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With sun damage being the number one cause of aging skin (yikes!), it’s majorly important to make sure you’re shielded on the daily during spring break. Aside from limiting your time in the sunshine, hydrating moisturizers with SPF are a super helpful way to preserve that youthful glow without adding another step to your skincare routine. Scoop up one of these eight sun-protecting combos, then enjoy the warm weather in all its glory (while reapplying often).
Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor Refillable Invisible Face Moisturizer SPF 30 with Niacinamide
Since branching out into skincare, Fenty Beauty has kept its foot on our necks! This invisible face moisturizer not only works to provide the ultimate hydration, but it also targets dark spots! That's good news for the girlies who deal with stubborn hyperpigmentation.
Origins Age-Defense Moisturizer with White Tea Broad Spectrum SPF 40
Great for any skin type, this Origins SPF hydrator is oil-free and antioxidant-rich, making it a fab buy in your anti-aging arsenal. Plus, it helps safeguard against environmental aggressors, like infrared rays and pollution!
Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30
Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer
For the oily-skinned gal, this choice will check all your boxes. Created with aloe vera to soothe and hydrate, St. John’s Wort to repair skin, and green tea for antioxidant infusion, it’s the total package.
Supergoop! Triple Prep Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer SPF 40
We couldn't leave vegan-friendly moisturizers with SPF off our list! This weightless version by Supergoop! protects your skin's moisture barrier and works well for normal to combination skin thanks to a combination of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and red algae.
Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 Sunscreen
Did you know tinted moisturizers with SPF exist? Well, now you do! Made to help bring a healthy glow to your skin, this moisturizer is meant to give you a 'no makeup' look. Also, it's free of parabens so your skin won't feel bogged down by icky ingredients!
Find more of our beauty finds on Amazon!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
Header image via Antoni Shkraba/Pexels
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
Compared to the bright and warm colors you paint on your summer nails, winter nails can sometimes feel a little... uninspired. But this season, we're all about changing up our beauty routines to find something unique, unexpected, and festive. You don't have to be a professional manicurist to get beautiful tips at home, and these ideas for winter nails prove it.
Break out your top coat bottles, because once you see these moody blue hues, seasonal shimmers, and classic Christmas color nail art (not to mention some eye-catching yet easy designs to inspire you) you won't be able to get enough.
Colors For Winter Nails
Sally Hansen Traveling Light
This unique purple pick only takes a few seconds to dry, which makes it a great option when you need a concise mani, but don't have a ton of time.
sundays L.05
The mix between purple and gray in this hue delivers an understated edge that's to die for.
ella+mila Unwrap Me
Reds are definitely expected for any winter nails. This flirty shade glides on with absolute perfection!
PrettyDiva Silver Chrome Nail Powder
Silver nails are sophisticated and festive, but aren't exclusive to the holiday season the way that a red and green combo are. Plus, dip powder is a simple and easy way to get a salon-quality manicure at home.
essie Sens-O-Real
We all remember the heyday of mint green, so bring this serene shade back for your next winter nails lineup!
sundays No.30
For anyone who likes color but doesn't want to overdo it, this muted sage green is a great pick. It's sophisticated, understated, and adds just the right amount of chill for colder days.
OPI It's A Boy! Nail Lacquer
Baby blue has been hot all year long. If you want in on the trend, try adding this pale color to your nails instead.
ORLY Crawford's Wine
Is there anything classier than red nails? They're a little bit vintage, a little bit sexy, and very eye-catching. Match them to a red lip for New Year's celebrationsfor the cutest match.
Beetles Aquarius Polish Kit
From navy to icy blue, these gel polishes will let you have all the winter nails you could ever dream of. The best part is that with proper application, they can last up to three weeks!
Essie Ballet Slippers
Ballet pink is a great neutral because it's elevated and professional, but it's more fun than beige. Pair this pink with ballerina nails, and feel totally girly!
No. 70 Shimmery Ocean Green
Even though deep green is in the holiday color palette, this peaceful shade can definitely last into the New Year. This polish is chip-resistant and healthy for your nails.
essie A Stroke of Brilliance
For some added shimmer and glow, pop this bad boy on your nails – atop a darker color or by itself!
OPI O Suzi Mio
We love how romantic and powerful this deep purple is. And if there's anything that should make you feel that way, it's your beauty routine.
Dashing Diva Hanukkah Magic
Dark blue and white are a color combo that you can never go wrong with for winter nails. You can wear these tips to your Hanukkah celebrations, but they will also look good any day of the week.
Olive & June Lilac Shimmer
Feminine and flirty, this salon-quality polish is a great way to add some pink Christmas glam to your winter nails if you're not feeling the blues, neons, or reds.
786 Cosmetics Istanbul
This polish is inspired by the shades of the Turkish city it's named after. Not only is it deep and warm, but it also gives you full coverage with a single swipe.
