A global pandemic. Political conflict. Riots. Racism. Economic downturn. With all this external stress, it shouldn’t really come as a surprise that according to the American Psychological Association’s 2020 Stress in America survey, our mental health has been profoundly affected. In short, external stressors have had a huge impact on our internal stress levels. What is surprising, s the huge impact these recent stresses have had on our physical health. And will continue to have for years to come.
How does stress cause physiological health issues?
Research suggests that continual emotional stress and anxiety can impact your digestion, your immune system – even your brain.
That knot in your stomach when you’re feeling anxious or worried about something?
When you’re feeling stressed, your body produces stress hormones – cortisol. Cortisol sends the body into “fight or flight” mode, increasing the permeability of the gut mucosa, causing a “leaky gut”. A leaky gut allows more bacteria to seep into the bloodstream’s circulation, producing an inflammatory response. It also leaves the gut flora – the microbiota – out of balance, allowing bad bacteria to proliferate and compound the issue.
In other cases, extreme stress can actually cause the gut to atrophy and partially shut down. The gut simply stops absorbing nutrients, leading to severe digestion issues as the good bacteria become outnumbered by the bad. The result is even more inflammation called – Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
While you’re stressed, your brain is getting a signal from your poor malnourished gut – it’s telling you, you’re hungry and craving food high in fat, high in sugar and low in fiber. This is what’s called “stress eating”, which also exacerbates the issues.
Fiber, while not absorbed in the body, plays a vital role in increasing the quantity and diversity of good gut bacteria. Gut bacteria produce SCFAs (Short Chain Fatty Acids) when they digest fiber; which colon cells use as fuel and then process as waste. So low fiber, high sugar diets typically starve the good bacteria of the nutrients they need.
The brain (mood) plays a vital role in gut function, and the gut also plays a vital role in brain function.
It makes sense, we get all our fuel for our body by eating or drinking. So if we’re not ingesting the nutrients our body needs, our body can’t produce the amino acids it needs to build complex proteins, which it uses to regulate hormones, neurotransmitters and strengthen cellular membranes. This means we’ll feel tired, depressed, more stressed, etc. It’s even proven to impair memory function and concentration.
In short, a healthy gut, is a key step forward to having a healthy… well, everything.
It’s no wonder doctors across all fields recommend a healthy diet and regular exercise.
How to Improve Your Gut Function
The first one is fairly simple – cut down on refined, processed sugar. Foods that are high in processed sugar don’t have the fiber your gut likes to help it absorb nutrients. Fruits are good because they contain natural sugar and are high in vitamin and fiber, but don’t eat too much of them. Limited to 1 or half a piece per day.
Probiotics/Prebiotics
Probiotics are living strains of bacteria that help your good bacteria replicate in your digestive system. Prebiotics come from carbs (mostly fiber) which your good bacteria uses to grow.
Both play an important role in keeping your gut working normally. Probiotics are often found in yoghurt and fermented products. Prebiotics are found in plants and high fiber grains, etc. (there’s that mention of fiber again – who knew it was so critical?)
Plenty of Greens
So many plants are high in fiber, and they are also rich in the nutrients your body needs. Some fruits and vegetables are also good at boasting your immune function.
10 A DAY (LINK TO PRODUCT ON STORE)
If the idea of having to juice and chop a lot of vegies, consumes you with dread, then 10 A DAY is for you. This nutrient-dense lactose-free and vegan is a powdered superfood to the power of 10. It’s a “rainbow” blend of phytonutrients, organic fiber sources, probiotics, organic greens, vegetables, fruits, berries, and digestive enzymes. It:
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Promotes anti-inflammatory response to aid de-tox and prevent disease
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Provides Nutrient-Dense Superfoods, Fiber, Probiotics, and Digestive Enzymes*
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Provides a Concentrated Source of Antioxidant-Rich Phytonutrients*
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Contains Standardized SGS™ From Broccoli Seeds for Antioxidant and Detoxification Support*
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Promotes Optimal pH Levels in the Body*
EPIC OMEGA 1300EC – For ooooohhh-MEGA Metabolism, Brain and Heart Function. (LINK TO PRODUCT ON STORE)
This IFOS five-star certified fish oil puts the MEGA in Omega-3. It’s a naturally enzymatically enhanced monoglyceride that uses Patented Lipid Absorption Enhancement Technology (PLATform) to deliver a 3 times greater EPA/DHA absorption rate than any of your ordinary over-the-counter ethyl ester fish oils.
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Supports Cardiovascular Health*
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Supports Healthy Mental Functioning*
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Supports Healthy Glucose and Insulin Metabolism*
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Helps the Body Generate Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediators, Such as Resolvins and Protectins*
Questions? Concerns? If you’d like to find out more about how the eCenter Method can help you feeling better, being better and doing better, contact us, or schedule a free 15 minute consultation.