How to Make a Succulent Hairpin

Bows are all the rage right now. Sandy Liang has been championing the feminine accessory for years, and we’ve really seen a resurgence in bows over the past year. Whether they’re tied to handbags, attached to flowy tops, or worn as hair bows, we’re *so* here for the trend.

Pinterest Predicts reports that the bow trend will only continue to grow in 2024:

"Millennials and Gen Z will embrace the art of "bow stacking" as they adorn their outfits, shoes, hair and jewelry with this oh-so-delicate detail. Bow large or bow small, next year brings bows for all."

Bows for hair are a one-step way to add a dash of charm and inner child whimsy into your everyday looks. Adorn your locks with hair bows to channel vintage-inspired elegance, and overall, look cute AF! Get ready to tie the knot with these 20 darling hair bows.

By Anthropologie Satin Bow Hair Barrette

Bigger hair bows like this one are great contenders for completing a half-up half-down hairstyle.

Urban Outfitters Ribbon Hair Bow Barrette Set

Hair bows that come in sets can be total lifesavers when it comes to a symmetrical hair look.

A New Day Satin Bow Hair Barrette

The satin fabric on this design only amplifies the accessory's femininity. Plus, it'll go easy on your locks.​

Kaiersi Ribbon Bows Hair Clips, Set of 8

With this set of cute hair bows, you'll have an accessory for wearing every day of the week.

Urban Outfitters Satin Hair Bow Barrette Set

If you tend to lean into black-and-white looks, rock some simple cute hair bows like these white ones!

By Anthropologie Velvet Chiffon Bow Clips, Set of 4

You can never have too many cute hair bows! Pick up a pack that'll last you year-round. The best thing about these warm colors is you can match practically any outfit with them!

Tsetuip Large White Lace Hair Bow Clip

The lace material on this hair bow clip gives it even more of a feminine air.

BP. Chiffon Bow Barrette

We are totally in love with the sheer, sparkly fabric that this hair bow is made of.

Urban Outfitters Dolly Satin Lace Hair Bow Barrette

Try wearing the bow trend in different, more out-there colors for something more unique!

Free People Quincy Mini Bows, Set of 4

These tiny, tiny hair bows allow for a wide range of hairstyles. This braid is what bow dreams are made of!

Curried Myrrh Gracie Cable Knit Bow

This cozy hair bow is comfortable enough for all-day wear, thanks to its soft material and easy clip. It'll match with the most casual outfits, too.

Velvet Hair Bows, Set of 2

These velvet hair bows boast double tails, which just gives them more body and visual appeal.

Free People Lady Bow

These frilly hair bows contrast with any hair texture, drawing in visual interest to your lovely locks.

A New Day Organza Bow Hair Barrette

This hair bow would be perfect for donning during special occasions!

Zig Zag Closing Time Bow

For an off-kilter hair bow, this color-studded one makes the ultimate addition to any updo.

Curried Myrrh Bryn Bow

This handcrafted bow will show up all your other hair accessories, since it's one-of-a-kind. Tack it onto the end of a braid, or clip it back to hold your bangs.

Kitsch Chiffon Polka Dot Bow Barrette

The ruffles on this pick are *so* charming.

Urban Outfitters Charming Hair Bow Barrette

Coquette fashion has never been better with some cute hair bows. These pink and white ones feature a lovely little heart charm to up the ante.

Tasha Satin Bow

This basic bow will go with you everywhere this year.

Free People Cozy Petite Bow

Feel the extreme softness in this hair bow's cozy fabric. It lays flat with a longer tail, so your hairstyle never gets boring, even when it's grown out.

Sign up for our newsletter to shop more of the latest trends!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Images via brands.

This post has been updated.

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!

youtu.be

Wondermind Co-Founder Mandy Teefey Helps Us Navigate Big Feelings For Mental Health Awareness Month

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

Get ready to upgrade your hair game and channel some serious 90’s nostalgia with the comeback queen of hair accessories– claw clips! These versatile little clips are not just functional, they can be a style statement all on their own. Whether you're going for a casual brunch or a glamorous night out, this post is your guide to mastering the art of claw clips. From hair twists to half-up half-down hairstyles, hair perfection is just a snap away!

Scünci No-Slip Grip® Basic Claw Hair Clips 3-Pack

These claw clips are tried and true. Each one is fitted with a grippy material on the inside that will help your hair stay put for hours on end.

Square Claw Clips 6-Pack

These subdued colors are great for pairing with any 'fit.

Claw Clips For Thick Hair 8-Pack

If you're a chronic outfit matcher, having a claw clip in every color available can help you coordinate. This colorful pack is a great option for building an ensemble!

Wednesday x Kitsch Checkered Claw Clips 2-Pack

The checkered look is so in right now. Wear the trend in your strands with this cute duo.

