How Emotions & Stress Affect the Gut
" Reminder your gut is your second brain- take care of it"
Hi friend!
When we think about stress, we often imagine headaches, tense muscles, or feeling overwhelmed. But did you know that stress can also affect your gut health? It might sound surprising, but our gut and our brain are interconnected, and stress can have a big impact on our digestive system.
Our body’s response to stress is unique in that it can manifest both mentally and physically. You're likely familiar with phrases such as “sick to my stomach,” “my stomach is in knots,” and “gut- wrenching.”
The gut is a very complex organ that is responsible for much more than digestion. It has its own nervous system and the majority of our immune system is located in the gut. It also includes a big portion of our endocrine or hormonal system making it the most important regulatory system in our bodies.
Your gut health depends on so much more than what we eat – things like stress, anxiety and our emotions have a huge impact on gut function.
Stress causes physiological changes like increased heart rate and breathing, elevated blood pressure and muscle tension due to the release of the stress hormone cortisol. When the fight-or-flight response in the central nervous system is triggered, it can affect the digestive system as well by causing the esophagus to spasm or increase stomach acid production. Stress could also cause a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the stomach, leading to nausea, cramping, constipation, inflammation or an imbalance of gut bacteria.
So, if you’re looking to improve your overall gut health, you may want to pay attention to your stress levels.
Here are some strategies to work on decreasing stress and therefore improving our gut health:
Practice relaxation techniques: Try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help calm your mind and body and manage stress.
Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics, curcumin, and L-Glutamine are all beneficial options
Physical activity: Aim to move most days throughout the week for at least 30 minutes. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and support overall health, including your gut. Aerobic exercise, yoga, and resistance training are good options.
By taking steps to manage stress and support your gut health, you can improve our overall well-being and feel better both physically and mentally.
What steps can you take if you are struggling with stress and gut health?
XO Jenna