OPI Angels Flight to Starry Nights
This shade simultaneously reminds us of the sea, the sky, and all those icy Y2K beauty looks. It looks iconic in every season, so you can wear it all year long.
Pleasing Syrupberry
Add some sweetness to your holiday season with this fruity nail polish color. Pair it with other punchy colors or wear it on its own. Either way, you'll turn heads.
OPI Linger Over Coffee
Chocolate brown might be a 2023 hair trend, but you can definitely add it into your manicure, too. The best part is that it'll match your coffee *and* your hot chocolate.
Modelones Going Nude
Wear the shade that matches your skin tone, or mix and match them all for a multi-toned nude look.
OPI It’s a Piazza Cake
This terracotta color will infuse some warmth into your day-to-day as you count down to the New Year.
essie Carols and Caviar
This winter nails color describes exactly what we want out of the season. It's the most luscious blue that you could ever coat your nails with.
Winter Nails Inspo
Saving Face
Turn your mani into an art gallery with an abstract design that'll make you feel like Picasso. Stick to classic colors like brown and black, or go with seasonal shades.
A Little Bit French
We'll never get enough of the French manicure. But instead of white tips, spice it up with different colors and overlapping stripes.
A Jolly, Happy Soul
This frosty little friend is one of the cutest things we've ever seen on a thumb nail. Don't forget the carrot nose!
Image via Bellacures
Jolly Old Soul
Swap your regular mani for a cherry red nail polish that features a Santa hat. It's cute and classy all in one!
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Living On The Edge
Create a manicure that feels unexpected yet classic by adding dots around the edge of your nail in red, green, and gold. The empty space is totally eye-catching while the color trio is nostalgic.
Pastels³
Pick three colors that go well together and layer them for multi-dimensional nails. You can change them up based on the season, or stick with different shades of your favorite color.
I Like You A Latte
Use different shades of brown for a mani that'll get you in the mood for a mocha. The 70s inspired waves are just the foam on top.
All-Out Color
Mix wintery details like gold glitter with neons and warm shades usually found in summer for a winter nails match made in heaven. Love!
Stripes On Stripes
In lieu of an all-white mani, go for one that incorporates stripes or blank space that'll let other colors (or your natural nail) peek through.
Groovy Baby
Pick shapes and shades that remind you of your favorite decade. Bonus points if it matches your outfit!
Image via Bellacures
Flurries
If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, bring some snowy magic to your mani with white polish and a toothpick.
Star Light, Star Bright
Bring some nature to your look with a galaxy-inspired mani, a delicate snowflake, or try your hand at painting a tree. The world is your oyster!
Tortoise
A mix of brown, gold, and tan will never go out of style. We're obsessed with the glittery detail and the use of negative space!
Ice Queen
This dreamy blue mani provides such a great balance between color and negative space. The icy sparkles are reminiscent of winter snows!
I Can Still Make The Whole Place Shimmer
These glittery nails are perfect for both Christmas and New Year's, which means you don't have to redo your mani before December 31st.
Image via Bellacures
Holly Berries
These red berries are instantly recognizable and very festive. Pick any of your fingers to add these details to, or add a design to each nail.
Hi, Barbie!
Become winter Barbie when you adorn your nails in the cutest baby pink polishes out there. A lil' shimmer never hurt anyone, either.
Celestial Nails
Deep gold or chrome is the perfect polish to take a simple starry mani to the next level. The key to painting clean stars is using an ultra tiny nail brush.
Emerald City
Deeper greens were made for winter nails. We love this divided design that also makes a play on French tips.
Tip Off
A little goes a long way with these chrome nails. They have the classy feeling of a French manicure with the glam look of silver polish.
Jewels And Gems
Faux gems and nail glue come together to add a 3-dimensional element to any manicure. We're obsessed.
Pop Art Nails
If you want another element to your pop art nails, add a shape to one of your fingers — we love the detail on this heart.
Candy Cane Lane
We'll literally always say yes to some cherry red nails, especially when there are candy canes involved.
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Taste The Rainbow
Who said Skittles nails were reserved for summer? If you're in desperate need of more color this winter, this mani is the way to go.
Feeling Romantic
These chocolate brown nails are already looking towards Valentine's Day. Keep the base of your accent nail simple or go crazy with an unexpected neon.
Holly Jolly
If you just can't resist the Christmas holiday, opt for winter nails like these that channel ornaments and decor.
Classically Embellished
These elevated and decorated winter nails are giving everything they need to give for a classy NYE party.
Tag us in pics of your winter nails on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for more inspo! And be sure to check out our podcast episode with Olive & June founder Sarah Gibson Tuttle for tips on DIY-ing your own manis and pedis.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
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.
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This post has been updated.
Header photo by Anete Lusina/ PEXELS