STRESS is a very naughty six letter word that is responsible for a plethora of health problems in today’s society. Stress-induced illnesses plague over fifty percent of the American population at one point or another. Everything from disrupted sleeping patterns to migraines and cardiovascular health is impacted by stress.Â
Researchers at the University of Michigan now claim that while stress may not cause the painful condition known as irritable bowel syndrome, it does interfere with brain-gut interactions, which can cause intestinal inflammation. This inflammation can lead to chronic stomach pain, decrease in appetite and diarrhea.
Bugs to the Rescue
Healthy digestive microbiota is maintained by a component called inflammasome. When stress is present it can block the action of inflammasome causing uncomfortable digestive distress. Researchers say that the use of probiotics, reversed this effect when used in animals.
When probiotics were present, inflammasome was able to do its job correctly. This connection between the use of probiotics and inflammasome supports the use of probiotics in patients who have irritable bowel syndrome. However, everyone can benefit from the use of probiotics.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics have received a great deal of attention from both alternative and even mainstream health providers for their ability to restore a balance of good bacteria and detrimental bacteria in the digestive system.
Probiotics are live bacteria that help good bacteria in the digestive system thrive. Good bacteria help with digestion and the absorption of nutrients and encourage a healthy immune system. When the gut is healthy and destructive bugs are kept in check, the stress response is minimized.
Eating probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, microalgae, kefir, miso soup and tempeh to your diet will help keep your digestive system as healthy as possible. You can also take a high- quality probiotic supplement. In addition, be sure that you are eating a processed-free diet, getting plenty of exercise and sleep and employing healthy stress reduction techniques such as meditation to cope with stress.
– The Alternative Daily