Jayongnee Claw Clips For Thick Hair 3-Pack

Thick haired peeps, listen up. You'll want this trio of claw clips for keeping your hair off your neck.

Super Smalls Casual Friday Super Clip

Remember when you used to bedazzle pretty much everything? This nostalgic claw clip features heaps of jewels for a unique look.

Centinelle California Magic Forest Flower Hair Claw

Though spring has come and gone, this flower claw clip will keep the spirit alive.

Winona Irene Bubble Claw

This claw clip will go swimmingly in between your hairs.

Flower Claw Clips 4-Pack

You carry multitudes – of hairstyles, that is! Come prepared for every look with this variety pack of claw clips.

Anna Sui Cat Hair Clamp

Pay homage to your pet with this catty claw clip.

Kitsch Open Shape Gold Claw Clip

This sleek claw clip works well in any hair type!

Edge of Urge Wild Rose Long Claw

This floral claw clip beats *all* claw clips. The color palette is just darling and will turn heads no matter where you are.

Wild Fable Jumbo Cherry Print Claw Hair Clip

This feminine piece is a great one to keep in your bag for any last-minute styling sessions.

Gimme Beauty Thick Hair Claw Clips 2-Pack

For the people with thick hair, these big claw clips will gather your hair seamlessly. They come in neutral, easy-to-pair colors, too, so you aren't left uncoordinated.

Rainbow Claw Clip

Everyone needs a pop of color in their life! This rainbow claw clip brings a burst of sunshine to your hairdo.

Chunks Swirl Claw

This swirly piece reminds us of soft-serve ice cream – which is the perfect reason to clip it in your hair.

Centinelle Lingonberry Bunny Hair Claw

This head-turning hair clip adorns your locks with a cute little bunny pal.

Barbie x Kitsch Assorted Claw Clip Set 3-Pack

Channel big Barbieenergy with this claw clip trio! They come in a range of sizes, so you can put your hair up however you'd like.

Acme Baby Co. Tomatoes Hair Claw

Tomato Girl summer doesn't have to be over! Fuel your European vacation dreams by donning this foodie-favored claw clip.

Chunks Nimbus Claw

This rainbow-covered claw clip makes a total statement!

Emi Jay Sweetheart Claw Clip

Balletcore is thriving at the moment. Stay on-trend with this decorative claw clip.

Edge of Urge Henbane Long Claw

Go for this dark design to literally put flowers in your hair.

Natural Life Octopus Hair Claw Clip

This claw clip has a little bit of every color, so it's sure to match with whatever outfit you're rockin'.

Jayongnee Cherry Claw Clips for Thin Hair 2-Pack

This fruity duo will work those strands any time of year.

Snack Break Glazed Mini Claw in Passionfruit

This multicolored claw clip can be used for full updo's or half-up half-down styles.

Lululemon Large Claw Hair Clip

For the more active, this claw from Lululemon will keep things in check when you're working out.

Machete Grande Tortoise Checker Heirloom Claw

This sturdy claw clip is super eye-catching, thanks to the checkered pattern.

Emi Jay Sweetheart Clip in Heaven Sent

This super-sweet claw clip emits feminine vibes – it would be perfect for sporting to pilates class!

Edge of Urge Serpent Hair Claw

Get a little cheeky with your hair accessories by slipping this slithery serpent in between your locks.

Adorn Emerald City Banana Hair Claw

This deep green hue is ideal for matching with your fall outfits!

More styles are waiting for you to shop! Sign up for our newsletter for everything worthy of adding to your cart.

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Amazon.

This post has been updated.

After The Gray Man and a year full of Barbie and Ken, The Fall Guy (plus the upcoming Ocean's 11 prequelwith Margot Robbie) continues to prove Ryan Gosling is THE definition of a star. And between his friendship with Emma Stone and his relationship with Eva Mendes,Ryan seems like the kind of guy we'd all want to be best friends with — and not just because of his endless #Kenergy.

Not only is Ryan the sweetest partner, he's also the ultimate girl dad to daughters Esmeralda and Amada. Their "interest in Barbie and disinterest in Ken," as Ryan tells People, get him to Barbieland in the first place, but he also just revealed they "asked specifically" he avoid one The Fall Guy stunt. “My kids didn't want me to be set on fire,” he says. “Even though I said, ‘Well, it's actually, technically the safer thing to do because there's a lot of protective stuff involved, [they] were like, ‘No. No fire.’ So I didn't do it.”

It's clear that Ryan Gosling's children are spitfires and I love to see it! Here's everything you need to know about Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's kids.

How many children do Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have?

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have two children, Esmerelda Amada and Amada Lee. Amada was named after Eva's grandmother — both my sister and I have family names and I love seeing the way different families carry on that tradition!

How old are Ryan Gosling's kids?

