A nutrition expert has pointed out how daily pressures, such as unexpected bills or feeling unappreciated at work, can disrupt the balance of gut health. Kim Plaza, a nutrition and education consultant, explains that stress can disturb the natural harmony of the gut, often resulting in discomfort.
The stress hormone cortisol is associated with a decrease in the variety of gut bacteria, which can have a negative impact on digestion and the generation of mood-enhancing vitamins like B vitamins. Furthermore, stress can affect our appetite, leading us to opt for less nutritious foods. This combination can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and overall discomfort in the digestive tract.
Nevertheless, Kim emphasizes that there are simple ways to address this issue, such as being mindful of our feelings and supporting our gut with nourishing foods that promote beneficial microbes.
“Lack of sleep, financial pressures, and time constraints not only affect our mood,” Kim states. “They can disrupt the delicate balance of microbes crucial for digestion, immunity, and even mental well-being, impacting our capacity to digest food and produce mood-enhancing vitamins like B vitamins.”
She warns against one common mistake of turning to extreme diets without proper guidance, which often provide little benefit for digestive health.
“Making small, consistent changes like paying attention to our feelings, prioritizing rest, and incorporating gut-nourishing foods such as kimchi and kefir can significantly help our bodies better manage stress,” she adds.
Her advice follows a study commissioned by Bio-Kult, which surveyed 2,000 adults and revealed the top stressors in the country, including insufficient sleep, increasing household expenses, and lack of time.
Nearly a quarter (23%) struggle with achieving a work-life balance, while 29% find unexpected expenses like car repairs challenging to handle.
The study also found that 55% of adults notice changes in their digestive system when under pressure, experiencing symptoms like bloating or decreased appetite. Almost half reported that stress affects them physically and mentally, with 12% primarily experiencing physical symptoms.
Less than one in ten rate their gut health as excellent, and two-thirds believe everyday pressures can impact internal health.
A spokesperson for Bio-Kult commented, “Stress can come from various sources – life, work, relationships. Modern life can be challenging for many reasons, but there are steps we can take to alleviate it.
“Ensuring your gut is healthy is not a cure-all, but it can significantly help your mind and body better cope with stress.”