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Digestion & Stress

Did you know that one of the biggest obstacles our digestive system faces is our own stress? Stress releases a hormone called cortisol, which essentially tenses up our bodies and makes it more difficult for ‘unessential’ systems to do their work efficiently. As far as the digestive system goes, this means that when we’re stressed, we’re much more likely to experience things like indigestion, heartburn, and bloating. In addition, research has found that increased cortisol levels can also negatively affect gut health – in essence, it throws the balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria out of order. Since 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, an imbalance in the diverse bacterial ecosystem there can lead to significant issues in immunity.

Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” is a natural response to stress. Its primary function is to prepare the body for a ‘fight or flight’ situation by redirecting resources away from non-essential functions, like digestion, and towards the systems that would help us escape a dangerous situation. While this mechanism is valuable in emergency situations, chronic stress can lead to consistently elevated cortisol levels, which take a toll on our digestive health.

When cortisol levels are high, blood flow to the digestive organs is reduced, which slows down digestion and can lead to discomfort. Moreover, the body’s production of digestive enzymes is hindered, making it harder to break down food. These combined effects can result in symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Furthermore, cortisol disrupts the balance of bacteria in the gut. The gut is home to a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, including both beneficial and harmful bacteria. An imbalance in this ecosystem can have far-reaching effects on our overall health. Excessive cortisol can promote the growth of harmful bacteria at the expense of beneficial ones, potentially leading to gut dysbiosis. Since the gut plays a crucial role in our immune system, an imbalanced gut can compromise our ability to fight off infections and diseases.

The link between stress and digestion is undeniable. Chronic stress can wreak havoc on our digestive system, leading to discomfort, disrupted gut health, and compromised immunity. However, there are effective strategies to mitigate these effects. Mindfulness meditation offer holistic approaches to reduce stress, improve digestion, and promote overall well-being. By incorporating these techniques into our daily routines, we can strike a balance between the demands of modern life and the health of our digestive systems, ultimately leading to a happier, healthier life.

References:
Mayo Clinic. “Chronic Stress Puts Your Health At Risk”

Starkel Nutrition. “Stress, Cortisol, and the Digestive System”

National Library of Medicine. “Effects of mindfulness meditation on serum cortisol of medical students”

UCLA Health. “If you want to boost immunity, look to the gut”