Stress and Digestion: How they are connected and what you can do about it

Title: Stress and Digestion: Managing Stress for a Healthy Gut

Introduction

Stress affects more than just our mental well-being; it can also impact our digestive system. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between stress and digestion and provide practical tips for managing stress to support a healthier gut.

Understanding the Stress-Digestion Connection

Image Source: Photo by Christopher Oswald, DC, CNS. Retrieved from integrativepro.com

When we experience stress, cortisol—the fight-or-flight hormone—gets released, which can hinder digestion. Reduced blood flow to the digestive tract and inflammation can cause digestive problems like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Additionally, stress can disrupt the balance of our gut microbiome, leading to various health issues.

Effective Stress-Management Strategies for Improved Digestion:

  1. Embrace Relaxation Techniques: Engage in deep breathing, meditation, and yoga to combat stress and improve digestion. These practices calm the mind and body, lower stress hormone levels, and promote optimal digestion.
  2. Prioritize Exercise: Regular exercise releases endorphins, which reduce stress levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, most days of the week.
  3. Focus on Quality Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for stress management and overall well-being. Strive for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to support digestion and reduce stress.
  4. Nourish Your Body with a Healthy Diet: A nutritious diet plays a vital role in supporting gut health and reducing inflammation. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your meals, while limiting processed foods, sugary snacks, and high-fat meals.

Conclusion

Managing stress is essential for maintaining good digestive health. By implementing relaxation techniques, prioritizing exercise and quality sleep, and following a healthy diet, you can effectively manage stress and support a healthier gut.

At FoodnWellness, we recognize the crucial link between stress and digestion. Our personalized programs integrate stress management techniques, providing tailored nutrition and lifestyle recommendations for optimal gut health and overall wellness. Prioritize your well-being by addressing stress and improving digestion for a happier, healthier you.

Share the article

Beetroot Juice as a Pre-Exercise Snack

Print

Beetroot Juice as a Pre-Exercise Snack

  • Author: Mubarra
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Description

Beetroot juice is an excellent pre-exercise snack because it is high in essential vitamins and minerals, which provide an energy boost and improve physical performance. Beetroots are high in nitrates, which are converted into nitric oxide in the body and help increase blood flow, resulting in better oxygen delivery to the muscles and less fatigue. Beetroots are also high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help to reduce muscle damage and promote recovery. 

You’ll be able to perform better and reap the benefits of beetroot juice if you drink it before exercise. So, the next time you hit the gym or go for a run, try this tasty and nutritious pre-workout drink!


Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 medium-sized Beetroot
  • 1 medium-sized Apple
  • 1/2 medium-sized Carrot
  • 1/2 inch Ginger
  • 1/2 Lemon
  • 1/2 cup of water

Instructions

  1. Wash and peel the beetroot, apple, carrot, and ginger.
  2. Cut them into small pieces and add them to a blender.
  3. Squeeze the lemon and add the juice to the blender.
  4. Add 1/2 cup of water to the blender.
  5. Blend all the ingredients until smooth.
  6. Ideally, drink the juice unstrained. However, initially, to get started, you can strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp.
  7. Serve immediately or store in a glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Notes

Other ingredients such as Spinach leaves, Black Pepper, Turmeric etc can be added to boost the benefits.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 60
  • Fat: 0.25g
  • Carbohydrates: 14.5g
  • Fiber: 2.5g
  • Protein: 1g



Share the article

Bisibelebath : The pride of Karnataka

Print

Bisibelebath : The pride of Karnataka

  • Author: Mubarra
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 48 minute
  • Category: Diabetes
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Foodnwellness brings to you the splendid flavours of Karnataka with our one-pot meal recipe of Bisibelebath. It is not only a healthy dish prepared usually with white rice (Brown rice,  Quinoa or Millets like Barnyard millet can also be used to further enhance the health benefits), Toor dal (Lentils), a mix of vegetables and a blend of herbs and spices to make this into a delectable treat.

In this recipe, we will be substituting white rice with Quinoa to enhance the overall protein profile of the dish. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain, although technically a seed which is high in Protein, fibre and antioxidants. It also has a low glycemic index, making it perfect for those with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.


