Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+ Ep. 536 “Fiber Isn’t Optional” – The Most Powerful Way Women in Menopause Lose Weight Naturally | Weight loss & Menopause
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Jan 1, 2026 Explore how fiber is essential for weight loss, particularly for women in midlife. Discover the impact of hormonal changes on weight and metabolic flexibility. Learn how declining estrogen affects gut health and why maintaining fiber intake is crucial for reducing inflammation. Uncover the role of the microbiome in supporting weight loss through short-chain fatty acids. Plus, get practical tips for increasing fiber in your diet sustainably!
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Post-Surgery Fiber Intolerance
- Cynthia Thurlow couldn't tolerate fiber for 18 months after major surgery and prolonged antibiotics.
- She followed a near-carnivore diet for about nine months while recovering gut tolerance.
Hormone Shifts Change Metabolism
- Declining estradiol in midlife reduces insulin sensitivity and promotes weight gain.
- Muscle loss (sarcopenia) also lowers metabolic rate, contributing to altered body composition.
Menopause Lowers Beneficial Gut Metabolites
- Menopause-associated hormone changes reduce short-chain fatty acid production in the gut.
- Fewer SCFAs impair colonocyte nutrition and endogenous GLP-1 signaling, worsening metabolism.
