

For example the CNS recognises the sight or smell of food triggering the ENS to produce saliva and digestive enzyme secretion.

However, both systems are cooperative and in constant two-way communication. Unlike other systems the ENS is able to independently send and receive information, record experiences and respond without having to involve the brain and central nervous system (CNS) 2, the nerve system for the rest of the body. The ENS is in charge of keeping the gut organised and functional, essentially working as the gut's brain. Within the gut, or more specifically within the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, is a complex network of nerves known as the enteric nervous system (ENS) 1. How having a healthy gut can affect your overall health The ENS (Enteric Nervous System) Continue reading to find out what is happening in our gastrointestinal tract when we are stressed. However, when you're in a stressed state for a long time you never fully come out of that ''Fight or Flight'' mode, which means your digestive system is always compromised and symptoms of digestive upset such as bloating may occur. Can anxiety or stress cause stomach pain and bloating?Įssentially, when you're feeling anxious or stressed, your brain goes into a ''Fight or flight'' mode and stops your body from properly digesting food until things get back to ''normal''. Read more about the link between the microbiome and the brain. As we slowly start to ease our way out of Covid-19 restrictions stress levels could be running high, navigating the ‘new normal’ and reintegrating back into work and society. What a lot of people might not realise is that it’s a two-way street, and stress and emotions can also trigger common digestive complaints like bloating. Anyone who is familiar with IBS, food intolerance or cravings, will no doubt know how strongly our gut can influence our mood. This can help improve digestion and prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.We've all had that feeling of being stressed and know the accompanying sensation of unease in our gut well.

A light (15 minutes) walk will help energize you and reduce drowsiness. It is the most important meal of the day, and avoiding it will only cause you to be hungrier and eat large amounts of food later. If your food portion is large, eat some and then save the rest. Also, whenever possible, drink water instead of sugary drinks. Avoid fried, breaded, or battered foods, and choose grilled or steamed foods instead. They do not stimulate the same amount of insulin as carbohydrates, thus helping you prevent Postprandial Somnolence. Allow the meals to get to the stomach somewhat “processed” and produce less digestive difficulties for the stomach. If you know you are going to eat a lot, chew your food well and eat slowly.

Especially cold meats, fried foods, desserts, and alcoholic beverages. The first step is to control what is being eaten. As a result of this increase, alertness in the body decreases. This increases the levels of tryptophan, an essential amino acid that improves blood vessel circulation, to properly process sleep and muscle activity. Its correct name is Postprandial Somnolence, and it is mainly caused by a high intake of sugar. Stomach heaviness, or the famous “food coma,” can be easily described as the feeling of sleepiness, heaviness, confusion and unmotivation that begins after having eaten.
