Stress is a constant companion in our fast-paced world. The many stresses and strains of everyday life with family and job, plus all the information that comes at us around the clock – this can cause mental stress that can affect our digestion.
How can stress affect the gut?
Studies have shown that chronic, i.e. permanent stress can not only affect the psyche, but also the stomach. Digestive problems, but also a weaker immune system, can be the result. Our intestines are not only responsible for digesting our food and absorbing nutrients. A large part of our immune system is also located in the gut.
Psychological stress that persists over a longer period of time has far greater effects on the gut and immune system than previously assumed. Animal experiments have shown that the brain sends signals to the adrenal glands during stress. This is where the stress hormone cortisol is released. At first, this endogenous “cortisone” has a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect. However, if this stress hormone is released over a longer period of time, our “gut brain” in the intestine reacts. This is where cells that produce pro-inflammatory substances under stress are located, which activates the immune cells in the intestine and the inflammatory reaction is intensified. At the same time, digestion slows down and food remains in the intestines for longer, which can exacerbate intestinal problems such as flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal pain or heartburn.
Irritable bowel syndrome as a possible consequence of a stressed life
Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders without organic findings. Even young adults can be affected by irritable bowel syndrome. Abdominal pain that subsides after a bowel movement, alternating diarrhea and constipation are among the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Patients also often suffer from nausea, heartburn or depressive moods. The causes of irritable bowel syndrome are not yet fully understood. However, it has been found that it occurs more frequently in people after intestinal infections with fever or after antibiotics. Stress, eating habits or food intolerances can also be causes.
What can be done to combat stress-related digestive disorders?
Experts have found that reducing stress helps to normalize the intestinal flora and alleviate inflammatory reactions in the intestine. Stress can be alleviated with relaxation exercises such as autogenic training, yoga or meditation, which can also help to calm stomach pain. But even a simple walk of just 30 minutes three times a week is an effective way to reduce stress.
How can you support your gut with nutrition during stress?
In addition to exercise and stress reduction, a healthy diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, healthy fats and oils and little meat is one of the most important tips for the gut and digestion. Dietary fiber is “food” for the good intestinal bacteria.
If you want to provide additional and natural support for your stomach and intestines, you can take fiber-rich dietary supplements. BioBran® MGN-3 is a high-quality phytopreparation consisting of valuable complex carbohydrates from rice bran plant fibers. These are broken down in a patented process by enzymes of the shitake mushroom and thus made available to the intestine.
The multiplication of good intestinal bacteria can not only have positive effects on digestive activity. Because a large part of the immune system is located in the gut, a functioning digestive system also supports the body’s defenses. The patented BioBran® MGN-3 process from medpro was developed by Japanese researcher Hiroaki Maeda. It allows the body to absorb the hemicelluloses via the small intestine and thus optimally benefit from their advantages. Support your intestinal flora with BioBran® MGN-3 and beat stress! The experts at medpro will be happy to provide you with more information in person.
