Need A Pick-Me-Up? Add These 10 Healing Ingredients Into Your Meals

How can I tell if I'm bloated?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Personality Types And How They Deal With Stress

The personality type framework, as measured by the Myers-Briggs(MBTI) assessment, looks at four aspects of personality:

• Extraversion-Introversion — People with an Extraversion personality preference are energized by and focus their attention on what’s happening around them, their external world. They are likely to find spending too much time alone without enough external stimulation quite stressful. People with an Introversion preference are energized by and focus their attention on their inner world of thoughts and feelings. They can become stressed if they are forced to spend too much time with others, or when they have to cope with too many external distractions.
• Sensing-Intuition — is all about how we take in information. People with a Sensing preference prefer information that is realistic, practical, built on past or present real-life experiences, and often detailed. They can be stressed when things are ambiguous and unclear, without any clear direction. People with an Intuition preference are interested in the big picture, in how things connect, and in ideas rather than facts. They will find having to follow exact instructions stressful, and working with people who demand lots of detail.
• Thinking-Feeling —People with a Thinking preference want to make decisions using objective logic and will be stressed when decisions seem to be subjective, or when they are forced to concentrate on people rather than the task at hand. People with a Feeling preference want to make decisions that line up with their values and they will be stressed if they feel that those values are not being respected, and when there is conflict.
• Judging-Perceiving — People with a Judging preference want to live in an organized, planned way and will find dealing with disorganized people stressful, or having to rush things at the last minute. People with a Judging preference want to live in a more spontaneous, emergent way and will become stressed when they have to deal with inflexible people, or when they are forced to make decisions before they feel they really need to.

Everyone will have a preference for Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I), for Sensing (S) or for Intuition (N), for Thinking (T) or for Feeling (F), and for Judging (J) or for Perceiving (P). These four preferences combine together dynamically to give one of 16 types. For example, if someone has preferences for Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking and Judging, then their overall type would be ESTJ. If you know your type, you can identify your likely stressors (and so avoid or mitigate them), your typical behavior under everyday stress (so that you can recognize when you are stressed) and what to do to cope with that reaction, stop the stress cycle and so build resilience. Here’s the detail for each type.

ESTP and ESFP

Stressors

• Lack of stimulation and excitement
• Theoretical, abstract tasks without any practical application right now
• Being physically confined, e.g. though illness or circumstance

Behavior under everyday stress

• Seeks out more and more external stimulation and excitement
• May behave in a thrill-seeking or dangerous way or over-indulge
• Lives solely in the present moment and will not make any decisions

How to stop the stress cycle

• Pause, stop what you are doing, or think through what you will do next before you do it

ESTJ and ENTJ

Stressors

• Inefficient people, systems, or organizations
• Lack of closure, not being able to make decisions, blockers
• Having to focus on people's feelings, rather than the task

Behavior under everyday stress

• Becomes overly directive, forceful, or even aggressive
• Makes snap decisions and imposes them on others
• Dismisses evidence/other opinions that don't fir your view

How to stop the stress cycle

• Stop making any decisions until you have taken some time out to explore all the available information.

ENTP and ENFP

Stressors

• People who say "it'll never work"
• Too much seemingly irrelevant detail
• Lack of variety; not being able to do anything new

Behavior under everyday stress

• Shares increasingly impractical ideas with more and more people
• Unable to take things seriously, becomes destructively 'playful'
• Will be tied down to decisions

How to stop the stress cycle

• Slow down. Take some time out to quietly decide on a course of action

ESFJ and ENFJ

Stressors

• Conflict with others and between others
• Lack of warmth, not having friendliness reciprocated
• Injustice in the world at large

Behavior under everyday stress

• Become effusive and over-friendly
• Becomes demanding in getting your own and others' needs met
• Interprets situations in terms of your values, ignoring any other evidence

How to stop the stress cycle

• Step back from the situation and the people involved and consider alternatives and the facts

INTP and ISTP

Stressors

• Having your carefully reasoned solutions dismissed or ignored
• Illogical decisions that have not been thought through
• Excessive displays of approval or emotion from others

Behavior under everyday stress

• Withdraws to solve problems by yourself
• Fixates on finding the one correct solution
• Ignores other people; makes decisions without informing them

How to stop the stress cycle

• Talk to others to explore information and ideas

ISTJ and ISFJ

Stressors

• Having to act without detailed, practical information or plans
• Having the lessons of your experience dismissed by others
• Changing things that already work

Behavior under everyday stress

• Obsessively searches for that one important piece of information
• Withdraws from the outer world
• Cannot make a decision until all the information has been found

How to stop the stress cycle

• Talk to others to help you prioritize and make a decision

ISFP and INFP

Stressors

• People who ignore, dismiss, or contravene your values
• Working in a job that is at odds with those values
• Inflexible and unthinking people or organizations

Behavior under everyday stress

• Withdraws into an inner dialogue
• Obsessively works through decisions that fir your values
• Ignores facts that do not fit with the picture you have painted

How to stop the stress cycle

• Talk to others to get their reassurance and help in considering the facts and alternatives

INTJ and INFJ

Stressors

• Not having time to think through possibilities before answering
• Having your well-considered ideas dismissed or ignored
• Disorganized, opinionated people

Behavior under everyday stress

• Withdraws to build increasingly complex ideas in your head
• These models may become divorced from reality
• Unable to act under every possibility has been explored

How to stop the stress cycle

• Talk to others to help decide which of your many ideas should be pursued

What To Expect For The Taurus New Moon In 2024

This New Moon in Taurus brings a soothing sense of calm and stability, perfect for grounding and setting intentions.

