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With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about that something special to celebrate the special women in your life! Whether you’re celebrating your mom, grandma, MIL, or even your BFF’s mom, the women in your life deserve a thoughtful surprise (and a delicious brunch). If you're in a time crunch, check out these Amazon Mother's Day gifts you can order today!
W&P Porter Seal Tight Lunch Bowl Container
Everyone loves reusable containers, especially ones that are pretty and functional. With this lidded glass and silicone bowl, mom can easily pack her lunch and midday snacks in style! This piece is especially cool because it's microwave-safe.
Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Brightening Face Skincare Serum
This everyday serum boosts the brightness and elasticity of skin and reduces the look of dark spots. Get your mom on the way to her brightest glow with this affordable skincare pick that still offers spa-quality service.
Slip Silk Skinnie Scrunchies
Help her protect her luscious locks with these luxe-looking silk scrunchies. These hair ties have an amazing hold and don’t damage hair, so they are definitely worth the investment for everyday wear.
Moon Juice Magnesi-Om Magnesium Powder
Get mom on the Sleepy Girl Mocktail wave ASAP with this flavored magnesium powder. Not only does it facilitate healthy sleep, a single dose also improves mood, reduces muscle aches, supports brain health, and supports bowel regularity.
Inglam MegaAIR Styler Air Styling & Drying System
This impressively powerful hair tool will be an instant replacement for all of her miscellaneous curlers, straighteners, and hair dryers. It basically serves as a three-in-one, using a high-velocity airflow to dry and style the hair in mere minutes.
Anne Klein Leather Strap Watch
This stylish wristwatch is as practical as it is cute. She can easily sport it to the office or when she's running errands!
KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
This is any mom's dream gift. And now, it's on sale for 27% off!
DmofwHi 1000W Gooseneck Electric Kettle
Her coffee (or tea) routine will never be the same with this quick-heating electric kettle. It stands strong, being made of durable stainless steel and BPA-free plastic.
Dae Monsoon Moisture Mask
Her locks deserve some real love, and this hair mask gets the job done. It's formulated with ingredients that strengthen hair elasticity, prevent breakage, nourish strands, and repair damage.
BedHead PJs Women's Classic Stripe Pajama Set
Comfortable, high quality pajamas are hard to come by these days, let alone on Amazon. Gift mom or grandma this striped set for extra-restful sleep!
Keurig K-Duo K-Cup Pod & Carafe Coffee Maker
Coffee is a total no-brainer for moms everywhere, and this is the perfect piece for helping her perfect her caffeine routine! It specializes in making single servings, so she'll have a batch of freshly-brewed coffee all to herself. She'll have the option to brew a single mug with K-Cup pods or a carafe up to 12 cups.
Caraway Mini Duo Non-Stick Ceramic Mini Fry Pan & Mini Sauce Pan
This luxe pair of pots is eco-friendly, ethically manufactured, made with no harmful chemicals, and sustainably packaged for certified clean cooking in the kitchen. The two-piece set comes ready with storage organizers at no extra cost, which is especially important in keeping them in tip-top shape.
Morento H13 True Air Purifier
If mom's never had an air purifier, it's time to introduce her to the good life! This must-have home gadget will allow for clean, easy breathing by filtering out dust, pollen, and sources of odor.
Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial Night Cream
Help mom say "buh-bye" to dry skin with this elegant night cream! It leaves parched skin silky soft after just one application! Overtime, this cream helps facilitate a smoother-looking skin tone with vitamin C and omega 6 & 9 fatty acids.
Theragun Mini 2.0
Let’s be real: we’re all pretty achy. Give the gift of stress relief with this compact massage gun! Its small size makes it super easy to travel with in a checked suitcase or carry-on for on-the-go relaxation.
Jspyfits Glass Hydroponic Flower Vase
Mom deserves flowers, of course, but they won't last forever. Gift her a sleek vase like this to 1. help her remember how great of a gift-giver you are, and 2. give her something to refill with fresh flowers each time!
Laneige Gummy Bear Lip Glowy Balm
Having moisturized, soft lips just feels good. Gift mom the feeling of confidence in her own skin with this lightweight lip balm that supplies hydrated, tinted, kissable lips throughout the day!
Amika Mask-topia Hydration & Repair Hair Mask Set
With warmer months on their way, maintaining hydrated hair is key for every hair type. Mom will adore this three-in-one haircare set for at-home and travel!
KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set
Silicone oven mitts are far superior to cloth ones. These KitchenAid ones are heat-resistant up to 500 degrees F for safely and comfortably handling hot pots and pans, plus the smooth material makes them a breeze to clean with a wet wipe.
Are you grabbing any Amazon Mother's Day Gifts? Are you baking her a special recipe? Let us know in the comments!
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.
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
Moms juggle a lot, and oftentimes, taking a single day to celebrate them isn't nearly enough. She's the caretaker, the advice giver, the shoulder to cry on, and the cheerleader behind everyone in her crew! You just can't not give mom (that also includes all the sisters, girlfriends, mentors, wives, stepmoms, and grand-moms in your life) a much-neededspecial something to show her that you love her and you get her.
Here are some Mother's Day gifts that are just as fun to give as they are to get, from self care must-haves and trending fashion pieces to stylish home goods that'll make Mother's Day uniquely special this year.
Old Navy Cool Moms Club Graphic T-Shirt
Mom already knows she's a cool mom, but with this cozy cotton graphic tee, she'll actually get to show it off!
Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Sauté Pan
Not only is this pan aesthetically pleasing, it's practical, too! The durable nonstick coating makes cooking all kinds of foods a total breeze, plus it can even go in the oven up to temperatures of 500 degrees F.
