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The connection between stress and digestion - or

 Are your worrying yourself sick?

One of the most common problems associated with stress is the effect on our digestive system; most of us are familiar with “butterflies in the stomach” when faced with an interview or new situation – this is a perfectly normal reaction and goes away as soon as the event is over. However when stress starts to build up, over weeks and months the “butterflies” do not go away, and we may become aware of more unpleasant symptoms, - do any of these sound familiar?

• Frequent indigestion
• Bloating
• Feeling of uncomfortable fullness after meals
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Stomach ache or colicky pain

All these could be signs that something is not quite right with the digestive system, and may mean that the vitamins and minerals needed for good health are not being absorbed properly, which can then lead to other health problems. (Of course these symptoms may be associated with other medical conditions, so always get them checked out).

Stress is not the only reason we experience digestive problems. Some condition such as irritable bowel syndrome have many different causes or triggers. Diet and lifestyle can also make a huge difference, try some of these simple tips next time you are feeling a bit bloated and uncomfortable:

• Have small, regular meals. Eat slowly, and try not to eat when stressed.
• Try to identify any foods which particularly trigger your symptoms IBS and other digestive problems are often associated with with food intolerances. We have a link for the Food Detective intolerance test on you Nutrition and Allergies page.
• Try to start each meal with a green salad, using leaves such as watercress, rocket and spinach – these types of salad vegetables may help to stimulate digestive juices and reduce bloating.
•  Use an oil rich in essential omega fats, and cider vinegar to make a salad dressing to further aid digestion.

How can Nutritional Therapy help?

You may be confused with all the different things you have been told, or read about, concerning what you should and shouldn't eat, or you may have specific health requirements you wish to discuss.  Your nutritional therapist will take a detailed history  and help you plan the best dietary strategy for help you achieve your goals.  We can also give advice regarding nutritional supplements and testing.  Nutrition and diet can also help with energy levels  and you will be given lots of support and advice .

Why Nutritional Therapy is different

We treat you as an individual, what is right for one person is not necessarily right for another. In order to devise an effective strategy just for you, we take into account how much time you have to cook, your family's needs, budget and most importantly what your favourite foods are. Only then can we put together a nutritional plan which will really suit you and make it as easy as possible for your to achieve the good health you deserve.

For a no obligation free of charge chat  with one of our therapists click here.

• Reduce your intake of saturated fat, especially if you find these difficult to tolerate. Saturated fats are found in fatty meat such as bacon, sausages, beef mince and most pork products, they are also found in dairy products such as cheese.
• Try increasing your intake of ginger which can help to control bloating and nausea. Grated ginger and a slice of lemon can be added to boiling water to make a soothing tea. This is good to have first thing in the morning and throughout the day.
• Peppermint and fennel tea can help calm and soothe an irritated digestive system. Chamomile is also great to soothe and inflamed or irritated digestive tract. Try to find a chamomile tea which includes the whole dried flowers.