This is the perfect opportunity to unlock your inner sage. Get that yoga mat out and begin that meditation practice you have been wondering about — and don't forget to use an aroma therapy diffuser to amp up your experience! Besides Pluto beginning its retrograde dance, it's a calm week in the cosmos, and what better time than now? The best part is that we can look forward to the New Moon in Taurus on May 7th, meaning that we're officially out of the eclipse fog from last month, along with Mercury retrograde. Phew. It will be steadily calm and attract a new flow of centeredness within your consciousness. There is serene magic in the air, and you cannot help but feel grace and composure. Get acquainted with earth-based practices such as crystal work, smudging your home, or becoming a plant parent.

Also, an overflow of earth energy (grand earth trine and stellium) will enable us to ground down our ideas. Venus, alongside Jupiter and Uranus, is trailing this New Moon. Although Taurus is seen as fixed and stagnant in energy, we can use this secure sign to our advantage when it involves our long-term ventures - romantically or life-purpose. This grand earth trine includes the asteroids Lilith in Virgo (the shadow feminine/magic) and Ceres in Capricorn (the earth mother/resources), along with the New Moon in Taurus (beauty and finances). This cosmic trio will promote a peaceful interchange of groundedness and realistic expectations that involve our long-term visions. It's also a powerful time to manifest our dreams. These earth goddesses will give you a clearer vision of what you truly want while you receive a download of information regarding the steps toward success. It's also a fantastic time to renew your vows or create that dating profile with Venus, the love planet, embodied in her sign, which means that our senses will be heightened and the romantic mood will be lit.

Friendly suggestion: Have a date with yourself, book a photoshoot, or visit the salon because your beauty will magnify and reflect in your aura. You may get lucky with Venus on your side.

This power day will also have support and backing from Saturn, the planet of structure and disciplines. With Saturn in Pisces, the line of structure involves our long-term dreams and addressing our past karma. You must face your past and address the missteps or unresolved matters to move forward in your journey. The great news is that this New Moon will be in a supportive position with Saturn, and this will grant you acceptance and resolution involving past dealings. You'll feel steady and ready to move forward. This aspect encourages discipline, responsibility, and practicality in your process. Use this energy to focus on long-term goals and take practical steps towards your ambitions. Once you remove that cosmic baggage (I'm sure you will at this point), it will awaken your magical self, and you will attract results.

New Moon In Taurus Horoscopes For Your Sun, Moon, & Rising Signs

Aries

This lunation will bring a flow of centeredness and certainty regarding the next steps in your journey. The New Moon in your 2nd house will help you see your wants and needs. Take a moment to pause and reflect on your deepest desires and aspirations. What truly brings you joy and fulfillment? Slow down and reconnect with your inner self. Saturn in your 12th house will help you see your past patterns (subconsciously) and grant you the grace to let go and rebuild your self-worth. Use this lunar energy to set intentions for nurturing your sense of security and stability. Whether financial goals, inner work, or cultivating a sense of belonging, trust that the Universe supports your journey toward manifesting abundance in all its forms. You will see the results when you make peace with the past. You are strong.

Taurus

This cosmic alignment is like a fresh breeze sweeping your life, bringing a renewed sense of purpose and vitality. With the New Moon in your sign (lucky you) along with Venus, your aura will magnify in the best way possible. Use this time to plant seeds of intention that align with your confidence. What do you truly want to manifest in your life? Whether pursuing your passions, nurturing your relationships, or investing in your personal growth, the time is now to believe in the magic the Universe can grant. With all this earth energy on your side, you have endless support from networks and friends who will cheer you on. Factor in your dreams and aspirations and get ready to witness its progression. Let your light shine bright.

Gemini

Saturn will place a challenge to your personal beliefs, but is it a challenge? Perhaps it's an opportunity to explore your journey's root cause of stagnation. As the New Moon phases into your 12th, it will enable you to step back from the hustle culture and carve out moments of stillness and introspection. This is a period for you to reflect on what truly matters. You will reach a breakthrough regarding what's holding you back from achieving your dreams. Become open-minded and curious (this is your jam). Use this lunar energy to recharge your spiritual batteries and set intentions for inner peace and emotional well-being. Whether through meditation, journaling, or simply spending time in nature, trust that this cosmic alignment guides you toward a more profound sense of connection and clarity. Approach life like a child.

