Digestion happens best in the parasympathetic state - a state of relaxation.

Your body is primed for survival.

When your body senses a threat it prioritizes the resources needed to survive and lets go of that which isn’t necessary. A threat triggers the release of cortisol, the stress hormone, causing an increase in heart rate and blood flow to our muscles and brain to prepare our body to run from the threat.  Things that are not important in an emergency (like digestion, or other hormone production) can get shut down.  

Digestion happens best in the parasympathetic state - a state of relaxation.  

In this state, the body feels safe to send resources to the stomach, liver, gall bladder and intestines to support the breakdown of food.   This allows for better nutrient absorption, digestion, and elimination.  

Unfortunately, your body doesn’t realize that the cortisol release from getting stuck in traffic, or rushing out the door isn’t a life-or-death situation.  

When we’re scarfing down food on the run or eating in these moments, it’s harder for our body to break it down!

Have you ever noticed that a food that bothers your stomach at home is totally fine on vacation?  It’s likely because your stress is low and you’re enjoying a long and slow meal.  

So what do we do about this? 

Whenever possible, sit down to eat, take a deep breath to find your calm, and take a moment to smell your food.

Pay attention to the flavours, enjoy the experience and chew your food well!  

In those moments where that’s not possible (it happens and we don’t want you skipping meals!) try to bring your presence to your food as much as possible. While this habit can be hard to remember, it can make a huge difference in how you feel after meals!