Would you believe that stress––just STRESS, alone––can throw off the good/bad bacteria balance in your gut because the gut and brain are intricately related? 😳
For example, when we're stressed, our body's fight-or-flight response kicks in to "protect" us. That response can affect the contractions of our gastrointestinal tract, which is why it can cause occasional symptoms like stomach aches, cramps, diarrhea, or constipation.😣
You might say the gut and the brain are constantly texting each other through the vagus nerve and various chemical messengers. This keeps everything running smoothly 💚. But when we're stressed, that messaging gets interrupted, which can impact our mood, thinking ability, and even sensations of GI pain. It can also affect production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin.
🌟The GOOD news? You have more power than you know! Just by using destressing techniques like the ones listed below, you can positively affect your gut health. You can reduce the physical stress that contributes to gut health issues, constipation, and tense pelvic floor muscles.
PRACTICAL WAYS TO EASE STRESS
• Relaxation techniques (e.g., yoga, breathing exercises, meditation) For FREE Yoga, and exercises, head to Shaklee.com
• Connecting with others
• Keeping a journal
• Exercise
• Getting enough sleep
🤔 Do these seem like small things? They aren't to your body! Even 15 minutes of destressing a day can support a healthy gut and have significant benefits for your mental and digestive health! 🧘🏾♀️
➡️ Do you have any go-to strategies, tools, tips, apps for managing stress? Please share with us in the comments below!
Comments