THE STRESS CONNECTION

There are two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system: the parasympathetic and sympathetic. The parasympathetic response, also known as “rest and digest”, is stimulated when we are at ease. It enhances assimilation of nutrients from the food we eat, and promotes restful sleep and cellular recovery. The sympathetic response, conversely known as “fight or flight,” is stimulated during times of stress. In healthy individuals both systems work in proper response to our environment. When we are assaulted with continual stress for a prolonged period, our body can activate the “fight or flight” response but then fail to turn it off. Have you ever felt stressed during an activity that should have been relaxing? If so, this is what an unregulated stress response feels like. These periods of prolonged stress negatively affect our mood, cause inflammation, and prevent our digestive system from assimilating the nutrients in our food.

Conversely, a more prominent “rest and digest” reaction can help you sleep better, prevent and reduce chronic health conditions, enhance mood, and improve your overall quality of life. Feeding an overly stressed body, even the healthiest of foods, can wreak havoc on our digestive systems. Healing is multidimensional. Nutrition and mindfulness go hand in hand. One is only so effective without the other! My goal is to help you reboot your stress response, creating greater resilience to difficult situations, reduce incidence of chronic disease, and create more enjoyment and ease in life.