By Kaley Burns EBS COLUMNIST
According to the American Institute of Stress, 55% of Americans report feeling stressed daily. Stress can be caused by various factors, even seemingly positive factors, including finances, family, extreme workouts and career pursuits. Most people know that stress induces changes in our bodies, such as a faster heartbeat or tense muscles, but it also has a profound effect on our gut health.
Gut health is a term for gastrointestinal functioning. The GI tract’s main function is digestion but it does much more than this. An optimal GI balance also has a profound effect on our brain. More than 90 percent of our serotonin, the chemical that makes us feel happy, is produced in the gut. Food cravings often originate from this connection which is why psychological stress can negatively affect our digestive health, causing inflammation and emotional eating.
Optimal health starts in the gut
An optimally functioning digestive tract is the cornerstone of good health. In addition to supporting the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food, the gastrointestinal tract protects the body by supporting detoxification and immunological processes.
In order to assure digestive wellness, the gastrointestinal tract must function properly in the following essential areas.
Gastrointestinal secretions must be produced at adequate levels (e.g., hydrochloric acid, pepsin, amylase, lipase).
Integrity of the intestinal mucosa must be maintained for proper absorption of nutrients and to stop absorption of undesirable substances that cause inflammation.
Gastrointestinal motility must ensure proper elimination of waste and toxins.
Liver function must be sufficient for proper assimilation of fats and detoxification of toxins.
Finally, healthy intestinal microflora must be present to assure healthy pH, immune response and microbial defenses.
When gut health is compromised, we can experience various health concerns. Digestive issues can affect the body as a whole, contributing to everything from allergies and acne to irritable bowel syndrome and even some forms of cancer.
A distressed gut can’t act in our defense. Stress aggravates our immune response, which can do significant damage to our gut lining. Over time, the weakening of our intestinal lining causes this integral boundary to act more like a sieve. You may have heard of this intestinal permeability referred to as “leaky gut.” When there are significant gaps in our intestinal lining, the whole body is impacted.
If your gut could talk, what would it tell you? Are you eating on the run, overconsuming cold or raw foods, skipping meals or consuming large amounts of fluids with meals? These can all be areas where digestive upset is giving you a signal to alter your lifestyle.
Substantial evidence provides support for the role of diet in the prevention and control of mental health concerns. Artificial sugar, sweetened beverages and processed foods may lead to several health issues such as indigestion, bloating, restless sleep and agitation. A balanced diet rich in a variety of foods can promote better sleep and improve overall mood. As you consume a more balanced and diverse diet, energy increases and stress hormones become more optimally balanced.
Gut health testing
There are comprehensive stool tests available that can evaluate the specific bacteria, digestive strength and inflammatory status of the digestive system. These can be helpful to detect unwanted pathogens as well. This specific testing can assess all of these mechanisms, allowing for insight into the impact of stress on the individual. From there we can help create personalized, comprehensive treatment plans to alleviate the effects of stress and optimizing digestive function.
Dr. Kaley Burns is a licensed Naturopathic Physician providing a wide range of services for her clients, including: Naturopathic Medicine, IV Nutrient Therapy, Regenerative Injections, Rejuvenation Therapies, Vitamin Shots, and Nutrition Counseling. She embraces a natural approach to health and aims to similarly inspire and guide others on their health journey.
