JustBreathe

a magazine by HEALING HOTELS OF THE WORLD

  • Body
    • Health
    • Ayurveda
    • Detox
    • Anti-Stress
    • Beauty
    • Healing Water
    • Graceful Aging
    • Weight Loss
    • Fitness
    • Sleep
  • Mind
    • New Consciousness
    • Mindfulness
    • Meditation
    • Yoga
  • Soul
    • Spirituality
    • Food for Your Soul
    • Me-Time
  • Life
    • Holistic Lifestyle
    • Inspirational Podcasts
    • Inspiring People
    • Green Living
    • Charity
    • Design
  • Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
  • Healing Hotels
Close
JustBreathe
Close
  • Body
    • Health
    • Ayurveda
    • Detox
    • Anti-Stress
    • Beauty
    • Healing Water
    • Graceful Aging
    • Weight Loss
    • Fitness
    • Sleep
  • Mind
    • New Consciousness
    • Mindfulness
    • Meditation
    • Yoga
  • Soul
    • Spirituality
    • Food for Your Soul
    • Me-Time
  • Life
    • Holistic Lifestyle
    • Inspirational Podcasts
    • Inspiring People
    • Green Living
    • Charity
    • Design
  • Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
  • Healing Hotels

That Ol’ Gut Feeling

Food, Nutrition July 1, 2015 Samantha Gowing
That Ol’ Gut Feeling

© Vivanta By Taj - Madikeri, India

Ever thought twice about crossing the street or trusting a new neighbor or colleague? Or maybe, have you had the sense that something unusual was about to happen? Perhaps, you have read of people who chose not to get on a plane that eventually crashed, because they had a ‘bad feeling’.

Or, have you uttered the words, “I’ve had a gut full!”  Well, chances are, your belly was trying to tell you something that your brain upstairs could not put into words.

 

Our ‘second brain’

Our digestive system is an intricate cellular matrix of delicately integrated components, recently well documented as the ‘second brain’. It is home to over one hundred million neurons, many more than our spiny backbones. It can provide practitioners with an enormous amount of information regarding a person’s overall health, energy and their emotional responses.

Naturopathically, we first learn how to ‘fix the gut’. Nutritionally, we know that excess junk food makes us feel lousy, and that comfort food cheers us up. But with the right approach, healthy food can actually provide us with an abundance of vitality and energy.

The role of the ENS is to regulate the normal digestive activity of the digestive system and prepare it for whatever its future may hold.

Butterflies, nerves and nausea, even a woman’s intuition, may be a subliminal function of the Enteric Nervous System (ENS). However, the clinical diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome has recently served as a banner band-aid for a belly full of discomforting symptoms, stress-related illnesses, and worse, disease.

Like it’s spiny cousin the Central Nervous System, your Enteric Nervous System is a thriving population of healthy Intestinal Flower Power that loves to transmit and process messages from those diverse and unique bubbling hotspots: cells and circuits, neurons and neurotransmitters.

The stress phenomenon is not specific; it is an all-encompassing umbrella complex that reaches out to every demographic on the planet; it may be triggered by an emotional, environmental or physical response to a wide variety of stimuli. However, stress is also an energetic force that can be turned into a positive, powerful motivational tool when channeled appropriately. It is imperative to remember that stress is predominantly our emotional reaction to a difficult situation; that may manifest in the physical body as a sign or symptom of poor health.

 

Had a Gut Full?

How stress depletes the body of its vital resources is a complex and intricate process. Typically, the neural-transit and hormonal highways are tested to their limits, as they react with their ‘fight of flight’ responses.  The bulk of the energy used up in this comes from the adrenal glands, which nestle snugly upon each kidney, and produce the adrenaline hormone.  A constant stress reaction will ultimately see a decline in the amount of readily available adrenaline, thus resulting in energy burn out.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this may be diagnosed as ‘Deficient Kidney Yang’. In the West, it earns the unfair nickname of ‘yuppie flu’, or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but it is anything but a seasonal virus. Unlike flu symptoms that go away in a few days or weeks, CFS symptoms can hang on, or come and go frequently for more than six months, if not years. You might bear this in mind the next time you reach for your next cup of coffee and accompanying cigarette to manage that deadline… the worst-case scenario may result in you being the dead line!

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is one of the most common intestinal disorders, and differs from IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease); there are neither lesions nor inflammation in IBS. It is a functional disorder of motility that has an unknown cause. However, psychosocial factors (50%) such as anxiety, depression, neurosis and panic attacks may contribute to altered bowel motility.

