3. Stress shuts down your digestion
When we’re stressed (in ‘fight or flight’ mode), our digestion slows down.
Our bowels tense up and gastric juices stop flowing. Our cortisol levels rise, leading to sugar and carb cravings. These sugars feed the bad bacteria in our gut – leading to more bloating and gut imbalance.
It’s a vicious cycle!
Our bowels tense up and gastric juices stop flowing.
Over time, chronic stress also leads to gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut flora), as well as inflammation and damage to the gut lining.
So what do we do about it?
- Eat a diet filled with fresh, plant-based wholefoods – these contain prebiotics to feed the good bacteria in our gut. I recommend following the Healthy Plate formula – learn more about this in my Facebook group! And check out my wholefood recipe books here!
- Consider a gut microbiome stool test to identify whether you have a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which strains are missing and which are overgrown.
- Manage stress levels to activate the parasympathetic nervous system for healthier digestive function. Find a practice and daily habits that work for you – whether yoga, getting out in nature, deep belly breathing, dancing, reading or getting professional help.
- Consider certain strains of probiotics that help strengthen the gut brain connection and support mood and mental health. These include L Acidophilus, B Bifidum, L Helveticus, L Rhamnosus, L Plantarum, L Casei and B Longum.
- Supplement with nutrients that support brain health – studies show that omega 3s, magnesium, B vitamins, zinc and glutamine are particularly helpful for mood and brain function.
Originally published here.
With over 16 years experience in health education and research, Sofia is a Gut Health Coach, Certified Integrative Health Practitioner and Essential Oil Specialist. Sofia holds postgraduate qualifications in public health (MPH). As a finalist in the Local Business Awards, Sofia’s work has been published in peer reviewed health journals, The Natural Parent Magazine and Thrive Global.
Gut health is her life passion! After struggling with her own son’s severe reflux and digestive problems, Sofia healed and transformed both her son’s and her own gut using a combination of diet, natural remedies and removing household chemicals. She now teaches this same holistic approach that brings together mindset, food and home in her Healthy Gut Reset program and 1:1 Gut Health Practitioner services.
As founder of The Natural Switch, Sofia has helped over 500 women kickstart a healthier, low tox lifestyle and take simple steps to love and nourish their gut, nurture their soul and detox their life. Visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
