Public discourse is obsessed with what we consume. But how we eat – our traditions, ideas, and emotional aspect about food – practically rarely comes up in a discussion. And, as per digestive psychologists, there is substantial evidence that how we eat is just as essential for gut health as what we consume.
Eating and emotions… what is the connection?
We all know that our emotions have an influence on our physical bodies. They are linked and have a profound impact on one another. Stress, for example, relates to a wide range of ailments, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. Many digestive issues have an emotional component to them.
How the issues start
If you merely consider what you consume, you are only seeing part of the truth. This is incredibly simple for Americans to do since our society is obsessed with what we consume.
For example-
“It must be simply about the foods, so if I remove or replace these items, I’ll be well.”
But no one considers the reality that if I am really nervous about eliminating gluten, my worry will become a significant contributor to why I am most probably gluten intolerant. You’re really exacerbating the problem rather than solving it.
Emotional causes of eating habits
When you ask us, “How can you convince individuals to go on a healthy journey?”
You must achieve a sense of equilibrium and compassion. Acceptance includes moving beyond the dichotomy of “good” and “bad.” There are unpleasant events in your life, and there are utterly ecstatic ones in your life. But they are both a component of your existence, and you must embrace them both. You must not pass judgement on them as good or evil.
If you conceal these difficult sensations as soon as they arise, you are missing out on crucial information about yourself. Feeling anxious might serve as a wake-up call to you to take care of yourself before you have physical signs of anxiety, such as headaches.
The actual practice of eating is inextricably linked to our gut health and general physical wellness. Eating thoughtfully — literally how you consume your food, but also the larger environment in which you eat it – offers a slew of physical and mental advantages.
Mindful eating is the key you might be looking for
Here are seven mindful eating tips:
Relax and eat
If you eat up to three times a day, try to sit down as much as possible. Turn off all distractions and relax.
Include friends and family
We don’t eat our meals together nearly enough these days. We eat in the vehicle, on the go, or just want to be alone. Eating together has been scientifically demonstrated to reduce the sources of stress in humans.
Connect
It appears that when we link arms or make tactile stimulation with other people, our stress reaction decreases. Our fight reaction decreases. Because you’re essentially telling your body, “I’m in a community, I’m safe.” Humans, after all, are herd creatures. When you share a meal and have this customary bonding, you have a neurochemical signature that tells you that you are now in company, protected, and cherished because oxytocin is released.
Take it easy
It operates better when wet, much like any other type of electricity. As a result, when you eat slowly, there is enough saliva in your mouth for those signals to communicate properly. You also have a lot more flavour and experience.
Stop overeating
Never eat too much. Consume no more than 60% of your body’s capability. This allows the gut to correctly combine the digestive juices via the digested meal.
Breathe
Then there’s the matter of breathing. Breathing is really crucial in fat burning. We are a sophisticated, carbon-based living form. When carbon is combined with oxygen, it produces carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide.
Chuckle
Laughter is also great. There’s an ancient adage that “laughing is the best medicine.” Yes, it is. Make a joke, in my opinion. Have a good chuckle. Have some fun. Joy is very therapeutic energy. That should also be a component of your supper.
