Stress can really affect how our bodies digest food and take in nutrients. When we feel stressed, our bodies go into a reaction called “fight or flight.” In this state, our body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can change how our digestion works in several ways:
Less Digestive Enzymes: When we’re stressed, our bodies make fewer enzymes. These enzymes help break down food. If there aren’t enough, our bodies can’t absorb nutrients properly.
Changes in Bowel Movements: Stress can mess with how our intestines move. Around 70% of people say they experience either constipation or diarrhea when they are under stress.
Leaky Gut: Long-term stress can cause what’s called a "leaky gut." This means that toxins and tiny bits of undigested food can pass into the bloodstream. This can cause inflammation and make it hard for our bodies to absorb nutrients.
Gut Bacteria Problems: Stress can harm the helpful bacteria in our guts. Studies show that a healthy mix of gut bacteria helps us absorb nutrients better. But stress can reduce the variety of these bacteria by as much as 30%.
All of these changes from stress can make it harder for our bodies to take in important vitamins and minerals. This might lead to deficiencies and can affect our overall health.
Stress can really affect how our bodies digest food and take in nutrients. When we feel stressed, our bodies go into a reaction called “fight or flight.” In this state, our body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can change how our digestion works in several ways:
Less Digestive Enzymes: When we’re stressed, our bodies make fewer enzymes. These enzymes help break down food. If there aren’t enough, our bodies can’t absorb nutrients properly.
Changes in Bowel Movements: Stress can mess with how our intestines move. Around 70% of people say they experience either constipation or diarrhea when they are under stress.
Leaky Gut: Long-term stress can cause what’s called a "leaky gut." This means that toxins and tiny bits of undigested food can pass into the bloodstream. This can cause inflammation and make it hard for our bodies to absorb nutrients.
Gut Bacteria Problems: Stress can harm the helpful bacteria in our guts. Studies show that a healthy mix of gut bacteria helps us absorb nutrients better. But stress can reduce the variety of these bacteria by as much as 30%.
All of these changes from stress can make it harder for our bodies to take in important vitamins and minerals. This might lead to deficiencies and can affect our overall health.