Burnout is real: maybe its not about your nutrition at all
In our quest for better health and well-being, we often focus on what we eat and how it affects our bodies. While nutrition is undeniably vital, it's essential to remember that our minds and bodies are intricately connected, and one can significantly impact the other.
Our emotions, thoughts, and stress levels can influence our physical health, sometimes in unexpected ways. I regularly see the impact of how this mind body connection affects clients gut health.
I’d like to share a case I had last year as an example:
A 34-year-old woman presented with digestive problems, including bloating, constipation, irregular bowel movements, symptoms resembling Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Surprisingly, her diet seemed pretty nourishing – she followed a pescatarian diet with plenty of vegetables and seafood, and she avoided processed and sugary treats.
So what was going on?
We had checked for food intolerances, parasites and other gut disruptors - nothing.
It became apparent that the root cause of her gut health issues wasn't what she was eating, but rather how she was eating and her mental state while doing so. She led a busy life, juggling work and studies, and often consumed her meals on the go, in a highly stressed state. Many of us can relate to such a lifestyle.
The body operates in two primary modes: "Fight or Flight" (stress mode) and "Rest and Digest" (where it can rest, digest food, and engage in repair work). Unfortunately, we cannot be in both modes simultaneously. In the case of this client, and many others, she was constantly stuck in "Fight or Flight" mode due to her chronic stress and fast-paced lifestyle.
Constant stress and being in "Fight or Flight" mode can wreak havoc on the gut. It can disrupt digestion, increase inflammation, and exacerbate gut symptoms, even if your diet is seemingly impeccable. The mind's constant state of alertness can lead to physical consequences.
This case study illustrates that sometimes, it's not about what you eat but how you eat and your mental state while doing so that can have a significant impact on your health. Stress and our emotional well-being play an integral role in our overall well-being. While nutrition is essential, don't underestimate the influence of stress and emotions on your overall wellbeing.
2 easy things you can try today to help switch out of ‘fight and flight’ mode:
Take 5 deep belly breaths when you sit down for a meal
Jot down 3 things that are weighing on your mind on a piece of paper. Scrunch it up and put it in the bin!
Check out these two podcasts to learn more:
