A Grounded Gut Begins with a Grounded Mind

Why The Grounded Gut?

Our digestive system - our gut - is where our body breaks downs and absorbs nutrients that literally become us and it produces compounds that can either negatively or positively impact our physical and mental wellbeing.

And the feeling of being grounded - feeling balanced, centered and connected - is essential for a happy gut! That is to say, when we feel stressed - emotions that are contracting, disconnecting, threatening or overwhelming - it negatively impacts and impairs digestive function.

Have you ever felt butterflies in your stomach when you were nervous? Or maybe, you've felt low mood the day after a night of drinking.

Well, the gut and the brain are connected and they communicate back and forth using our nervous system, such as the Vagus nerve, and other compounds, like hormones such as serotonin and inflammatory cytokines.

There's a reason they call the gut our second brain, there are about 100 million neurons in our gut! Compared to about 86 billion neurons in our brain and 40 thousand neurons in our heart.

Essentially, if you focus on taking small steps to support your digestive function along with managing stressful emotions to create mental strength and resilience then you will feel healthier, more energized, peaceful, and happier. Who doesn't want that!

Everyone's journey is unique, yet we have much in common and that is why simple practices that you can incorporate into you daily routine actually work. Consistency over intensity.

Here is a simple practice you can start today that will support your gut and feeling grounded.

• When you feel your nervous system is dysregulated, especially before eating food, use these affirmations:

• "I choose peace in this moment"

• And then take a deep belly breath. If it feels good, sigh on the exhale.

• Say, "With each breath, I return to balance".

• Repeat until you feel calm.

The combination of shifting your mindset and breathing calms your nervous system and supports digestive function.

Your intention is powerful and shouldn't be about bypassing the stressful emotion that's dysregulating your nervous system. Its about focusing your mind on where you want it to go next. The more we practice a positive mindset, the more resilient our mind becomes to external factors and the more peaceful and well we become.