Improve Gut Health
While Lowering Stress
Episode 3 of The Healthy Gut Nutritionist Podcast
Learn How to Improve Your Gut Health
While Lowering Stress Naturally
Welcome to The Healthy Gut Nutritionist Podcast
I know many of you are feeling overwhelmed with everything that’s been happening lately, especially the aftermath of recent storms.
My heart goes out to you if you’re going through tough times. Stress has a way of impacting not just our minds, but also our bodies—especially our digestion. That’s why in this episode of The Healthy Gut Nutritionist Podcast, we’ll focus on how to support your gut health while managing stress.
Hi, I’m Jessica Lee Reader, a Master Nutrition Therapist, Health Coach, Yoga Teacher, and Gut Health Nutritionist in Greenville, SC, and online. In this podcast, I’m here to cut through the noise and offer actionable strategies that have helped me and hundreds of my clients improve digestion, boost metabolism, and reduce stress naturally.
Understanding the Gut-Stress Connection
Stress doesn’t just affect how we feel emotionally—it can throw off our digestion too. When we’re stressed, our bodies produce a hormone called cortisol. This helps us handle immediate challenges, but when cortisol stays elevated (like when we’re feeling long-term stress), it can slow down digestion, leading to bloating, cramping, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
In the episode, I explain more about cortisol and what you can do to keep cortisol balanced, so it doesn’t harm your gut.
The Gut-Brain Connection
Your gut and brain are connected through the gut-brain axis—they’re constantly communicating. When stress kicks in, it can disrupt this communication, which can throw off your digestion. But there’s good news: by stimulating your vagus nerve, which helps regulate this connection, you can support both your mental and digestive health.
I’ll guide you through simple practices in the episode that you can start doing today to calm your system and support your gut.
Simple, Practical Tips for Managing Stress and Gut Health
Here are a few strategies I talk about in the episode:
- Mindful Eating
Taking time to slow down and enjoy your meals can help ease stress on your digestive system. I’ll share some tips for practicing mindfulness around food, even if you’re busy. - Nutrition for Stress Relief
Certain foods and herbs, like ashwagandha and holy basil, can help lower cortisol levels and support your gut health. These adaptogens have been used for centuries to help the body handle stress better. I’ll explain more about how you can incorporate them into your daily routine. - Self-Care Practices
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a break. Whether it’s reducing screen time, getting outside for fresh air, or simply practicing gratitude, these small steps can make a big difference in how your body handles stress—and how your gut feels.
Deep Breathing to Support Your Gut and Lower Stress
I also walk you through a quick breathing exercise designed to lower stress and support digestion. This type of deep breathing helps activate your vagus nerve, which plays a big role in keeping your gut-brain connection strong. Try doing it daily—you’ll feel calmer and your digestion will thank you.
I know many of you are dealing with the effects of the recent storms. My thoughts are with you, and I want to share some resources below the episode and in the shownotes that might help during this difficult time.
I’m sending love and support to everyone affected by the recent storms. If you’re feeling stressed, know that there are steps you can take to care for yourself and your health. Let’s do it together.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
- Hurricane relief resources
- Adrenal Cortisol Test
- Online supplement store (15% discount available)
- For personalized guidance, book a free consultation here.
- Download my Food and Observations Journal here.
- Follow @VitalizedBody on Instagram and Facebook for more tips!
What’s Coming Up on my Podcast
In future episodes, I’ll delve deeper into gut health topics such as food sensitivities, leaky gut, probiotics, and more. I’ll also share actionable tips and insights from my 15+ years of experience as a nutritionist in Greenville, SC, and online.
Thank you for tuning in to The Healthy Gut Nutritionist Podcast. Subscribe to the show and get a fresh episode each week.
Let’s make your journey to vibrant health enjoyable and achievable, one bite at a time.
Ready to take control of your digestive health and overall well-being?
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