Stress giving you stomach ache?

A heavy head leads to an upset stomach

As long as work-, school-related and private stress don’t become permanent, everything is ok. A little bit of „action“ every now and again is good for the body and soul. This sort of stress, also known as eustress, challenges you in a positive way. For example, anticipating the birth of a child or the nervousness before a wedding. Separately, the body can’t adapt to negative stress, also known as distress. If the latter continues over a long period of time, it can lead to exhaustion, physical or mental problems, or aggravate an existing condition. Concentration and sleeping disorders, headaches and migraines, all the way to burnouts and depression as well as cardiovascular diseases are a few examples. Even gastrointestinal conditions such as constipation, diarrhoea, irritable colon, heartburn and gastritis are associated with stress. Vice versa, the brain can be affected by out-of-balance microbiomes or inflammation in the gut (the so-called gut-brain-barrier). According to animal studies, there may be a connection to emotional, neurological and immunological diseases. Previous studies reveal that a gut-friendly diet doesn’t just help with weight problems, but also prepares you for stressful times. In that case, roasted goose, drinking punch with friends, company parties and cookies aren’t welcome. With an overdose of sugary and high-fat foods as well as alcohol, the billions of helpful gut bacteria and even the liver are hard at work.

Intestines and sensitive skin

The liver, a metabolic organ, is in charge of important functions such as detoxification and clearance. If the gut and liver don’t function properly, neither vitamins, minerals and trace elements can be absorbed adequately nor harmful substances eliminated effectively. Harmful bacteria then have it easy, especially if „good“ gut bacteria were decimated due to treatment with antibiotics. Our skin then reacts with pimples, acne and even atopical eczema. On top of it all, in the cold winter months the outer skin and, most importantly, the mucosa cool and dry out due to the cold and lack of moisture. The results being chapped skin – an entrance for pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi as well as allergens (Caution: the latter also includes chemical ingredients in care products!). An imbalance among gut bacteria can be stabilized using probiotics and vital elements that rebuild the intestinal mucosa. Special skin care and cosmetics also strengthen sensitive skin.

Conclusion: taking care of your intestines, liver and skin is the most effective way of preventing ailments. The right mix of probiotics and vital elements can help with that. To avoid stress, you should try to take frequent breaks, reflect inwards and activate your circulation with exercise – preferably outside in the fresh air.