And we have all the details on who it is and when you should expect it to hit your TV this year.
Who is Jenn Tran?
Photo via Disney/John Fleenor
Jenn Tran is 26 years, and she was on The Bachelor's most recent season with Joey. She captured America's heart with her flirty personality and quick wit. Not only does she bring a lot to the table with her fabulous energy and inevitable charm, but she's also the first ever Asian American woman to be on The Bachelorette.
What does Jenn Tran do for a living?
Photo via Instagram/@jenntranx
Jenn Tran's currently a student who is studying to be a physicians assistant. She said that she's not giving up school for the show, but simply putting it on pause to resume when she's done. On her BacheloretteBio on the website it says, "When she's not studying, Jenn loves reading books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, paddle boarding, and traveling whenever she has the chance." We love a hardworking woman, who also knows how to prioritize fun and traveling while she's at it!
How old is Jenn Tran?
Photo via Disney/John Fleenor
Jenn turned 26 in November of 2023!
What will Jenn Tran look for in a man on "The Bachelorette"?
Photo via Disney/John Fleenor
We got to see how fun and yet serious she can be on Joey's season of The Bachelor, so we're curious what she wants to find in her own prospective partner. On her Bachelorette Bio it says, "Jenn has had multiple serious relationships but is still looking for a man who's as reliable and thoughtful as she is." Definitely excited to see who ends up with her final rose!
When will "The Bachelorette" air?
Photo via Disney/John Fleenor
We can most likely expect a summer 2024 release date for this show, but nothing's confirmed quite yet. While we wait, we can definitely expect a fall 2024 release date of The Golden Bachelorette,according to ABC! YAY!
I'm sure we'll get more info in the coming weeks, but for now we are just SO excited for Jenn and will be eagerly waiting to hear about her continued journey to find love! Congratulations!
Looking for more entertainment news? Follow us on Facebook to stay in-the-know!
Header image via Disney/Richard Middlesworth
After The Gray Man and a year full of Barbie and Ken, The Fall Guy (plus the upcoming Ocean's 11 prequelwith Margot Robbie) continues to prove Ryan Gosling is THE definition of a star. And between his friendship with Emma Stone and his relationship with Eva Mendes,Ryan seems like the kind of guy we'd all want to be best friends with — and not just because of his endless #Kenergy.
Not only is Ryan the sweetest partner, he's also the ultimate girl dad to daughters Esmeralda and Amada. Their "interest in Barbie and disinterest in Ken," as Ryan tells People, get him to Barbieland in the first place, but he also just revealed they "asked specifically" he avoid one The Fall Guy stunt. “My kids didn't want me to be set on fire,” he says. “Even though I said, ‘Well, it's actually, technically the safer thing to do because there's a lot of protective stuff involved, [they] were like, ‘No. No fire.’ So I didn't do it.”
It's clear that Ryan Gosling's children are spitfires and I love to see it! Here's everything you need to know about Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's kids.
How many children do Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have?
Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have two children, Esmerelda Amada and Amada Lee. Amada was named after Eva's grandmother — both my sister and I have family names and I love seeing the way different families carry on that tradition!
How old are Ryan Gosling's kids?
Image via Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Universal Pictures
Esmerelda was born in September 2014, meaning she'll turn 10 this fall. Amada just turned 8 at the end of April!
How does Ryan Gosling prioritize his kids?
Image via Lionsgate
In his recent profile with WSJ, Ryan Gosling revealed he only picks roles that will benefit his whole family. "I don't really take roles that are going to put me in some kind of dark place," Ryan says. "The decisions I make, I make them with Eva and we make them with our family in mind first."
"I think La La Landwas the first," he continues. "It was sort of like, 'Oh this will be fun for them too, because even though they're not coming to set, we're practicing piano every day or we're dancing or we're singing.'"
Every couple needs to figure out what prioritizing their kids looks like for them, and considering how much I love all Ryan's recent roles, I'd say this is a shift that benefits everyone ;).
When did Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have their daughters?
Image via Andrew Toth/Getty Images for New York & Company
Eva Mendes gave birth to Esmerelda on September 12, 2014 and later had Amada on April 29, 2016.
Are Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes still together?
