Global News Morning homepage

Many people treat digestive issues, stress and pain as separate issues, but pharmacist and naturopathic Dr. Shabita Teja says they are all deeply interconnected and impacted by the gut-brain connection. "The gut and brain are in constant bi-direction communication. We have a second brain in our gut called the enteric nervous system," Teja said. "Stress definitely effects digestive health. Ninety-five per cent of our feel-good hormone serotonin is made in our gut, so there is an impact on mood as well." Teja recommends increasing fibre intake, mindful eating and chewing food thoroughly. In addition, deep belly breathing before meals can help calm the nervous system by triggering the vagus nerve.