Why Do Your Guts Matter When it Comes to Pain?
Maybe you have heard in different contexts mentions of “Gut health” or “Mind-Body connection”. So, what is your "gut-brain" connection? Well, this is probably one of the most important things to know and be aware of when it comes to health. To give you an idea, think about how you feel when you think about food? Ever had your stomach rumble when you think of your favorite food, or start salivating? Thinking about food can cause your stomach to release stomach juices, before food even arrives. Our vagus nerve is responsible for this response, for it controls all of our smooth muscles (muscles that work without us having to think about it-digestive organs), and the communication between the brain and gut.
Next scenario, you have a test that can make or break your future. You experience a "gut wrenching" feeling or feel sick to your stomach. Well my friends, this is because of the stress response on the gut!
Communication between the brain and the gut travels both ways. If the brain is stressed, it reflects in the gut and vice versa, if the gut is stressed it reflects to the brain. Important stuff!
How does this present? This day in age, we have processed foods, use antibiotics too often, eat foods that have been treated by antibiotics, high sugar diets, acidic diets, etc... This all disrupts the gut. As most of you know, we have good bacteria and bad bacteria. Due to the overuse of antibiotics, many of us do not have balanced guts. We wipe out the good bacteria, which leads to imbalance.
Have that stubborn muffin top that doesn't go away no matter how well you eat, or hours of working out? This can be a disrupted gut!
Suffer from anxiety? This can be a disrupted gut!
Your hormones out of wack? This can be a disrupted gut!
Skin issues? This can be a disrupted gut!
Do you experience pain? This can be a disrupted gut!
As a result of an imbalanced gut, you can experience:
Physical symptoms:
Stiff or tense muscles, especially in the neck and shoulders
Headaches
Sleep problems
Shakiness or tremors
The recent loss of interest in sex
Weight loss or gain
Restlessness
Behavioral symptoms:
Procrastination
Grinding teeth
Difficulty completing work assignments
Changes in the amount of alcohol or food you consume
Taking up smoking, or smoking more than usual
Increased desire to be with or withdraw from others
Rumination (frequent talking or brooding about stressful situations)
Emotional symptoms:
Crying
An overwhelming sense of tension or pressure
Trouble relaxing
Nervousness
Quick temper
Depression
Poor concentration
Trouble remembering things
Loss of sense of humor
Indecisiveness
SO HOW DO I IMPROVE MY GUT HEALTH?
Healing the gut is a journey and varies from person to person. A universal approach and where I start with all my clients, is getting the gut bacteria balanced. The good bacteria are responsible, not only to keep your immune system functioning optimally, but are responsible for vital connections between the gut and the brain, among other vital functions.
There are many probiotics on the market and it can be overwhelming to navigate what one is the best fit for you. I have had great success with SilverFern Probiotics. Their products are lab tested, guaranteed satisfaction, and contain strains that will survive digestion and your gut. All my clients start with their Probiotic and their Daily Gut Detox Cleanse. You can purchase these here http://www.silverfernbrand.com?p=BkgBAbc4O and use code NOBS for 10% off! I highly recommend their Digestive Enzymes as well, for it offers 100% intestinal pH coverage with complete protein digestion. It is one of the strongest on the market!
Next, we address the client’s nutrition, tailoring your diet to your current health conditions, your needs, and your goals. A universal approach would be to clean up the diet, remove processed foods, sugar, and add more vegetables, healthy fats, and proteins. Your gut will thank you!
Please feel free to comment or email us at nobsbodywork@gmail.com for more information.