Image via Sonia Recchia/Getty Images
Yes, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are still going strong, and thank goodness. Eva just revealed that Ryan provides a ton of support for her. "When I was 40, it was a big deal for people when I was pregnant, and it wasn't for me," she tells People. "And then I was 42 and I was pregnant with my second one and people were like, 'Oh my God, you're going to be so tired. That's why people have kids in their 20s.' I was like, that's the most sorry, asinine thing I've ever heard."
"[Ryan supports me] in all the ways I need to be supported," she continues. "He's got me in all the ways."
How has fatherhood affected Ryan Gosling?
Image via Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Considering Ryan Gosling's daughters are such a huge part of his life now, it's hard to believe that earlier in life, he wasn't sure he wanted kids. "After I met Eva, I realized that I just didn’t want to have kids without her," he tells GQ. "And there were moments on The Place Beyond the Pines where we were pretending to be a family, and I didn’t really want it to be pretend anymore." Now, I'm going to need you to pause and reread that quote because I can't believe that's a real sentence. I'm obsessed!
A source also told People in 2023 that "Ryan is such a fun dad. He is goofy and his girls love it."
Via WSJ, we also know that since Ryan Gosling's kids have started learning Spanish, they now call him Papi. "It kills me every time," he says. "There's just nothing, nothing better than that."
What has Eva Mendes said about their daughters?
Image via Eva Mendes/Instagram
Eva Mendes is just as obsessed with her and Ryan Gosling's children as he is, and she's talked about how they make life so much better. "Oh April…I have such a complicated relationship with you," she says on Instagram. "[April 2] would have been my brother’s birthday…..in a couple of weeks from now is the day we lost him…but then, the end of April we got the biggest blessing of all, my little girl was born 8 years ago. I hate you April. But I love you more."
Check out our email newsletter for the latest celebrity news and trending content, and check back here for the latest news on Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's kids!
Lead image via Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Universal Pictures
Bloating is a common digestive issue that can make you feel sluggish, uncomfortable, and self-conscious. While bloating is often caused by overeating, there are other factors that can contribute to this uncomfortable sensation, such as consuming gas-producing foods or experiencing hormonal changes.
The thing is that bloating happens to the best of us so it doesn't mean you're weird if you haven't figured out what's causing your tummy issues. Between weight fluctuations and hormonal changes post-birth, I still haven't cracked the 'happy digestive system' code. But, that lack of knowledge is no match for the expertise of Dr. Brynna Connor, MD — a Healthcare Ambassador at NorthWest Pharmacy.
Based in Austin, Texas where she has her own private practice, Dr. Connor is a member of the Texas Academy of Family Practice, the American Academy of Family Practice, and the Texas Medical Association. In other words, she has nearly two decades worth of medical experience that makes her the right person to answer all our "How to get rid of bloating" questions.
Whether you're dealing with the occasional bloat or chronic digestive issues, Dr. Connor has expert tips to help you find relief and get back to enjoying healthy meals that your body loves.
How can I tell if I'm bloated?
Image via Polina Zimmerman/Pexels
Before I became a mom, it was easy for me to recognize the immediate signs of bloating. I only experienced it during PMS and the week of my cycle, but it always went away for a few weeks. Not only that, I used to be able to pinpoint which foods were the culprit of horrific period cramps and the inevitable gassiness that seemed to make my cycles 10x worse. Now, things are up in the air and I'm joining the ranks of other curious women who want to know what's considered bloating.
Dr. Connor says, "There are various symptoms a woman may experience if she’s bloated. Bloating may make you feel like your stomach is tight or full and can cause abdominal pain, swollen/distended stomach, flatulence, belching, and/or stomach cramps. It’s not uncommon to experience multiple symptoms of bloating at once."
I don't think I need to mention just how uncomfortable things can feel when experiencing multiple bloating symptoms.
What triggers bloating symptoms?
Image via cottonbro studio/Pexels
I mentioned my daily cycle as one of the reasons I knew I used to experience bloating, but there are more things that can trigger it. "Bloating occurs when your gastrointestinal or digestive system(s) are filled with gas or liquid and there are six common potential causes," says Dr. Connor.
She lists having gas as one of the first reasons. "It’s normal to experience symptoms of excess gas, especially after eating and/or drinking as you may have also swallowed small amounts of air. Certain factors may increase the likelihood that you experience bloating after eating, such as chewing gum, drinking carbonated beverages, and/or eating or drinking too fast."