Prolonged duration of rapid jejunal contraction waves and an increased gastrointestinal transit time due to diarrhea may also contribute to IBS, as would constipation due to a decrease of propagated colonic contraction waves.

Gluten sensitivity or intolerance to products containing lactose may stimulate a spasmodic reaction in the bowel, whereas intestinal distension due to ballooning of the ileum, colon and rectum may be causative factors.

A diet rich in fibre and fresh fruit and vegetables is highly recommended. Fresh, whole and lubricating foods should be encouraged so as to prevent irritation of the bowel.

 

Beating those Underbelly Blues

Important Foods To Calm A Nervous System

Oats are prized for their high levels of magnesium, the anti-stress mineral, and their slow releasing, carbohydrate qualities that provide the body with energy throughout the day.

Carrot, beetroot and cucumber juice is a highly alkalizing blend that enhances nervous function, while also supporting the kidneys by clearing excess acidity that is typically associated with increased stress levels.

Mung Beans, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, has healing properties that are highly detoxifying and cleansing.  The Chinese revere them even more for their medicinal prowess than their culinary capacity, especially in decreasing the levels of triglycerides from the blood. Mung beans provide support for the body’s cardiovascular system and reduce overall toxicity.

Turkey contains tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid that helps the body produce the B-vitamin niacin; that, in turn, helps the body produces the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is a calming agent in the brain.

EFA’s  Essential Fatty Acids, most importantly, Omega 3, are found in oily fish such as: tuna, salmon, sardines, and flax seeds.

Pecan Nuts provide an abundance of organic pyridoxine (Vitamin B6); it is essential for the pathways to serotonin release and nervous system health. Eat 10-15 Pecan nuts each day.

Lecithin is a fundamental building block of brain and nerve tissue.

Wheatgrass possesses highly concentrated enzymes such as super oxide dismutase (SOD), a powerful anti-aging antioxidant that can slowdown the effects of potentially carcinogenic molecules and help to neutralize free radical exposure on the cells.

 

Tags: gut health nutrition stress

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Food for Your Soul – A Column

Transcending the Mind Chatter Part 2: Holding Space for “Me & Myself”

Being able to pause and to look inwards will eventually help transcending the mind chatter to bring forth deep personal transformation. Read more →

Transcending the Mind Chatter

Our minds chatter can be quite tricky and has a tendency to guide us into the wrong direction. How can we learn to not take it too seriously? Read more →

Awakening to The Truth Can be Painful

What does it mean to live your inner truth and steer through difficult phases? Claudia shows us the way by sharing a deeply personal story. Read more →

Newsletter Signup

* indicates required

Trending:

Recent tweets

August 2, 2022 10:07 am"A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself – and especially to feel, or not feel. Whatever you… https://t.co/K0ufZyNETK
July 27, 2022 13:07 pmToday's article by SensitivE Audit explains how Frequency-Wave Imprinting works and how it can benefit your health.… https://t.co/UG9je0cMHc
July 26, 2022 08:11 am✨💙 Today's article by @SoulLuxury1 reflects on how to rise above that negative mind chatter to practice self-accept… https://t.co/WdU7rros4t
July 22, 2022 11:31 amIt's really that simple. Ultimately we must find peace within ourselves first. ♥️ #JustBreatheMag #JustBreathe… https://t.co/AVkmxqMZrb
July 18, 2022 10:31 amRT @Healingsummit: Since its launch in 2014, the global HEALING SUMMIT has turned into a space for reflection, re-connection and renewal.…

Follow us on Twitter →

justbreathemag

justbreathemag
We have arrived at a conjuncture in human evolutio We have arrived at a conjuncture in human evolution where life is anything but stable. Life is rocky and full of twists and turns, pain and suffering. 

Hope for the future is being replaced by one crisis after another. Often we feel tired and exhausted as we can no longer see an end to continuous change and emotional suffering. Is this relatable? 

✨There's no need to feel hopeless. It is actually during our troubled times that we have the greatest opportunity to face what we need to face in order to integrate and transcend in the name of self-growth and inner freedom. An opportunity to transcend the mind chatter and hold sacred space for YOU. Today's article (link in bio) by @soul.luxury @claudiaroth explores how to achieve this empowering state of mind.

