Many of you might not like to say that dirty "S" word very often. It's the feeling you want nothing to do with, yet struggle to keep away at times. STRESS. That dirty "S" word. Work, family, the weather, all stressors we are not being cautious of and how it might affect our overall health.
What many of you may learn today is that there is a direct connection between chronic, unyielding stress, and the mucosal linings in the digestive tract and musculoskeletal system.
Our “fight-or-flight” response is controlled by stimulation to the sympathetic nervous system. The symptoms of “fight-or-flight” are meant to pass when the crisis is averted.
Part of the sympathetic nervous system’s job is to inhibit the production of stomach acid and decrease the amount of peristalsis* in the stomach. However, prolonged stress, whether it be physical or mental, eventually limits this response mechanism and compromises digestion.
Typically we treat these with antacids and pain medications, and these may work for the time-being, but they often have lasting side effects and they do not resolve the underlying issue: stress. When this goes untreated, the mucosal lining becomes inflamed and can even begin to erode. Um, hello red flag!
We need the mucosal lining in order to protect our organs from the outside world.
Not only does the lining protects against tissue dehydration, stomach acid, and inflammation, it is also a key player in our immune system. Case studies have also shown that problems with mucosal lining can present themselves as pain in the root of the neck and upward. It can also be felt over the shoulder blades down into the front portions of the forearms inevitably causing even more musculoskeletal stress.
Did you just have an "ah-ha" moment? "Maybe if I could get a wrap on this stress, my neck won't be so tense causing headaches. Maybe if I could be happier with, fill in the blank, my stomach wouldn't hurt all the time." But where do you start? How do you just all of a sudden stop being stressed out so you stop feeling like you are falling apart? It is not sudden, but it is possible.
Here are a few ways to cut back the stress, get your stomach feeling good, and your spine doing what it should to protect your entire body. So inevitably, your entire body performs and feels as it should!
#1) Being seen by a chiropractor can alleviate the physical stress, ultimately decreasing mental stress. When your body is aligned, your body and mind function at a higher rate and your “fight-or-flight” response has time to reset, allowing your mucosal lining to regenerate successfully. Schedule your first visit today, and mention reading this post to get your first visit for only $25!
#2) Get active. Get more sleep. Make time for relaxing, meditating, or doing something for just yourself. All of these go together. If you can make time for your mind and body, the others will fall into place. Mental clarity helps your physical state tremendously.
#3) Probiotics. Chlorella. Take them daily.
Looking for ways to cleanse your stomach, treat and prevent underlying issues so that you feel better? Visit Next to Nature for the supplements you need to get started, teas and herbs to consume regularly, and the health tips you need to get on the right track to better health.
Incorporating these, along with a clean diet will get you on the fast track to a much healthier digestive tract and musculoskeletal system. You do not want to mess around with stress because of the damage it can do to your stomach and spine!
*Terminology:
peristalsis - the involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine or another canal, creating wave-like movements that push the contents of the canal forward.
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