6 Organic Hair Products That Will Get Your Locks Looking Luxe

Apr 14, 2015

By now it’s common knowledge that eating clean and green does the body good (we’re looking at you, Lea Michele!), but when it comes to hair health, did you know the products you put on your tresses are just as important as the foods you choose to eat? With Earth Day right around the corner, get coif conscious and nourish your hair with organic, eco-friendly products that actually perform. We’ve gathered the top mane must-haves that are as kind to your hair as they are to the environment.

For a healthy, head-turning silhouette, opt for a gentle, plant-based cleanser that hydrates and renews without stripping hair or weighing it down. Formulated with natural botanicals and essential oils, Avalon Organics Peppermint Strengthening Shampoo ($11) repairs weak, brittle hair while smoothing split ends. The result? A mane that’s radiant and ready for anything.

The Company: Avalon Organics is not only committed to reducing its ecological footprint to help preserve the planet, but its products are also made with 100 percent natural botanicals that are safe and effective.

Conditioner

The right conditioner can completely transform your tresses, so choose one that walks the walk and talks the talk. Intelligent Nutrients Harmonic Conditioner ($9+) features a delicious-smelling blend of certified organic essential oils that help relieve tension, so it’s like you’re having a spa day in the comfort of your own shower. Free of sulfates and parabens, this anti-aging conditioner also moisturizes strands, fights frizz and adds volume.

The Company: Intelligent Nutrients Founder Horst M. Rechelbacher lives by the motto, “Everything we put in and on our bodies must be nutritious and safe.” The company’s products are made with non-toxic, plant-based ingredients, manufactured with 100 percent renewable energy and never tested on animals.

Masque

Rescue your dry, damaged hair with the Onesta Nourishing Moisture Masque ($30). This intense treatment strengthens strands, reduces breakage and delivers weightless shine. Featuring certified organic extracts like aloe vera and thyme, this mega-moisturizing masque will leave you with a silhouette so soft and stunning, you’ll have to take a selfie!

The Company: Not only is Onesta 100 percent offset by wind power, but its packaging is also made from post-consumer resin bottles. This environmentally friendly company also uses 100 percent natural fragrances in all hair care products and donates 10 percent of all net profits to cancer research.

Serum

Ready for glistening, smooth tresses that just won’t quit? Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum ($30) repairs and conditions hair so you’re left with silky, frizz-free strands that feel like you just left the salon. Crafted with jojoba oil, avocado oil and vitamin E and free of dyes or synthetic fragrances, this 100-percent pure argan oil won’t weigh down your hair or fade your color.

The Company: Josie Maran Cosmetics is dedicated to enhancing the natural beauty of its customers and the earth. The company uses eco-friendly packaging and pure, fair-trade argan oil that is grown and harvested responsibly by co-ops of Moroccan women who earn a living wage.

Hairspray

Give your locks the hold they deserve with a hairspray that sustains both your style and the atmosphere. Yarok Feed Your Hold Style-Sustaining Hair Spray ($13+) is an all-natural, non-aerosol, non-sticky, alcohol-free product that boasts a medium-weight control. You can feel comforted knowing the earth is protected and your ‘do will last all day.

The Company: Yarok is focused on making a positive impact on the earth. The company primarily uses certified-organic ingredients that are responsibly harvested and donates three percent of its annual profits to The Pachamama Alliance, a non-profit that protects rain forests in the Amazon.

Dry Shampoo

Prolong the life of your blowout and give your strands new life with Dr. Hauschka Silk Body Powder ($35). This organic one-product wonder absorbs excess oil from the hair, helps skin maintain a healthy pH balance, absorbs perspiration and can be used as a face powder for a matte finish. We’re sold!

The Company: The mission of Dr. Hauschka is “to support the healing of humanity and the earth.” The company’s products are made with high-quality, natural ingredients that are cruelty-free, synthetic-free and responsibly sourced. Dr. Hauschka also owns and maintains biodynamic plant gardens to ensure its ingredients are harvested safely and ethically.

Do you have a favorite organic, eco-friendly hair product? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us at @britandco.

The 8 Best Leave-In Conditioners To Quickly Repair Dry, Damaged Hair

I'm officially ready to emerge from my winter haze and re-acclimate to warmer temps and being outside! First things first though, my hair has been pretty neglected over these dry and dehydrating winter months. In order to get my hair back to it's glossy and healthy normal for summer, I've been using leave-in conditioners to help re-store its shine.