#JustBreatheMag #JustBreathe #Healing #Wellbeing #ConsciousLiving #Happiness #TreatYourself #TakeCare #Selfcare #BodyMind #Holistic #Life #Live #Positivity #Mindset #Lifestyle #LifeIsGood #HealthyLifestyle #HappinessIsAChoice #InnerPeace #Peace #Calm #Stress #Burnout
Did you know? The three primary parts of our body Did you know? The three primary parts of our body are the shoulder, back and ankles - and our mobility and flexibility depends on these.

For example, the shoulder is exposed to a tremendous amount of motion and is vital for increased upper body strength.

It is essential to exercise correctly to avoid joint pain. Today's article (link in bio) highlights ankle, shoulder and back exercises that your body will thank you for. 

#JustBreatheMag #JustBreathe #Healing #Wellbeing #ConsciousLiving #Happiness #TreatYourself #TakeCare #Selfcare #BodyMind #Holistic #Life #Live #Positivity #Mindset #Lifestyle #LifeIsGood #HealthyLifestyle #HappinessIsAChoice #Fitness #Stretching #Body #Exercise #Fit #Gym
Could the mind help you to manage pain? Absolutel Could the mind help you to manage pain?

Absolutely. Meditation can be a powerful relaxation tool, helping to combat, for example, the intense pain of a hernia injury or a chronic backache.

Your meditation sessions may take the form of contemplating the good things in your life, rewiring your brain for positivity. It will also put you in a deeply relaxed state. 

Pain is a response to danger, whereas relaxation suggests that there is none. So if you’re in this state, much of the mental experience of pain will be diminished.

💙Today's article (link in bio) highlights other natural approaches to pain management. 

#JustBreatheMag #JustBreathe #Healing #Wellbeing #ConsciousLiving #Happiness #TreatYourself #TakeCare #Selfcare #BodyMind #Holistic #Life #Live #Positivity #Mindset #Lifestyle #LifeIsGood #HealthyLifestyle #HappinessIsAChoice #Pain #PainManagement
Do crystals help you on your healing journey? 💠 Do crystals help you on your healing journey? 💠

There are thought to be seven chakra points in the body representing the major energy centers and these can become blocked by illness, stress and emotional pain. 

Crystal healers believe each chakra has its own color and vibratory rate. By laying the correct crystals at the appropriate chakra point on the body, the intent of the healer and the energy and vibration of the crystal will combine to create a slight energy shift; unblocking the chakra and releasing the energy...

Today's article (link in bio) delves further into crystal healing and explains how to pick the right crystals for your purpose. 

#JustBreatheMag #JustBreathe #Healing #Wellbeing #ConsciousLiving #Happiness #TreatYourself #TakeCare #Selfcare #BodyMind #Holistic #Life #Live #Positivity #Mindset #Lifestyle #LifeIsGood #HealthyLifestyle #HappinessIsAChoice #Crystals #Healing #Chakra
In the wake of trauma, we can be stuck in the figh In the wake of trauma, we can be stuck in the fight or flight reactivity and suffer from post-traumatic stress, including sleeplessness, nightmares, depression, anxiety and fear. 

But it doesn't have to be this way. 

✨There is a way to claim your power back and today's moving article by @trustingthedawn2022 explains how (link in bio), with the author sharing how she was able to move on from the trauma she experienced during a death experience in the Montecito Mudslide. 

#JustBreatheMag #JustBreathe #Healing #Wellbeing #ConsciousLiving #Happiness #TreatYourself #TakeCare #Selfcare #BodyMind #Holistic #Life #Live #Positivity #Mindset #Lifestyle #LifeIsGood #HealthyLifestyle #HappinessIsAChoice #Thinking #Think #Thoughts #Quote #Trauma #Strong #power
Load More... Follow on Instagram

About JustBreatheMag

Just Breathe is an online magazine that was created to change minds, habits and hearts on the most important and current topics: health and wellbeing.

Powered by

Healing Hotels of the World Logo

Popular Tags

ageing anxiety Ayurveda balance beauty breath charity consciousness coronavirus detox diet DIY fear Fitness five elements gratitude happiness healing Healing Hotels HEALING SUMMIT health healthy nutrition inspiration intention Life lifestyle me-time Meditation mental health mindfulness new year nutrition podcast recipe self-love self care sleep spirituality stress sustainability transformation Travel weight loss wellbeing yoga

Behind the Scenes

  • Article Submission
  • About Us
  • Contact

Newsletter Signup

* indicates required
Legal Info | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Cookie Settings