GUT PUNCH | How stress affects digestion
Chances are, you've used the term "gut-wrenching" to explain the feeling in your stomach during an emotional situation. You may feel nauseous before a first date or have to run to the bathroom before a big presentation (okay, these may or may not be personal examples). This is because when you feel mental strain, one of the first places it manifests is in your stomach.
If the relationship between stress and gut health was defined by Facebook standards, it would be listed as "It's Complicated." The stress-digestion connection is seriously complex and has been studied extensively by doctors, especially in recent years. Your gut is controlled by the central nervous system and a network of neurons that line the gastrointestinal system. The gastrointestinal system controls things such as the enzymes that break down food and how the body differentiates between nutrients and waste. Stress can mess with all of these functions. It triggers a "flight-or-flight" response in your central nervous system which releases hormones that result in physiological changes. Some of these changes can affect your digestive system, resulting in indigestion, nausea, and other things that might have you sprinting to the bathroom.
Abbey Taylor, AFPA certified nutritionist explains, "Your gut contains neurons exactly like the ones in your brain and they interact with each other through neurotransmitters. Essentially, your gut is an entire nervous system of its own. Therefore, mental stress or depression or anxiety can signal to your gut that something isn’t right." This means that stress can cause gastrointestinal issues OR gastrointestinal issues can cause stress. Taylor says that it is worth noting that microbes made in your gut can trigger chemicals that directly affect your brain. She comments, "Stress doesn’t just affect digestion, it’s cyclical."
If all this science talk is giving flashbacks to high school biology, don't worry. While the relationship between stress and digestion is super complicated, there are few key takeaways. A balanced diet will aide your body in coping with the physiological effects of stress. Don't forget that endorphins are a real thing, people. Exercise can help you relieve both physical and mental tension. Butterflies are nice and all, but nobody wants the constant feeling of fluttering in their stomach. Since your stomach is needy and super sensitive to your emotions, it is important identify personal triggers and explore ways to reduce stress. This, in conjunction with a healthy diet, will keep both your brain and gut happy.
