Stress levels can affect the health of our gut.
If you suffer from any recurring gut issues, then you are probably very aware of the importance of what you consume and what may trigger you.
As we have discussed in another blog the gut is known as “the second brain” and consequently stress levels can affect its health. When we’re stressed, our body produces cortisol, a hormone that can affect the balance of bacteria in our gut. Additionally, chronic stress can lead to inflammation in the gut, which can cause a host of digestive issues. To reduce stress, it’s important to incorporate relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into our daily routine.
The importance of deep belly breathing.
We all know that breathing is an essential part of our existence. Here we look at the importance of deep belly breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, and the significant impact it can have on our health and well-being.
Deep belly breathing involves breathing deeply from the diaphragm, the muscle located at the bottom of the lungs. This type of breathing is different from shallow chest breathing, where the chest and shoulders rise and fall with each breath. Deep belly breathing involves the diaphragm contracting, pulling air into the lungs, and expanding the abdomen as if you were blowing up a balloon in your tummy. The air is then exhaled slowly, the diaphragm relaxes, and the “balloon” deflates.
Deep belly breathing can help improve digestion by massaging the internal organs and promoting the flow of blood and oxygen to the digestive tract. It can also help to reduce bloating and other digestive issues.
Some of the other benefits of deep belly breathing:
Reduces Stress and Anxiety Deep belly breathing can help by triggering the relaxation response in our bodies. When we are stressed, our body’s sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Deep belly breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body and lowers the heart rate and blood pressure.
Improves Lung Function Deep belly breathing helps to strengthen the diaphragm muscle, which can improve lung function. When we breathe shallowly, we only use a small portion of our lungs, which can lead to a build-up of carbon dioxide and decreased oxygen levels in the body. Deep belly breathing helps to fully expand the lungs, increasing oxygen levels and improving overall lung function.
Boosts Immune System Deep belly breathing has been shown to boost the immune system by increasing the production of immune cells in the body. It also helps to stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps to eliminate toxins and waste from the body.
Enhances Physical Performance Deep belly breathing can enhance physical performance by increasing oxygen levels in the body, improving endurance, and reducing muscle fatigue.
How Optimal Health Can Help
If your gut health issues are recurring then we recommend starting with The Heidelberg Test. Exclusive to the Optimal Health Group in the UK, this is the Gold Standard Medical Test for the assessment of stomach acid and gut function. It is a non-invasive, in-clinic procedure administered by a trained clinician.
