You’re back to working out, you’re maintaining a healthy diet, you’re staying hydrated, or heck, you’re #1 at closing your rings in the family but you’re still staring at your pooch and thinking when is this going to flatten!? Truth is, you most certainly may be the fittest cutie in the cul-de-sac, but that isn’t the title you are staying so consistent for…
Here are some truths as to why your “pooch” is still your unwelcome accessory even when you’ve done everything to kick it to the curb.
- Inflammation from unknown food allergies sensitivities. Certain food triggers our body in different ways. Gluten is a popular culprit along with dairy, soy, and alcohol. The best way to identify your food sensitivities is through a test, or an elimination diet that removes the major culprits and re-introduces them gradually.
- Your Gut Health. Did you know there are more bacterial cells in your body than human cells? And the ones that live in your intestines are referred to as your “Gut Microbiome”. These play a crucial role in your health with your digestive tract, immune system, and central nervous system. People without inflammation, inflammable and irritable bowel syndrome, and who don’t report weight fluctuation maintain a healthy balance of these microbes. Probiotics as well as a colorful diet of vegetables and fruit are the most common go-to treatments for balancing your gut microbiome.
- Stress. This one seems inevitable on every list. But stress releases a hormone, cortisol. Cortisol does have many important functions for our energy, immune system, and maintaining our blood pressure. But, too much stress means more cortisol! When we are no longer stressed, our body is still enjoying its ample release of blood sugar that in turn becomes stored as fat. See our post on Self-Care & Breathing Exercises if you are feeling stressed or have anxiety. It’s okay to not be okay! Repeat: “I can proactively care for myself by forming self-care habits.”
Diastasis Recti: This is when the abdominal muscles widen and the soft tissue in the middle thins. By the end of pregnancy, this happens in 100% of women. For some lucky individuals, this will repair all on it’s own. For up to 60% of postpartum women, this will remain. This separation can contribute to core weakness, lower back pain, urinary leaks and THE POOCH. A confirmed diagnosis by a Pelvic Floor Clinician along with core exercises can help. At Thrive we can properly diagnose and get to work strengthening and repairing your abdominal muscles. Contact us: Thrive Health + Wellness
To help conquer your pooch, schedule an appointment with a holistic women’s health specialist at Thrive. We are here to support you to identify your symptoms, empathize with your concerns, and arrive at solutions together!
