It has been said in many publications that the intestines and the brain are deeply connected. The fuel we take in (food) can directly affect our overall health. Many youth feel that they are invincible. They are young, they have lots of energy, they are slimmer than their parents, and their metabolism is really fast. I know from being a parent that my kids can indulge in junk food and be fine the next day, whereas I will feel sluggish, bloated, and have more phlegm in my throat. Sometimes I will get a headache. As a mama and a researcher, I feel obligated to explain the gut-brain connection.
Food intake can send signals to the brain, and sometimes the brain sends information to the intestines before the food is even eaten. Our emotional state can send chemicals to the stomach and intestines, causing butterflies or pain, nausea or elation. This is especially true in cases where a person experiences gastrointestinal upset with no obvious physical cause. It is difficult to try to heal a distressed gut without considering the role of stress and emotion.
If you are suffering from gastrointestinal upsets regularly, try these tips, but always reach out to your health practitioner.
Blessings,
KJ Landis
Food intake can send signals to the brain, and sometimes the brain sends information to the intestines before the food is even eaten. Our emotional state can send chemicals to the stomach and intestines, causing butterflies or pain, nausea or elation. This is especially true in cases where a person experiences gastrointestinal upset with no obvious physical cause. It is difficult to try to heal a distressed gut without considering the role of stress and emotion.
If you are suffering from gastrointestinal upsets regularly, try these tips, but always reach out to your health practitioner.
- Address anxiety with mindfulness and meditation. There are plenty of free classes and apps on the internet.
- Slow down your scheduling. We humans tend to be on the run all of the time, overscheduling activities, afraid to miss out on something. It is ok to say no.
- Practice just a few minutes of slow stretching or yoga daily. The asanas (poses) in every type of yoga are meant to marry the mind, body, and breath. The breath we can control, unlike a lot of automatic functions in the body like the heart beating and the blood flowing through the veins.
- Eat healthy! It really is a simple answer, yet we get tempted by so many media ads and discounts from fast food chains, junk food being on shelves at eye level, and impulse shopping when we are hungry...
Blessings,
KJ Landis
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