Barzel 18K Gold Plated Woven Love Knot Stud Earrings
These classy stud earrings are worthy of everyday wear, adding a touch of elegance to mom's accessory game in an instant. They are crafted to be waterproof and tarnish-proof. Score!
Bedsure Yellow Fleece Blanket
Mom's couch blanket def needs a nice upgrade. This affordable one is the perfect solution! It's made from a crazy-soft fleece material that delivers comfort year-round. Opt for a bright color like this yellow for the warmer months!
Soft Services Green Banana Buffing Bar Microcrystal Exfoliant
These exfoliating bars smell not-to-sweet, with hints of tonka bean and musk for a very well-rounded effect. Each one is loaded with superfine sanding crystals floating throughout a moisturizing, soothing soap base that'll make mom feel like sheer luxury and super smooth.
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer
Bet you she's never felt hydration like this! The Laneige Water Bank Moisturizer provides long-lasting hydration for up to 100 hours thanks to the formulation of hyaluronic acid and squalene.
Custom Leather Jewelry Box with Name & Birth Flower Month
This convenient jewelry box is the gift for moms on the go. Its compact size makes it super travel-friendly, slipping into a backpack or purse with ease. There are spaces for everything from necklaces and bracelets to rings and earrings, and mom can customize the layout to her liking since the dividers are removable!
Threshold Ceramic Signature Chip & Dip Serving Bowl
For the mom that always welcomes you home with snacks, this sleek chip and dip serving bowl will compliment her kitchen with a limited color palette and streamlined design, so you can both get some dip on your chips with ease!
Personalized Birthdate Pendant
Shoppable at 20% off for a limited-time Mother's Say sale, the Birthdate Pendant is totally customizable, as it's based on any birthday day and month. This sweet astrological homage to mom's birthday (or any other significant date) is laid into either a 14K gold plated or sterling silver pendant that she can flaunt every single day!
Great Jones Sweet & Savory Baking Mats
Let's hear it for zero waste! This 2-piece set of baking mats is the ultimate sustainable, reusable alternative to parchment paper. Made from silicone, the mats are 100% dishwasher-friendly, BPA-free, and food- and oven-safe... plus, they have cute little illustrations for maximum enjoyment in the kitchen.
Sophie James Wine Co. 2-Bottle 2022 Chardonnay Gift Set
These wines taste just as sweet as mom is herself! The 2-pack of 100% organically-farmed Chardonnay is packed with notes of Meyer lemon citrus, quince, and jasmine flowers.
Magnolia Bakery Mother's Day Flower Cupcakes
Magnolia Bakery is so tasty, so any mama with a sweet tooth will adore a treat-filled gift like this one! This 6-pack of sweets arrives fresh and ready to eat. A vanilla cupcake base is topped with hand-piped vanilla buttercream in the shape of a flower, so who really needs a real bouquet?!
Subtl Beauty Starter Stak
Time for a touch-up? This 5-in-1 portable makeup stack is the perfect size for slotting into a purse or glove box so mom can keep her freshest face on all day! It comes complete with a cream concealer, lip and cheek color, powder bronzer, powder highlighter, and a shine-control powder for those mid-day makeup breaks.
Hedley & Bennett Smock
Aprons and smocks are made to get dirty, but you might as well gift mom one that's cute, too! This flowery pick from Hedley & Bennett x Rifle Paper Co. features all sorts of blooms to match the tone of this year's armer months. It slides on with a comfy cross-back design that keeps slips conveniently at bay in between all of mom's fun cooking and baking projects!
Salt & Stone Antioxidant Body Wash
Self-care should feel like a total treat, and this body wash from Salt & Stone ensures a pleasurable experience with each use with notes of black rose and oud. The glass bottle and firm pump really elevates this gift from your run-of-the-mill body washes!
Anthropologie Bubble Letter Monogram Necklace
This playful necklace costs under $50, making it a wonderful (and nicely personalized) affordable Mother's Day gift. Gift mom her own initial, or even give her yours as a reminder of the amazing child you are.
SeaVees Acorn Trainer
Get mom into all things trendy with some cute sneakers! If the viral Adidas Sambas aren't supportive enough for her step, these cushiony-soft green kicks from SeaVees are equally trendy with a deep green colorway and heightened heel space for added comfort.
Frasier Sterling x Anthropologie Sunglass Case
Gifting mom this adorable case alongside a colorful pair of sunnies is the perfect way to help her kick off summertime. The fruity theme is too fun to ignore, she'll be carrying it with her everywhere she goes!
Naturium Phyto-Glow Lip Balm
This "intensely nourishing" lip balm comes in 13 different shades that deposit a deliciously sheer sheen of color to the lips that looks stunning alone or on top of lipstick. And the best part? A tube is only $10.
Cabot Creamery Salty & Sweet Gift Box
Satisfy her cravings for both salty and sweet with this super snacky gift box filled with chocolates, salted maple crackers, raspberry jam, and a delicious mix of Cabot Creamery cheeses! With this gift, mom scores a cheese knife and a cutting board, too, for all future cheese board sharing.
Hello Adorn Tiny Links Necklace
This delicate necklace design can be representative of you and your mom's special bond, or it can simply serve as an adorable everyday piece for her collection! You can snag it either in sterling silver or a 14K gold fill material, so no mom's metal preference is left out.
Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera
For the mom who's always behind the camera (AKA all of us), this Polaroid camera delivers instant prints of her fave memories, places, and people. It'll give her a nice dose of nostalgia, too!
Nostalgia Eau De Parfum
The light white lily scent of this perfume is perfect for spring and summertime, but better yet, it'll make mom think of you every single time she spritzes it on.
Athleta Excursion Waistbag
This versatile everyday sling bag helps her keep her essentials in check with this convenient pockets, a comfy strap, and a cozy mesh material that ensures breathability in each and every wear.
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This article 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?
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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.
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