Leave-in conditioners help so much to revitalize your hair and bring back some gloss to it, as well as helping get rid of its dried out state that can occur in winter. I asked some of my favorite hair experts what they think about leave ins: Are they a myth? Or do they really help? So keep reading to see what they say!

What are the benefits of leave-in conditioner?

Photo via Pexels/ Nataliya Vaitkevich

One of the best things leave-in conditioner does for you is moisturize dry or damaged hair. It helps to really lock in the moisture so that it can look healthier as well as preventing your hair from any future damage that it may be exposed to. Hair stylist and expert Marwa Bashir says this about leave-ins, "A leave-in conditioner is one of the most beneficial products for your hair. A leave-in conditioner will protect , moisturize and nourish all hair types. In my arsenal of products the first step for my wavy hair is always a leave-in conditioner, my favorite is SUNCATCHER from R+Co. This product is great to use on damp hair, as well as dry when the hair may feel a bit dehydrated."

Is leave-in conditioner good for your hair?

Photo via Pexels/Yan Krukau

Leave-in conditioner is great for your hair because it has time to really soak into the hair and soothe any dry or brittle ends you may have. It also strengthens any dry ends to allow them to get stronger and prevent them from breaking as easily in the future. It can also prevent your hair from damage via sun, rough sleeping, or heat. Our resident hair expert, Marwa Bashir says, "A leave-in conditioner layered over dry waves or curls can also help revive the shape of the coils or ropey waves." We love to hear that!

Briogeo Don't Despair Hair Treatment

I've been using this hair treatment for about two years now and it has to be one of the BEST things I've done with my hair care routine in a long time. I use a lot of heat from curling irons and blow dryers so my hair has a lot of dryness. I was looking for something that would help with my breakage and dead ends so I could grow out my hair more and this seriously worked like magic. It made my hair feel so hydrated just after two uses and now that I've been using it for so long, I don't think I can go back; it's just that good! Could not recommend this one more! Definitely add to cart.

Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream

With over 800 reviews at Nordstrom, most of which are 4 stars and above, this is one of the most highly-rated leave-in conditioners I've seen. It is certainly well loved with reviews saying things like, "Do yourself a favor and go ahead and order! This stuff is amazing! It adds tons of shine and closure to ends. Cuts out all frizz nicely. My hair feels great...not to mention, the smell is AMAZING! I have extremely thick hair and I literally use a dime size amount. I know it seems expensive up front, but it will last a long time. I’m hooked!!!" Wow that sounds like a stellar product to me!

Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

This is one of those products I hate because it's so good!!! I used this once and genuinely noticed a big difference in my hair and hated that because of its more expensive price point. But I promise you, it actually does work and IS worth the hype unfortunately. Try it once and you'll see! The difference in your hair is immediate and game-changing. Another product that lives up to the hype!

Oribe Leave-In Detangler

Another amazing Oribe product that I love. This one can be used to help detangle your hair and smoothen it from any clumps to prevent further breakage. It just helps loosens up the hair and moisturizes it leaving it with a silky, smooth finish. This is a great one to use after the shower to give it an extra shine.

Moroccan Oil All-In-One Leave-In

This is a budget friendly option listed at only $14! It also has amazing reviews and is the complete package as an all-in-one item! It helps to detangle your hair, soften any breakage or split ends, and prevent damage from heat. It's also perfect for any and all hair types!

Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In

Over 2300 stunning reviews?! Sign us up! This product is well-loved for a reason! Another hair product for all hair types but this one helps to protect from heat of up to 450 degrees! That sounds so ideal for me, as someone who frequently uses heat on her hair! I would say this one is perfect for you if you heat-style your hair often.

Curlsmith Weightless Air Dry Cream

Where are my beautiful curly-haired girlies at?! I have the most amazing leave-in conditioner for you that is only $12 and has incredible reviews. This mask is so helpful because it moisturizes your hair while improving your curl texture. We love a dual purpose! This mask is definitely a must for anyone with curly hair!

Since our hair expert Marwa Bashir said that leave-ins even work well on dry hair, we definitely recommend trying it that way to revitalize some of your curls for some extra bounce!

