Weekly Digestive Health Tips (Stress)

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our every day schedule. The Monday morning blender can jolt your right out of that relaxing weekend as you get thrust into mayhem. Your week soon becomes consumed with juggling a myriad of demanding tasks, taking care of kids, running errands, jumping from one meeting to another, walking the dog, etc. It can all take a toll on your health, especially when it affects your digestion.

Stress causes your nervous system to shift into a state that is not conducive for digestion. Because of the pressures of modern life many of us are living in a constant state of “fight or flight”. In this state your digestive system does not create adequate hydrochloric acid and thus digestion can not proceed properly. Think about it, when you are fighting or running the last think your body is focused on is digestion. If you eat when in this mental state, how well do you think you will digest your food? And if your food doesn’t digest properly, how nourished do you think your body can be? A poorly nourished body doesn’t work properly or stay healthy long. Consequently it is important to learn how to slow your body down and shift out of “fight or flight” and into the “rest and digest” state. To achieve this, take some time to relax before a meal. Try to eat in an atmosphere that promotes relaxation (hint: your car is not that place). Getting away from the tasks and eating with friends is a good way to take a break from your day and have some enjoyment around meal time. The moral of the story: Stay relaxed around meal time. Your body will thank you for it…with good health!