A common complaint I hear from clients is: “My energy is low and I don't find that my resiliency is as high as it used to be.”

Your digestive track comprises approximately 85% of your immune system. It also is responsible for approximately 80% of serotonin production, which is involved in regulating mood and 80% of melatonin production which is involved in circadian rhythm (ie: sleep/wake cycle). So what we put into our bodies has a significant impact on how much energy we create, our ability to flow with lifes ups and downs and how easily we move through preventing or fighting off colds and flus. In order to build resiliency, we have to provide foods that maximize blood and energy production.

When we are stressed, the body releases cortisol - a stress hormone. This hormone tells the digestive system, "Don't rest and digest, we need to move into fight or flight... I am stressed!" This slows down the digestive process while blood flow focuses on the heart. When digestion slows, our ability to produce more blood and energy slows, serotonin production is affected, immune function is compromised and a message goes back up to the brain to say, "hey, I am stressed down here in the digestive track - help." Stressed? No problem, here come more cortisol. And around and around we go.

So how do we interrupt this cycle?

BREATHE
Health isn’t merely the absence of disease; it’s living in balance within ourselves and recognizing we are dynamic. An intense period of stress needs to be countered by a period of rest. One very effective tool is to take 5 - 10 deep inhalations and exhalations. That can be enough to reset the parasympathetic system and put you back into that rest and digest state. A great practice before you put any food into your mouth. Also a great practice through the day, especially during or after a stressful event. Cultures around the world share a common tradition of pausing, reflecting or giving gratitude before breaking bread together. This moment of pause and breath is a natural reset to prepare the body for digestion.
Time in Nature
There has been more research lately speaking to the benefits of spending time in nature. You don’t have to drive to the forest to experience the benefits. You can walk out your office door at lunch.
- My recommendation for clients is a 20 min solo walk outside 4-5 times a week. Solo because the intension is for you to fully show up for you for 20 min.
The first few walks may feel like your mind doesn't stop. Your mind may unload for the entirety of the first few walks, while you are outside in the fresh air. Then one day you will find a quiet pause. In that moment you may notice the birds around you. A tree that draws your attention. A heart shaped cloud. You feel grateful, grounded, aware of both your outer and inner surroundings. This is when the magic kicks in and your intuition or inner knowing starts to speak up and guide you, light a spark for your future, or simply allow you to feel centred and present in the moment.
Meditation
Meditation’s ability to balance the body and naturally detoxify the liver is profound. It the body’s own natural detox. In Chinese medicine it is widely understood that one of the Liver's functions is to filter emotions. Do you ever notice around your period that the littlest thing can send you over the edge or unravel you? The Liver is working over time trying to initiate the flow of menses and all of the extra emotions it is storing is impinging this process creating a tipping point where the Liver just can't contain it all. Give meditation a try, period or not, you might be pleasantly surprised how even you feel the next time your next cycle rolls around. If you want ideas for meditation, I have listed a few great meditation options in the reference section of my website. One easy place to being is Gratitude. Gratitude counters fear.
- Think of a few things you are grateful for each night before falling asleep. This simple exercise can profoundly shift your perspective and reduce fear.
Food is Medicine
We also need to look at ways to strengthen the digestive track. Some foods create a more sluggish effect than others and they tend to come from the typical offenders of dairy, sugar and wheat. This is where the process becomes individual. For example, I find a number of clients are fine with gluten, it's the wheat that creates the issue. Others, it's night shades (white potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, paprika and eggplant) that create and inflammatory effect in the body. For others, it is how they are combining foods that creates an issue. By identifying what triggers your system, we can begin to impact over all health. A good rule of thumb is:
- Stick to the outside aisles in the grocery stores. There you find living food that will nourish your body and mind.
- Eat ingredients not foods that have ingredients (ie: eat an apple rather than a fruit bar)
- Focus on one change a week to give your body time to adapt and give feedback.