Scale

Ingredients

Quinoa : 15 g

Toor dal : 15 g

Urad dal : 2 g

Carrot : 10 g

Beans : 15 g

Tomato : 10 g

Onion : 10 g

Turmeric powder : A pinch

Salt : To taste

Sambar powder/Chilli powder : 1 tsp

Mustard seeds : 2 g

Curry leaves : a few

Dry red chilli : 1-2 in no

Ghee : 1 tsp

Hing/Asoefetida : a pinch

Ginger Garlic Paste : 1 tsp (Optional)

Tamarind pulp (1 tsp)


Instructions

  1. Chop all vegetables and keep aside
  2. Soak Tamarind in water for 15 minutes. Extract the pulp and keep aside
  3. Add ghee to the pressure cooker/instant pot, once it is hot, add the mustard seeds, Curry leaves, and Asoefetida and let them splutter
  4. Add Onions, Ginger Garlic paste and saute them until the Onions turn soft and light brown
  5. Then add the other vegetables and saute them till cooked.
  6. Follow this up by adding Bisibelebath/Rasam powder, Red chilli powder, Turmeric, Tamarind pulp and salt. Stir frequently to avoid them from getting burnt.
  7. Next, add all the dals, Quinoa and water, mix well, close the pressure cooker with pressure valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes or 4 whistles
  8. Switch off and let it cool (Natural pressure release)
  9. Once cooled, remove the lid and garnish with Coriander leaves and dry red chillies.
  10. Serve Bisibelebath hot with mix vegetable Raita or Chutney or Pickle.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 188.65
  • Fat: 5.37
  • Carbohydrates: 26.18
  • Protein: 6.79

Keywords: Gluten free, Diabetes, PCOD

 

Share the article

corporate wellness dietitian

When do we consult a Nutritionist & Dietitian

You’re overweight but healthy.

If you’re technically overweight, but your physician says you’re healthy, the question is: How do you feel about yourself? If you’re happy with the way you look and feel, then don’t call a dietitian. But if you’re not happy with your image in the mirror, consider calling someone who can help you lose weight in a healthy manner.

You’re underweight and want to gain weight.

Gaining weight in a healthy manner can be difficult, and You don’t want to simply load up on bad fats, sugars and empty calories. If you don’t know how to gain weight in a healthy way, consider seeing a dietitian. She can show you how to incorporate healthy fats and nutrient-dense, high-quality foods to encourage healthy weight gain that will keep you energized.

Want to lose weight in a healthy manner.

There are plethora of weight loss tools available on the internet and some fad diets like low carb etc etc to get to optimum weight. If the above have not worked for you, its time to see a dietitian to help you reach your goals with a customized plan.

You’re working out, but not seeing results.

A lot of men/ women work out every day but don’t know how to fuel their bodies properly, which means they won’t see optimal results, like weight loss or increased muscle tone. If you’re not seeing results from exercise and you’re eating healthily, call a dietitian/nutritionist to find out what you’re missing in your diet.

Recently been diagnosed with a food allergy, sensitivity or other related medical condition.

Most doctors don’t give enough nutritional information to show you how to live a full life with a newly diagnosed food allergy or sensitivity. Gluten sensitivities, celiac disease, diabetes, high cholesterol or lactose intolerance, thyroid disorder are very common. A dietitian/nutritionist can show you how to incorporate new foods and substitutes into your lifestyle so you can be healthy and eat well, even within a restricted diet.

You’re pregnant.

If you’re pregnant and feel like you don’t have a good sense about how to eat well or properly nourish yourself, consider seeing a dietitian. If you gain too much weight during pregnancy, you’re at risk for developing gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, which can be dangerous. Many women feel like pregnancy is an excuse to go to town and eat loads of junk, but trust me, If you gain 20-30 kilos instead of 10-15, it will be even more of a struggle to lose that weight after the baby is born.

You’re having fertility issues.

If you’re not in optimal health, it could affect your fertility. If you don’t feel healthy or eat well, and you’re experiencing difficulty getting pregnant, consider calling a dietitian to learn how to better nourish yourself.

Share the article

Hello there
Get health tips, recipes and front seats to our free health talks and online events delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter!
Hello there
Get health tips, recipes and front seats to our free health talks and online events delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter!
Get more of the goodness delivered to your inbox. No Spam - No Ads
Subscribe