Image via Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

Esmerelda was born in September 2014, meaning she'll turn 10 this fall. Amada just turned 8 at the end of April!

How does Ryan Gosling prioritize his kids?

Image via Lionsgate

In his recent profile with WSJ, Ryan Gosling revealed he only picks roles that will benefit his whole family. "I don't really take roles that are going to put me in some kind of dark place," Ryan says. "The decisions I make, I make them with Eva and we make them with our family in mind first."

"I think La La Landwas the first," he continues. "It was sort of like, 'Oh this will be fun for them too, because even though they're not coming to set, we're practicing piano every day or we're dancing or we're singing.'"

Every couple needs to figure out what prioritizing their kids looks like for them, and considering how much I love all Ryan's recent roles, I'd say this is a shift that benefits everyone ;).

When did Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have their daughters?

Image via Andrew Toth/Getty Images for New York & Company

Eva Mendes gave birth to Esmerelda on September 12, 2014 and later had Amada on April 29, 2016.

Are Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes still together?

Image via Sonia Recchia/Getty Images

Yes, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are still going strong, and thank goodness. Eva just revealed that Ryan provides a ton of support for her. "When I was 40, it was a big deal for people when I was pregnant, and it wasn't for me," she tells People. "And then I was 42 and I was pregnant with my second one and people were like, 'Oh my God, you're going to be so tired. That's why people have kids in their 20s.' I was like, that's the most sorry, asinine thing I've ever heard."

"[Ryan supports me] in all the ways I need to be supported," she continues. "He's got me in all the ways."

How has fatherhood affected Ryan Gosling?

Image via Hector Vivas/Getty Images

Considering Ryan Gosling's daughters are such a huge part of his life now, it's hard to believe that earlier in life, he wasn't sure he wanted kids. "After I met Eva, I realized that I just didn’t want to have kids without her," he tells GQ. "And there were moments on The Place Beyond the Pines where we were pretending to be a family, and I didn’t really want it to be pretend anymore." Now, I'm going to need you to pause and reread that quote because I can't believe that's a real sentence. I'm obsessed!

A source also told People in 2023 that "Ryan is such a fun dad. He is goofy and his girls love it."

Via WSJ, we also know that since Ryan Gosling's kids have started learning Spanish, they now call him Papi. "It kills me every time," he says. "There's just nothing, nothing better than that."

What has Eva Mendes said about their daughters?

Image via Eva Mendes/Instagram

Eva Mendes is just as obsessed with her and Ryan Gosling's children as he is, and she's talked about how they make life so much better. "Oh April…I have such a complicated relationship with you," she says on Instagram. "[April 2] would have been my brother’s birthday…..in a couple of weeks from now is the day we lost him…but then, the end of April we got the biggest blessing of all, my little girl was born 8 years ago. I hate you April. But I love you more."

Check out our email newsletter for the latest celebrity news and trending content, and check back here for the latest news on Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's kids!

Lead image via Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

Bloating is a common digestive issue that can make you feel sluggish, uncomfortable, and self-conscious. While bloating is often caused by overeating, there are other factors that can contribute to this uncomfortable sensation, such as consuming gas-producing foods or experiencing hormonal changes.

The thing is that bloating happens to the best of us so it doesn't mean you're weird if you haven't figured out what's causing your tummy issues. Between weight fluctuations and hormonal changes post-birth, I still haven't cracked the 'happy digestive system' code. But, that lack of knowledge is no match for the expertise of Dr. Brynna Connor, MD — a Healthcare Ambassador at NorthWest Pharmacy.

Based in Austin, Texas where she has her own private practice, Dr. Connor is a member of the Texas Academy of Family Practice, the American Academy of Family Practice, and the Texas Medical Association. In other words, she has nearly two decades worth of medical experience that makes her the right person to answer all our "How to get rid of bloating" questions.

Whether you're dealing with the occasional bloat or chronic digestive issues, Dr. Connor has expert tips to help you find relief and get back to enjoying healthy meals that your body loves.

How can I tell if I'm bloated?

Image via Polina Zimmerman/Pexels

Before I became a mom, it was easy for me to recognize the immediate signs of bloating. I only experienced it during PMS and the week of my cycle, but it always went away for a few weeks. Not only that, I used to be able to pinpoint which foods were the culprit of horrific period cramps and the inevitable gassiness that seemed to make my cycles 10x worse. Now, things are up in the air and I'm joining the ranks of other curious women who want to know what's considered bloating.

Dr. Connor says, "There are various symptoms a woman may experience if she’s bloated. Bloating may make you feel like your stomach is tight or full and can cause abdominal pain, swollen/distended stomach, flatulence, belching, and/or stomach cramps. It’s not uncommon to experience multiple symptoms of bloating at once."

I don't think I need to mention just how uncomfortable things can feel when experiencing multiple bloating symptoms.