Cancer

Get ready to root down your aspirations and strengthen your connections, Cancer. This New Moon will power up your opportunity to build your dreams. If that book idea or business venture has been placed on hold, now is the time to build from the ground up. Nothing else can stand in your way if you store passion in your core. With Saturn positioned in your 9th house, you have the strength to get started. This is also a fantastic time to nurture your present connections or connect with your soul family that will cherish your devotedness. Nonprofit work or getting involved with causes will also attract serendipitous connections that can lead to your soul's fulfillment. Be open, and you will see the magic unfold. You are ready.

Leo

This lunar event will allow you to align with your long-term goals and public standing. The New Moon in Taurus, Venus, and Uranus will ignite inspiration and the grit to start anew or at least become bold in your approach. With Saturn residing in your resources and intimacy sector of life, it's time to get serious and begin planting your intentions involving these matters, and this requires you to hold still and analyze your inner world. Arrange a sit down with your partner or have a quiet moment to attract clarity. You will understand how to steer your professional path with determination and, most importantly, become more aligned with your heart. If you're feeling any sense of doubt in your direction, (don't) Venus will give you that dash of confidence, making it a magical moment for you to get what you want. Wear your crown proudly.

Virgo

The world will be your oyster Virgo. These past few weeks have been intense; expect a second wind approaching. This New Moon will allow you to step into a new paradigm or venture. Take a class or start your meditation practice. With the moon taking place in your 9th house, you're in for a new awakening that involves your personal beliefs and vision. As a fellow earth sign like Taurus, your manifestation abilities will level up, and you will get ready to take the reins and take charge of your ventures. There is an opportunity to strengthen or form a love connection with Saturn, who supports you fully. Arrange a discussion or send that text message to clear the air. Observe what gets you excited or inspired, which jumpstarts things for you. Trust your gut.

Libra

Inner work is in store, with the New Moon phasing into your 8th house, it invites you to retreat. Meanwhile, Saturn's continued rein in your 6th house prompts a reevaluation of your daily rituals and health practices. Take this opportunity to refine your routines, prioritizing self-care and vitality. Whether single or in a relationship, this lunar event will ignite self-discovery and inner growth. Dedicate time to nurturing your relationship with yourself through self-love practices like meditation or journaling. This New Moon will be reflective but helpful for learning the importance of honoring your emotional depth and well-being. Believe in yourself.

Scorpio

Love approaches as this New Moon occurs in your 7th house of partnerships and commitment. Single or taken, you will feel a stirring in your heart filled with hope as love can be felt in every connection you make. Friends, family, or lovers, you will understand the roots of your love story and be given the antidote to break free from the past and start anew. This is your chance to manifest your dream partnership or breathe new life into your current relationship. Have a date with yourself or with your friends to open your heart. Saturn will also help you learn how to discern your connections and enable you to see what boundaries or structures need setting. Trust in the flow of genuine love and let your heart guide you towards the connection you deserve. Ah, l'amour!

Sagittarius

Get ready to feel renewal as the New Moon powers up your 6th house of health and daily routines. Whatever is weighing you down in your daily life (physically or energetically), you will understand its root cause. Breaking free from toxic work environments or prioritizing your self-care will help you embrace healthier habits that nourish your mind, body, and spirit self. Book a spa day or get your aura photo taken. Meanwhile, Saturn's influence in your 4th house of home and family prompts you to find a balance between work and personal life. Schedule downtime and connect emotionally with loved ones to strengthen your emotional connections and well-being. Clear out and rejuvenate.

Capricorn

Let your hair down and embrace your wild side, Capricorn. With the New Moon lighting up your 5th house of dating, children, and creativity, you hold a lot of cosmic support in these ventures. Create a dating profile or reignite the fires of your current relationship; this is your chance to feel love in its purest form. You're also supported if you're considering starting a family (this lunation will give you the green light). Saturn, your ruler planet, will emphasize the importance of practicality and clear communication this week. Although playful and fun, use this lunation to ground your long-term goals and plans, ensuring they are realistic and achievable. By articulating your ideas effectively, you will feel confident in your plans, setting the stage for success. Cheers to you!

Aquarius

Slow down and observe your family life, as the New Moon in your 4th house will inspire you to reconnect with your loved ones while also analyzing your stance on your connection. Prioritizing downtime and reconnecting with your family roots will create healing for unresolved issues. It's also a fantastic opportunity to renovate your home or relocate to a place that will nourish your soul. This week, Saturn will encourage you to take a grounded approach to your financial endeavors. Use this time to assess your financial situation and cultivate confidence in managing money effectively. Consider long-term investments and business ventures, and focus on budgeting more strategically to achieve your financial goals per your plans. You got this.

Pisces

Have you been in hermit mode lately, Pisces? Get ready for a wave of creative inspiration and confidence, as the New Moon in your 3rd house will grant you a new flow of ideas. This alignment will allow you to start a new venture that aligns with your passion. Saturn's presence in your 1st house supports you in getting serious about your goals and aspirations. By preserving your energy and building solidity in your approach to life, you'll find more excellent stability and success in all areas of your life. Trust in your ability to articulate your thoughts and beliefs, and allow yourself to step into the spotlight confidently. Use this influence to discern where you invest your energy, focusing on activities and relationships that align with your long-term vision. Something magical is brewing.