Why Menopause Gut Health Bundle is so good

MenoFriend^® contains a targeted blend of 19 ingredients, including 6 botanicals, non-soy phytoestrogens and Vitamin B6 to naturally regulate hormones. Menopausal signs present themselves as the levels of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone decline at different speeds during menopause. The short-term imbalances that are created between the hormones as they decline exacerbate feelings and discomfort until the hormones find a new equilibrium and when your signs should subside. Therefore it’s important to regulate hormones as they naturally decline, so you can thrive during this natural phase. 

Red Clover Extract is a source of phytoestrogens, which are natural plant compounds with oestrogen-like properties. Isoflavones are a specific type of phytoestrogen that has been extensively researched for providing support from menopausal discomfort. The frequency of hot flushes is reduced with the intake of isoflavones, without the side effects that can be experienced with conventional treatments such as HRT.

Wild Yam Root contains ‘diosgenin’, a naturally active plant compound with phytoestrogenic and phytosteroid properties. The compounds are used to help women transition through a calm and comfortable menopause. Research shows that when Wild Yam is taken in combination with other botanicals, including Dong Quai, the blend of botanicals supports a reduction in the number and severity of menopausal signs, including hot flushes, mood changes, poor sleep and insomnia.^7-9

Sage Extract, which has been used for generations of menopausal women, owes its natural attributes to its abundance in polyphenols and particularly to ‘rosmarinic acid’, a very important active component of sage leaf. Research shows that Sage Extract can be beneficial for the number of hot flushes and night sweats, among other signs. One study has shown Sage reduces the intensity of hot flushes by 50% within 4 weeks.

Hops contain one of the most potent phytoestrogens known, called ‘8-prenylnaringenin’ (8-PN). Some research indicates Hops is 8x more potent than other phytoestrogens, and it has been shown to be particularly beneficial during perimenopause.^12-13

Dong Quai, which is also known as the ‘female ginseng’, is one of the most famous herbal remedies in China. It provides a source of phytoestrogens which relieve vasomotor signs (hot flushes and night sweats), particularly when combined with other plants.^7,14

Mung Bean, regularly consumed in Asian countries and particularly by women during menopause, is a type of legume. Mung Bean contains an abundance of isoflavones, polyphenols and polysaccharides amongst many other active compounds. Rich in the protein ‘isolate 8 S globulin’, Mung Bean has been shown to play a role in regulating Insulin levels and glucose metabolism which can otherwise be negatively influenced by hormonal changes.

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Brain fog is the most common sign of menopause. MenoFriend^® can help support brain fog. 

Hormonal changes affect our cognitive function and the ability to think clearly, make decisions and generally function well mentally. As a result, while supporting the changing hormonal levels, it is also important to assist cognitive function so you can thrive through your menopause journey.

Research shows that Sage supports cognitive function during the menopause, helping to maintain memory, reasoning, mental clarity and brain performance.

MenoFriend^® also contains optimal dosages of B vitamins in their most bio-available forms, including Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12. Vitamin B6 is vital for maintaining hormonal balance, while both Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 are vital for our cognitive function and energy before, during and after menopause. MenoFriend^® also contains highly absorbable Vitamin B3 and Vitamin B5 which contribute to psychological function.

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Mental resilience and mood support

• Maca Root, which is a key ingredient in MenoFriend^®, is often referred to as a ‘hormone-balancing wonder’, and has traditionally been used for physical and mental health support, stamina and vitality. Research shows it helps reduce psychological signs, including depression and stress.^20-22
• Isoflavones from Red Clover Extract, phytoestrogens and Hops may help support mood swings, manage stress, and reduce restlessness and irritability. Hops are said to have a soothing effect on the nervous system by acting on GABA receptors in the brain. This, in turn, may support restorative sleep and generally, a calmer state of mind.^12,23
• Magnesium supports the nervous system and psychological wellbeing. Magnesium can help support women’s transition through the menopause because it plays a vital role in supporting a healthy, balanced stress response. Research has shown that a deficiency in magnesium induces anxiety and ‘HPA axis dysregulation’. Magnesium deficiency is much more common in women, particularly if taking a form of oestrogen replacement, like HRT, so It is important to correct the deficiency when entering perimenopause to minimise the potential worsening of menopausal signs.^26-27

Gut health and physical wellbeing

• Other areas of your wellbeing that need support during the menopause include your gut health, including IBS-related signs, bloating, vaginal signs and declining libido.
• The Dandelion Root has traditionally been used for liver support. Rich in Inulin, Polysaccharides, Potassium and Sesquiterpene Lactones, Dandelion Root provides a natural source of Prebiotics and Fibre. Research shows it exerts antioxidant properties, which contribute to gastrointestinal wellbeing.^30-33
• Dandelion has been shown to stimulate the growth of 14 strains of bifidobacteria in vitro and helps reduce the overgrowth of pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria.
• The health of our gut microbiome is essential to our body’s production of hormones - learn more in ‘How menopause affects the gut microbiome’. The Dandelion Root and leaves are commonly used as ‘tonics’ for the gallbladder, and it is taken to support the body’s ability to eliminate the effects of pollution and toxins. As a result, Dandelion Root can support for bloating, abdominal cramps and constipation.^34-36

Intimate wellbeing

• Vaginal discomfort: Vaginal dryness (vaginal atrophy, VA) and dyspareunia (pain during sex) are common signs that can be experienced during menopause, and MenoFriend^® can provide support for VA.
• Vitamin D3 has been shown to keep signs of vaginal discomfort at bay. One study has shown oral Vitamin D supplementation for 12 weeks improved vaginal health outcomes in postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy signs.^38-40
• The vagina’s delicate inner lining is a mucous membrane and Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) within Menofriend^® contributes to the healthy lining of the mucus membranes. 