Hearing this reminds me of the moments I was told to slow down when eating my food as a little girl.
Image via Maksim Goncharenok/Pexels
There's also the chance that you have a food intolerance. I only speak for myself when I say that I'm only able to consume dairy in small increments and tomato sauce? Well, I can just forget that because lately my stomach skips bloating and heads right to nausea. What gives, you ask?
Dr. Connor says, "You can experience bloating if your digestive system has trouble breaking down certain foods. Common food intolerances that can lead to bloating include lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, and/or fructose intolerance." Feeling mind-blown about possibly having a fructose intolerance? Same here, but Dr. Connor explains what happens when our body breaks down certain foods.
"There are also chemicals found in particular foods that can increase the chances of bloating after they’re ingested, including histamine (found in wine and cheese), caffeine, alcohol, sulfites (found in beer and wine), and monosodium glutamate (MSG – found in ripe fruit and cured meat)," she says.
If you're hearing someone play the world's smallest violin, it's me mourning the fact that my two greatest loves — wine and cheese — may not be the best things to consume together.
Image via Miriam Alonso/Pexels
I can say it's been a while since I've been constipated, but only because my doctor all but demanded that I start taking probiotics and eating more probiotic-rich foods. Still, it always sucks when constipation happens which explains the bloating that tends to follow.
"When your large intestine absorbs too much water from your stool, it becomes harder and more difficult to pass. The resulting buildup of stool in your colon can lead to bloating, swelling, and stomach/abdominal pain, and you’re particularly susceptible to constipation if you’re not getting enough fiber, water, or exercise. Changes to your daily routine or an increased level of stress can also contribute to constipation and bloating," says Dr. Connor.
Somehow this is oddly comforting to know that stress can also be a culprit.
Image via Karolina Grabowska/Pexels
Like I mentioned before, starting your period is one of the reasons you can experience bloat. What Dr. Connor says next will occupy a space in your mind if you're never considered what happens during that special time of the month.
"Certain hormones, like estrogen, can cause your body to hold onto water, which can cause swelling in the abdomen. Estrogen can also interact with progesterone in your digestive system, leading to increased gas in your intestines. Bloating prior to your period may also be caused by the increase in volume in your uterus just before your period starts," she says.
Image via Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels
I've been prescribed different medications after two of my surgeries and found that I experienced unusual bloating that led to horrific cycles. Dr. Connor says there's a reason why certain medications or supplements can cause this to happen.
"...fiber supplements can cause bloating or constipation when the supplement isn’t taken with enough water. Other medications that can lead to bloating and/or constipation include opioids like hydrocodone or oxycodone, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, iron supplements, and antihistamines like Benadryl," she offers.
Although I no longer take Benadryl, I can confirm I experienced a ton of bloating when trying to combat my allergies.
Image via cottonbro studio/Pexels
Lastly, Dr. Connor says there could be underlying medical reason you're experiencing bloating. "People living with gastrointestinal diseases like Celiac Disease, an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome are more likely to experience bloating, excess gas, and constipation."
She also says, "Underlying liver disease or cancers can also cause bloating in the abdomen, which is why you should talk to your doctor if you are experiencing prolonged symptoms associated with bloating, or if you’re having any additional symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, or pelvic pain, blood in your stool, difficulty swallowing, or any excess fatigue or unexplained weight loss."
What are some ways to reduce bloating in general and during PMS/menstrual cycles?
Image via KoolShooters/Pexels
Dr. Connor says managing bloating can depend on what's triggering your symptoms. It's always best to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you concerned about your digestive health, but there are things you can do at home to provide some relief.
"At-home solutions include over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Gas-X or antacids that can be taken together or separately. Probiotics can also help reduce gas and restore the balance of bacteria in your digestive tract. Herbal remedies like peppermint, chamomile tea, or turmeric, can aid digestion, and peppermint oil can help relax muscles in the stomach that aid in the passing of gas."
She also suggests that you increase your fiber intake, incorporate exercise in your routine, and stay hydrated.
By taking steps to reduce bloating, you can improve your overall health and feel more comfortable in your daily life.
Want more health tips? Sign up for our email newsletter!
This post has been updated.
Header photo by Anete Lusina/ PEXELS