They say long term chronic stress is almost as bad as smoking…
They say long term chronic stress is almost as bad as smoking, ie it impacts our health negatively, and could even kill us! Quick bursts of stress are helpful: motivating us into action and helping us achieve our day to day goals, but research tells us constant exposure to long term chronic stress creates havoc physically. If left unchecked it can cause disease. Stress hormones flood our body and as our stomach clenches, we stop absorbing nutrients efficiently, and our gut microbiome alters. The gut is one place in the body where we feel fear, dread and worry, literally the gut is our second brain! Many people experience chronic long term gut pain, discomfort, and inflammation, and stress is a major contributor.
A balanced gut microbiome is essential to dealing with stress, so let’s look at ways we can support our gut to improve our stress response, and minimise its impact. We are living through a time in history where we are facing stressful events globally, and it feels as though big stress could attack us at any moment. Environmental catastrophes such as floods, tornados and earthquakes, a world wide pandemic, climate change issues, inflation, financial woes, petrol and food costs escalating, a world war..... You name it, big stressors are constantly hovering in the background. Nurture and take care of your gut so your body stays well and you can cope better during these more challenging times.
Essentially we want to feed the good bacteria, and manage the stress at the same time. So what can we do?
• Eat a balanced diet. This is the first step and there’s 2 components that are especially relevant to gut health: I call it WTF and WT double F! (Where’s The Fibre and Where’s The Fermented Foods?) Both are necessary to help deal with stress. (It also helps to release stress just saying WTF and WT double F out loud! :) Eat fibre at every meal (think fruit, vegetables, whole-grains, legumes, nuts and seeds etc), fibre gives the beneficial bacteria the food it needs to thrive. The second component is Fermented food (ideally 2 serves a day) as this will bring in a constant supply of good bacteria for the gut. Try Living Goodness: Sauerkraut, kimchi, or Yum Dip. Fresh and tasty and full of beneficial bacteria. Living Goodness products are gluten free and the flavours are absolutely delicious. They add colour, taste and nutrition to meals and help gut to fight stress! I’m a huge fan of sauerkraut because it’s a fermented food and vegetable fibre in one product!
• Move. Exercise burns up cortisol (the stress hormone), aids digestion, and helps food move through the gut efficiently. Studies also show people who are physically active have a healthier gut microbiome. It’s like dominoes. Everything affects everything. Exercise helps the gut, and having a healthy gut means our mood is likely to be better so we are more likely to exercise!
• Sleep: Good quality sleep reduces stress and is linked to improved gut bacteria. Same with relaxation. If you can’t take a long holiday incorporate small breaks into your day and week. Mini vacations and things that bring joy. Your gut will thank you. Joy is an essential nutrient! It may be as small as a walk in nature, or sitting quietly somewhere with a cup of tea. It’s the small things we do every day that make the difference when beating stress and your gut will thank you for. Knowing you are taking action to beat stress reduces the stress itself, as feeling in control of our health helps.
So start today: Add some Living Goodness goodness to each meal, move, go to bed early and plan some mini holidays that bring joy. And watch your gut thrive.
Jo Davies
Photographer/Nutritionist, Be Well Clinic Taupō
BCApSc, BSc | jodaviesphotography.shootproof.com
kyndwellness.com | 53 Gillies Ave, Taupō | PH: 0272740687