What triggers bloating symptoms?

Image via cottonbro studio/Pexels

I mentioned my daily cycle as one of the reasons I knew I used to experience bloating, but there are more things that can trigger it. "Bloating occurs when your gastrointestinal or digestive system(s) are filled with gas or liquid and there are six common potential causes," says Dr. Connor.

She lists having gas as one of the first reasons. "It’s normal to experience symptoms of excess gas, especially after eating and/or drinking as you may have also swallowed small amounts of air. Certain factors may increase the likelihood that you experience bloating after eating, such as chewing gum, drinking carbonated beverages, and/or eating or drinking too fast."

Hearing this reminds me of the moments I was told to slow down when eating my food as a little girl.

Image via Maksim Goncharenok/Pexels

There's also the chance that you have a food intolerance. I only speak for myself when I say that I'm only able to consume dairy in small increments and tomato sauce? Well, I can just forget that because lately my stomach skips bloating and heads right to nausea. What gives, you ask?

Dr. Connor says, "You can experience bloating if your digestive system has trouble breaking down certain foods. Common food intolerances that can lead to bloating include lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, and/or fructose intolerance." Feeling mind-blown about possibly having a fructose intolerance? Same here, but Dr. Connor explains what happens when our body breaks down certain foods.

"There are also chemicals found in particular foods that can increase the chances of bloating after they’re ingested, including histamine (found in wine and cheese), caffeine, alcohol, sulfites (found in beer and wine), and monosodium glutamate (MSG – found in ripe fruit and cured meat)," she says.

If you're hearing someone play the world's smallest violin, it's me mourning the fact that my two greatest loves — wine and cheese — may not be the best things to consume together.

Image via Miriam Alonso/Pexels

I can say it's been a while since I've been constipated, but only because my doctor all but demanded that I start taking probiotics and eating more probiotic-rich foods. Still, it always sucks when constipation happens which explains the bloating that tends to follow.

"When your large intestine absorbs too much water from your stool, it becomes harder and more difficult to pass. The resulting buildup of stool in your colon can lead to bloating, swelling, and stomach/abdominal pain, and you’re particularly susceptible to constipation if you’re not getting enough fiber, water, or exercise. Changes to your daily routine or an increased level of stress can also contribute to constipation and bloating," says Dr. Connor.

Somehow this is oddly comforting to know that stress can also be a culprit.

Image via Karolina Grabowska/Pexels

Like I mentioned before, starting your period is one of the reasons you can experience bloat. What Dr. Connor says next will occupy a space in your mind if you're never considered what happens during that special time of the month.

"Certain hormones, like estrogen, can cause your body to hold onto water, which can cause swelling in the abdomen. Estrogen can also interact with progesterone in your digestive system, leading to increased gas in your intestines. Bloating prior to your period may also be caused by the increase in volume in your uterus just before your period starts," she says.

Image via Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

I've been prescribed different medications after two of my surgeries and found that I experienced unusual bloating that led to horrific cycles. Dr. Connor says there's a reason why certain medications or supplements can cause this to happen.

"...fiber supplements can cause bloating or constipation when the supplement isn’t taken with enough water. Other medications that can lead to bloating and/or constipation include opioids like hydrocodone or oxycodone, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, iron supplements, and antihistamines like Benadryl," she offers.

Although I no longer take Benadryl, I can confirm I experienced a ton of bloating when trying to combat my allergies.

Image via cottonbro studio/Pexels


Lastly, Dr. Connor says there could be underlying medical reason you're experiencing bloating. "People living with gastrointestinal diseases like Celiac Disease, an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome are more likely to experience bloating, excess gas, and constipation."

She also says, "Underlying liver disease or cancers can also cause bloating in the abdomen, which is why you should talk to your doctor if you are experiencing prolonged symptoms associated with bloating, or if you’re having any additional symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, or pelvic pain, blood in your stool, difficulty swallowing, or any excess fatigue or unexplained weight loss."

What are some ways to reduce bloating in general and during PMS/menstrual cycles?

Image via KoolShooters/Pexels

Dr. Connor says managing bloating can depend on what's triggering your symptoms. It's always best to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you concerned about your digestive health, but there are things you can do at home to provide some relief.

"At-home solutions include over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Gas-X or antacids that can be taken together or separately. Probiotics can also help reduce gas and restore the balance of bacteria in your digestive tract. Herbal remedies like peppermint, chamomile tea, or turmeric, can aid digestion, and peppermint oil can help relax muscles in the stomach that aid in the passing of gas."

She also suggests that you increase your fiber intake, incorporate exercise in your routine, and stay hydrated.

By taking steps to reduce bloating, you can improve your overall health and feel more comfortable in your daily life.

Want more health tips? Sign up for our email newsletter!

This post has been updated.

Header photo by Anete Lusina/ PEXELS