
Episode #94
Ep94 Always Bloated, Tired & Anxious? Your Gut Could Be the Missing Piece
Have you ever noticed that stress seems to show up in your stomach? Perhaps you lose your appetite before a big meeting. Maybe anxiety leaves you craving sugar or comfort food. Or you notice more bloating, constipation, reflux or digestive discomfort when life feels particularly busy. That’s because your brain and gut are constantly communicating. In this episode of the Happy Thriving Mums podcast Amanda explores the gut-brain connection and why it can become even more important during perimenopause. During perimenopause, fluctuating oestrogen, disrupted sleep, increased stress and changes in inflammation can all influence this conversation. It’s one reason why many women in their 40s and beyond may experience changes in digestion, food tolerance, bowel habits, energy and emotional wellbeing—and simply find themselves thinking: “I don’t quite feel like myself.” In this episode, Amanda shares: What the gut-brain connection is and how your brain and gut communicateWhy stress can affect digestion, appetite and gut symptomsHow the pressures of motherhood and constantly being “on” can influence your bodyWhy perimenopause may bring changes to digestion and gut healthHow fluctuating oestrogen can affect the gut microbiome and gut liningWhy your gut microbiome matters for immune, gut and brain healthHow food provides information for both your body and the bacteria that support your healthWhy looking after your gut isn’t only about what you eatThree simple ways to support your gut-brain connection without chasing perfection Because supporting your gut isn’t about achieving perfect digestion or following another restrictive health plan. It’s about creating the conditions where your brain and body can communicate more effectively—and work together rather than against one another. If you’re a busy mum navigating perimenopause, feeling stressed, overwhelmed or unlike yourself, this episode will help you understand why your body may be responding the way it is—and remind you that small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference. Remember, thriving isn’t about feeling happy all the time or having everything together. It’s about building the habits, strength and resilience that help you keep moving forward—even when life feels messy. If this episode resonated with you, please follow the Happy Thriving Mums podcast, leave a review or share it with another mum who might need to hear it. ✨ Sign up for my newsletter and I’ll share my favourite simple tips to support you wherever you are in your perimenopause and motherhood journey. Every fortnight I share inspiration, ideas and easy ways to become a happier, healthier version of yourself - not perfect, but in love with all your imperfections. Together, we can help more women feel stronger, more confident and better supported through motherhood and perimenopause. When we can be the best version of ourselves and that is great for everyone https://subscribepage.io/radiatefitness-and-happy-thriving-mums-newsletter Say hi Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/amandareidyradiatefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiatefitnessuk Email: amanda@radiatefitness.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556581364525 Website: https://www.radiatefitness.co.uk/


