Stress: is it in your gut?

Have you ever wondered if that sinking feeling you get in your stomach is more than just a symptom? Are you really feeling the stress in your gut?

Is something like that even possible?

Your gut has something called the enteric nervous system. It is often referred to as the “second brain.” It operates in a manner that is partially autonomous of the brain.

A dense network of neurons that controls the gut it contains over one hundred million neurons, more than even your spine. Its primary function is digestion. It therefore controls motility, secretion and blood flow.

While the enteric system speaks to the brain, it can process information and generate responses without relying on your brain. It can therefore regulate your emotional and psychological wellbeing.

Take irritable bowel syndrome. Eating food causing indigestion.

You have to ask, why on earth is food irritating my gut? The human body is designed to eat. To find the answer, we need to look at one of the vital neurotransmitters produced in the gut - serotonin. Almost ninety percent of serotonin is produced here.

Serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating gut motility and bowel movements, and an imbalance can lead to symptoms like diarrhea or constipation, commonly observed in IBS.

Serotonin also regulates your body. So if your serotonin levels are imbalanced, it can trigger an irritable bowel. Stress directly causing an upset stomach.

So what can you do?

The best answer would be to reduce your stress and improve your serotonin levels.

Stress is best reduced by practicing slow diaphragmatic breathing, walking, especially in nature, and spending time with friends and family.

Serotonin is best increased by consuming adequate protein. I don’t mean excess amounts. I mean the right amounts of protein.

Slowly, your gut will heal and food will no longer trigger irritability.

It is not the food, it is the way your body responds to food that is to blame.

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