The stress of today’s world, now compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to digestive disruption that could manifest in either constipation or diarrhea, among other uncomfortable symptoms.
The recurring feelings of worry, the sadness, anger and frustration related to our current reality and even your present social situations (whether you feel alone/isolated or overwhelm with too many around you), leave us in an emotional “flight, fight or freeze” state where your body constantly feels like it’s in danger, stress hormones are over produced and all kinds of tummy issues materialized.
If you are the kind that is experiencing loose stools, here are a few tips that can help:
- Reduce the amount of caffeine/caffeinated beverages for a few days
- Avoid oily foods
- Reduce alcohol consumption also for a few days
- Practice the 4-5-7 breathing technique
- Use probiotic rich foods like miso or kombucha
- Take instead ginger to manage discomfort and improve digestion
- A strong black tea or blackberry tea can help control diarrhea as its tannins have a dehydrating effect, decreasing secretion of fluids in the intestines
If, on the other hand you’re experience stress-related constipation, here are a few tips for you:
- Give yourself time in the bathroom to empty your bowels, this is NOT the time to be bashful
- Use a step to elevate your feet when using the toilet
- Workout: especially movements that help you move your core and your upper body in opposite direction to the lower body
- Drink a TON of water (and avoid caffeinated drinks too)
- Practice the 4-5-7 breathing technique
- Use papaya sprinkled with lemon
- Use Cascara Sagrada – My GO-TO (I rarely use Senna, it’s too harsh)
In a couple of days, I will be sharing with you a special surprise video showing you how to manage stress and stress-eating in the pandemic era, stay tuned!
by Kingdom Branding