The Power of Spiritual Nutrition & The Gut

ByBreanna

What is Spiritual Nutrition?

Spiritual Nutrition includes our relationship with ourself, family members, friends, God (or a higher power) and nature!

Relationship with Self

Taking care of ourselves and nurturing a positive relationship with ourselves is crucial as it motivates us to maintain our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Recall a moment when you felt truly content with yourself. Chances are, during that time, you prioritized self-care and engaged in activities that brought you joy.

Chances are you were eating healthier foods, maintaining healthy movement habits, participating in healthy habits and doing things you enjoyed to help you grow and learn more about you! You participated in self care routines and you experienced greater self compassion, courage and joy.

Relationship with Others

When our relationships with others is strong we have a source for support, strength and we experience connection.

Connection is vital to healthy living, when we feel disconnected it can lead to anxiety, depression and lack of self care.

When we feel disconnected we tend not to care much for ourselves. We eat more foods that comfort us instead of those that leave us feeling satiated and nourished. We lean on food, tv, social media or other toxic substances that lead us feeling worse than we started.

If you are feeling disconnected and alone, find just one person you can connect with, one person who can be your support, that one person you know you can call any time even at 3am when you just need to feel supported.

Creating a network of people around you you can connect with takes time, however it starts with just 1 person.

Relationship with God and Nature

Developing a strong relationship with God is key to happiness and peace which helps us to overcome stress, a roadblock to living healthy. In an article posted in Forbes it was shared that those who believe in God, are religious, or spiritual experience greater health.

“Most studies have shown that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcomes, including greater longevity, coping skills, and health-related quality of life (even during terminal illness) and less anxiety, depression, and suicide. Several studies have shown that addressing the spiritual needs of the patient may enhance recovery from illness.”

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicolefisher/2019/03/29/science-says-religion-is-good-for-your-health/?sh=f7194803a12c

Nature is amazing for our overall health but is especially important for our digestive health!

Some major benefits of nature are the sun, air and overall feelings we experience when we are in nature.

We can also feel grounded in nature which allows for greater peace and feelings of connection.

Spiritual Nutrition and the Gut

So how does spiritual nutrition play a role in gut health?

Each one of these “relationships” helps us to combat stress.

Stress, especially chronic stress is a contributing factor to poor gut health. This will blow your mind…

Stress can influence the composition of gut bacteria by triggering changes in stress hormones, inflammation, and autonomic functions (functions that are involuntary).

Consequently, the gut bacteria release metabolites, toxins, and neurohormones that have the potential to modify eating patterns and mood.

Simplified: When we prioritize self-care by feeling positive about ourselves, we invest in our well-being.

By fostering connections with others, having a support system, believing in a higher power, and engaging with nature, we can effectively manage stress.

This ultimately results in…

Reduced stress and enhanced gut health!

Keep in mind that stress can influence the gut, potentially resulting in:

  • leaky gut
  • hormonal fluctuations
  • digestion issues
  • reduced nutrient intake
  • weakened immune system
  • acid reflux
  • irregular bowel movements

So – do yourself a favor this week and find time to connect with yourself, others, God and get outside!

Thus improving your gut health! Did you realize that spiritual nutrition was so powerful when it comes to improving your gut health?

*One bonus tid bit of info for you, improving your gut health leads to improved immune function… SO CONNECT!

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