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Could stress be the cause of your gut issues?
Believe it or not, the surface area of a tennis court is equivalent to the surface area of your small intestine, which is where your food is absorbed.
The small intestine is 60 % of your total immune system. 60%! That’s a huge percentage considering that this is not common knowledge. 😳
The lining of this sophisticated system is just one cell layer away from a toxic sewer where all of the bacteria and undigested food particles live in your gut.
Stress is one of the biggest factors that can affect your gut health – by making the intestinal lining weaker and slowly breaking it down, this exposes your immune system to foreign particles from:
These discomforting circumstances irritate your gut, creating harm that can lead to many conditions, but most commonly irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS.
In fact, it’s estimated that 40-60% of people with IBS have some form of anxiety or depression, and stress plays a major role in the onset of both of these conditions.
If you are experiencing any gut-related symptoms, it might be time to take a look at your stress levels as well as these top 5 root causes in order to heal:
①Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
SIBO is characterized by an increased number of bacteria in the small intestine and/or an abnormal type of bacteria. According to research, up to 85% of people diagnosed with IBS actually have SIBO.
②Gut infections.
Infections can occur anywhere in the body, including the stomach, small intestine and colon. Gut infections are caused by pathogens, the most prevalent of which are parasites, bacteria, and fungi/yeast.
③Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome.
The development and exacerbation of IBS-like symptoms can be caused by a disruption to the balance of the gut microbiome. According to recent studies, up to 73% of IBS patients have intestinal dysbiosis.
④Food sensitivities.
Many of the typical IBS symptoms can be seen in those that are unaware they have food sensitivities. Reactions to gluten, dairy, eggs and nuts are the most common food triggers in IBS patients.
⑤Leaky gut.
The intestinal lining decides what is and what isn’t allowed into your bloodstream. If damage occurs to this lining, food macromolecules, toxins, infections and other harmful substances can find their way into your bloodstream.
Despite the fact that IBS is not defined by a single collection of symptoms or causes, there are still a range of treatments available.
Here are my Top 5 Tips for treating IBS:
Tip 1: Change your eating habits.
IBS symptoms can be influenced by diet, meal size, and meal frequency. Avoid big meals, cut out alcohol and caffeine, and limit your intake of spicy foods and fiber.
Tip 2: Try probiotics.
Plenty of research suggests that a high-quality probiotic can help with relieving symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, and irregular bowel movements.
Tip 3: Drink enough water.
Water is essential for your body and digestive tract to function properly. If plain water isn’t your thing, try adding some lemon or cucumber. Herbal teas that aren’t caffeinated are also good choices.
Tip 4: Take part in stress-relieving activities.
Because IBS symptoms are frequently triggered by stress, yoga, hypnosis, meditation, and other relaxation techniques may be helpful.
Tip 5: Exercise.
Your digestive tract will keep moving if you keep moving! Low to moderate amounts of exercise have been proven in studies to lessen IBS symptoms, promote greater gas clearance, and alleviate constipation.
Don’t let IBS control your life! What is☝tip you will try today?