Gut Health Archives Page 2 of 2 - Granite Peaks Gastroenterology of Utah

Your Brain’s Impact on Your Gut

Our digestive system has lots of nerves and is tightly connected with the brain. When your brain is communicating stress, anxiety and upset, your digestive tract is likely to follow its lead. This is why some people who experience prolonged, high levels of stress may develop worsened symptoms of their digestive conditions such as difficulty swallowing, diarrhea, constipation, increased acid reflux and worsened irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms. Gaining control of your stress by talking with specialists who can help you manage your symptoms is the next step.

Addressing Your Stress

Find the stress management tools that work for you. It may be meditation, music, exercise, meditation. Physical activity can release endorphins, which can boost your mental state and reduce the toll stress takes on it too. Eating foods that help reduce cortisol, a stress hormone, such as salmon, almonds, foods high in magnesium, and vitamin c are a few options to try.

Consider talking to a mental health specialist who may be able to help you reframe your thoughts to see things in a more positive light. Learn new life skills to help you manage areas that are chronic stressors for you.

Your Stress is Under Control

If you’re not stressed and you have digestive symptoms like the ones mentioned above, it’s time to talk to a gastroenterology specialist who can pinpoint the cause of your issues. At Granite Peaks Gastroenterology, they will carefully consider your symptoms to find the solution, helping find the relief you need to feel better and achieve your best health.

Keeping your gut moving is important to your digestive and overall health. There are a few reasons why your gut may not function as well as it could, ranging from poor diet and lifestyle choices to illness or disease. This may lead to constipation, sluggishness, and bloating. With the items you can control, like diet and lifestyle, making smart decisions can help you feel better. What can you do to keep your gut in good shape the way it should?

Eat Healthy Fats

Fat sometimes gets picked on when people talk about eating a healthy diet. Healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, in the proper amounts, are essential to good health. Healthy fats help you feel full, reducing the chances of overeating. Fish, seafood, nuts, seeds, plant oils and fortified foods are good sources of the omega-3 fatty acids. Add these along with plenty of nutritious fruits, vegetables and water to your healthy diet.

Manage Stress

When you’re stressed, your body tends to experience the “fight or flight” response. This is in direct opposition to the “rest and digest” response that your body tends to have when you’re eating food. Stress diverts blood away from your digestive system, making it more likely that you might experience poor digestion. Practice stress management techniques that may include regular exercise and meditation for ongoing stress relief, and ultimately, better digestion.

Eat Attentively

Sometimes the simplest solution is the key. Eating slowly and with intention can help your digestive system perform better. Chewing your food thoroughly helps your body absorb nutrients more effectively. The longer you chew, the more saliva you produce, which breaks down food before it hits your stomach and intestine. This gives your body more time to register how much you’ve eaten and send the signal to stop before you over-eat.

Living a healthy life includes caring for your digestive system by making smart choices. Eat a well-balanced diet of nutritious foods and healthy fats and get a little physical and mental exercise to help manage stress. Your digestive health is important to your overall health. Make the diet and lifestyle choices that help you keep your gut in good shape and help you feel your best.

Category: Gut Health

Stress and Your Digestive System