Aveda Botanical Intensive Strengthening Mask

If you have intense breakage or pretty frail hair like me then look no further! This mask does an amazing job of strengthening those frail, broken ends on your hair and preventing any further damage from occurring. I love it because I notice my hair get stronger and not have as many broken ends. It's also paraben-free which I love. You just leave it in for a few minutes and voila! Your hair is shiny and luxurious!

Now that your hair is on its way to looking luxurious, try out one of our Easy Hairstyles For Work!

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

Mandy Teefey’s Go-To Hack Will Make Social Media Suck Less

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

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7 Eye-Opening Environmental Documentaries to Stream

Over the past several years, climate change has become an increasingly prevalent and unavoidable issuein our everyday lives. As a growing number of people take the threat of global disaster seriously, we're turning to written reports, expert opinions, and heavily researched documentaries to not only help make sense of where we stand, but also to learn how we can help change course. In honor of Earth Day, here are a few of the most eye-opening environmental documentaries you can stream right now.

Environmental Documentaries To Watch For Earth Day 2024

Image via PBS Digital Studios

Animal IQ (2021): Featuring elephants, foxes, otters, and more, this new series from PBS Digital Studios and Nature takes a look at the intelligence of Earth's animals with a new episode every three weeks. In each installment, Trace Dominguez and Natalia Borrego talk to experts and conduct research to determine how and if animals can actually think.

Image via Gisle Sverdrup/Silverback/Netflix

Our Planet(2019): Unlike the BBC's beloved Planet Earth and Blue Planet series, Our Planet focuses directly on how each ecosystem featured is currently being threatened by climate change. One scene in particular has caused an appropriately dramatic reaction: a group of Russian walruses falling down a steep rock cliff to their deaths. Narrator Sir David Attenborough explains that receding ice levels have left fewer places for the animals to gather, highlighting just how devastating the warming of the planet has already become.

Image via Netflix

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014): Made by the same team who brought us 2017's controversial What the Health documentary,Cowspiracy is, on its surface, a look at the damaging environmental effects of the livestock industry. Like What the Health, much of the information is presented from a very pro-vegan perspective, and not a lot of balanced reporting is offered. Still, it can serve as a starting point to learn about how meat production uses more resources and contributes more to global greenhouse gas emissions than, say, a plant-based diet, and that may help us make more informed food choices.

Image via Netflix

Chasing Coral (2017): Coral reefs not only serve as a nurturing and essential environment to all ocean life, but also help protect coastlines from flooding during extreme weather events. Unfortunately, due to warming sea temperatures, overfishing, pollution, and other human activities, their vivid, beautiful ecosystems are facing rapid decline. Chasing Coral attempts to document this "coral bleaching" and the devastating economic and environmental effects it could have — as well as the wider problems it may represent. (photo via Netflix)

Image via Tiberius Film/Sunfilm Entertainment

The Milk System(2017): Milk has always represented health, nutrients, and strong bones but The Milk System dives into how the system in question really operates. Speaking with farmers, dairy owners, scientists, and more, this Earth Day documentary examines the profits, responsibilities, and costs of this billion dollar industry.

Image via Pastic Oceans

A Plastic Ocean(2016): In the face of realizing its irreversible environmental effects, the world is slowly moving toward banning many single-use plastics. A Plastic Ocean starts out as a documentary on blue whales but quickly turns into a study on the devastating effects that plastic pollution has had in the lives of ocean animals, from the whales, to dolphins, to seals, and more. It's an eye-opening look at what our plastic use is doing to these creatures, and to the state of much of our own food supplies.

Image via Netflix

Kiss the Ground (2020): This full-length documentary, narrated by Woody Harrelson, looks at the way regenerative agriculture (which focuses on topsoil regeneration) has the potential to feed the world, replenish water supplies, and even balance our climate. Activists, scientists, farmers and politicians take part in this move towards saving the planet's topsoil.

What Earth Day environmental documentaries are you streaming this month? Tag us on Instagram and check out our Earth Day page for more inspo!

Lead image via Gisle Sverdrup/Silverback/Netflix

This post has been updated.

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Ryan Gosling Is The Ultimate Girl Dad

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

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Dealing With Stubborn Bloating? An Expert Shares How To Banish It

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.

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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.

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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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