Fact 7: Fight or Flight vs. Rest and Digest
Our bodies are marvels of evolution, equipped with mechanisms to handle threats. One such primal response is the “fight or flight” mode. When faced with immediate danger, our body diverts its resources to prepare for a quick response. While invaluable in face of a threat, this response can wreak havoc on our digestive system.
The “fight or flight” response is about immediate survival. In such a scenario, digestion isn’t a priority. As a result, the body diverts blood and energy away from the digestive system. This can result in slowed digestion, leading to food lingering in the stomach, setting the stage for dyspepsia.
Moreover, this response leads to a surge in stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. We’ve already seen how these can increase stomach acid production and make the stomach lining more sensitive. It’s a double whammy for the digestive system – reduced function and heightened sensitivity.
On the flip side, our body also has a “rest and digest” mode, the polar opposite of “fight or flight.” As the name suggests, it’s when the body focuses on processes like digestion. The problem? Chronic stress rarely lets us enter this state. The body is perpetually on high alert, leaving little room for essential functions like digestion.
Summing it up, the body’s instinctual “fight or flight” response, while crucial for survival, isn’t the best friend of our digestive system. Prolonged periods of stress, with sustained “fight or flight” mode, can lead to chronic dyspepsia. Recognizing this and finding ways to switch to “rest and digest” becomes essential for gut health. (7)