Libido

• Hot flushes and low libido are among common signs of menopause.
• With its natural plant oestrogens, research has shown Dong Quai to help support libido in men and women. 

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Ensuring uninterrupted sleep by balancing hormonal levels and easing feelings of stress can also help reduce fatigue, all the while supporting optimal energy levels so you can thrive through your daily activities.

B vitamins including Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic acid (B5) all contribute to a reduction in tiredness and fatigue. Kelp is a rich source of Iodine, a key nutrient for the production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function, as well as supporting energy levels. Selenium also contributes to normal thyroid function and protects against oxidative stress, and also provides support to the maintenance of healthy hair and nails.

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Musculoskeletal pain and arthralgia’s are more common in women; their frequency increases with age and can be aggravated by the menopause. After the menopause, oestrogen concentrations decrease dramatically, triggering a greater risk of osteoporosis. MenoFriend^® includes levels of key ingredients to support your muscles and bones, however, taking a high-quality Bone & Muscle Support supplement alongside MenoFriend^® is also recommended when going through menopause. 

Calcium is needed for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, as well as muscle function and neurotransmission.

Vitamin D contributes to the absorption of Calcium. Supplementing with Calcium and Vitamin D could prevent osteoporosis fractures in post-menopausal women.

Vitamin K2 and Vitamin D3 contribute to the maintenance of bones.

Magnesium provides normal muscle function support and some studies shows it may improve bone density and reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women while also improving cells’ sensitivity to hormones, which can help ease menopause signs.

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As women go through the menopause, the changes in hormones and body composition may put them at risk of conditions and medical conditions prone to cardiovascular risks, including obesity and diabetes mellitus.^51,52

Vitamins B6, B12 and Folate, in particular, play an important role in preventing the buildup of the harmful compound referred to as homocysteine, a cardiovascular risk factor.

Menofriend^® includes the Vitamins B6 and B12 in their methylated and biologically active forms for efficient absorption and utilisation by the body.

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Gut Works^® contains a unique formula of prebiotics and 50bn CFU (colony-forming units, which is the number of active bacteria) across six scientifically studied probiotic strains. 

Prebiotics and fibre work synergistically with the gut-friendly bacteria. Prebiotics help feed and stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Inulin is a gut-friendly, soluble fibre that helps improve bowel function by positively influencing intestinal bacteria.

Psyllium Husk contributes to intestinal tract function, helping maintain regularity in bowel movements and facilitating intestinal transit. This helps reduce the toxins that can build up in the body and negatively affect your digestive and overall health.^2,4

Nutrient absorption: Lactobacilli support digestion by improving the integrity of the intestinal lining, which supports nutrient absorption. L.plantarum also plays a key role in supporting iron absorption.

Healthy microflora: Lactobacilli, Bifidobacterium lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus produce lactic acid which changes the environment (the ‘pH’) of their surroundings. Pathogenic (bad) bacteria will not thrive in this new environment so the outcome is a healthier environment for digestive processes to occur and a lower incidence of infections and inflammatory processes.^6,8-9

Overall digestive comfort: Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus casei support a reduction in abdominal bloating and stomach pain by improving the transit time of food through the digestive tract. S. thermophilus may improve lactose intolerance.

Gut Works^® and IBS: The careful selection of strains within Gut Works^® has been clinically shown to support those who experience IBS, a condition associated with an imbalanced gut microbiome.  

Thriving healthy strains of L. acidophilus, B. lactis and S. thermophilus improve the intensity of IBS-associated issues and functional diarrhoea episodes. L. plantarum has also been shown in research to provide vast improvements in flatulence, pain, discomfort and overall quality of life.^12,13-15,18

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Gut Works^® provides key strains of live bacteria, namely Lactobacilli, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus thermophilus, extensively researched for their role in modulating the immune system.^12-19

These bacterial strains do this by strengthening the intestinal barrier, modulating the composition of bacteria in the gut and activating the right cells involved with immune responses, and providing an inhospitable environment for viruses and bacteria.^9-12,16

Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis reduce both the onset of a common cold and its associated characteristics. When combined with other strains, Lactobacilli is most effective and reduces fever by up to 70%. Research shows that incidents of fever, coughing and a streaming nose were reduced by 48%, and the incidence when taken alongside an antibiotic’s course was reduced by 84%.

Streptococcus thermophilus reduces the risk of recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. Studies suggest it may support the health of both ear and oral cavities, minimising infections that arise there.^17-18

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The gut and the brain are strongly interconnected, with over 95% of our serotonin produced in the gut. Gut Works^® helps nourish the gut and optimise the function of our key brain messengers and chemicals for normal mood regulation and brain activity. 

Lactobacillus rhamnosus, included in Gut Works^®, is a bacterial strain known for its communication with the brain, signalling the release of GABA. Higher levels of GABA are associated with reduced feelings of low mood.

The unique combination of prebiotics, fibre and gut-friendly bacteria helps produce short-chain fatty acids, which play an important role in stress and mood.^20-23

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Along with other factors, including diet and lifestyle, supporting your gut microbiome will support your overall wellbeing. Improved gut health, a resilient immune system, along with a calmer state of mind all support mental and physical wellbeing. This is particularly true for those whose gut health issues significantly impact their daily activities and overall quality of life. 

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