The Health Diva

You may have noticed a feeling of unease in the abdomen during times of stress. Stress effects the nerves of the digestive system and can upset the intricate balance of digestion. In some people stress slows the process of digestion, causing bloating, pain and constipation while others may need to frequently empty their bowels and the stools may be more loose and watery. Stress can worsen some conditions such as peptic ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome.

Most digestive symptoms are caused by the ‘fight or flight’ response diverting the body’s resources away from digestion; in an emergency the body deems digestion to be unnecessary!

Combination of stress, and poor diet, and not taking time to eat, is a recipe for the modern epidemic that is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Stress also depletes levels of Probiotics or ‘friendly bacteria’ found naturally in the gut. Probiotics help maintain proper digestion, and are essential to protect our gut from harmful bacteria, and yeast invaders, which are commonly associated with many gut disorders. Natural sources of friendly bacteria include fermented dairy products organic yoghurt, buttermilk, and Kefir, also eating raw fruits and vegetables such as garlic help provide pre-biotics, which help the friendly bacteria to establish in our gut.

Many people take daily probiotic drinks, however these often have high levels of sugar, and are easily destroyed by stomach acids. A good way to ensure you are getting enough probiotics, is to take a daily probiotic supplement, these supplements are designed to be protected from the stomach acids and be disburse lower down the gut where we need them.

Stress hormones deplete our ability to produce important digestive enzymes herbs such as artichoke, gentian and dandelion, are classed as bitters herbs, and taken before a meal can help improve digestive functioning.

Digestive enzyme supplements can be taken with food to enhance our ability to digest carbohydrate, fats, and protein rich foods. Lower levels of digestive enzymes have been linked to developing food intolerance.