We’re sure you’re already well aware of many, many, reasons why you don’t want chronic stress in your life (aside from the obvious — that the experience itself just sucks). You know what else it sucks for? Our community of microbiome. (It literally sucks the life out of the healthy microbes in our gut.)
Here’s what happens:
The trillions of bacteria in our biome form a diverse and integral harmonious community working for the benefit of the organism — Ie. You. (If we’re eating well and taking the right probiotics those trillions are helpful bacteria instead of unhelpful ones.)
Studies have shown that chronic stress on the biome turns a stable harmonious community into an unstable one, lowering diversity and leaving the microbes acting abnormally, potentially messing with our digestion, our appetite, libido, cravings, immune system, even leading to migraines or extreme anxiety. How each community of microbes reacts under stress is unique. And since the gut sends more messages to the brain via the vagus nerve than vice versa, this can further put our minds into difficult loops, affecting our thoughts and moods. When stressed, the vague nerve can’t release anti-inflammatory molecules or take care of the various protective linings, which means there is greater potential for toxins and harmful bacteria to enter the body and even pass into the brain causing infections.
That’s messed up. A body, like an eco-system, that can’t take care of itself or, even worse, is at odds with itself is a debilitated system instead of a self and life affirming one. Instead of a thriving one. Basically, it makes sense for mitigating stress to be a top priority in life; especially these days. Unreleased stress really only causes more stress and more problems.
This is a top down and bottom up job.
Sort out the gut through probiotics like our Intensive G.I (the right strains can even reduce stress hormones, inflammation, and help protect the lining), practice healthy relaxed breathing, eat a good varied diet with plenty of plants and lower overall inflammation. And use the mind to calm things down, inducing a calm, clear mind, however you can — whether through meditation, walks in nature, support from the natural world like medicinal mushrooms, laughing at ridiculous animal videos with friends, whatever works for you.
For a very basic breathing exercise that has proven to lower cortisol levels for hours afterwards, try this:
That’s it. That’s how simple this is.
Do that for 5 minutes, 3 times a day, and you have a marked reduction in cortisol levels and stress hormones for hours afterwards. You can add elements like allowing the breath to reach your low belly with relaxation and ease (no forcing the tight muscles open here); weaving in prayers or repetitions of phrases or mantras that help you attune to calm power; or focusing on an image or candle flame as examples. All this may help you go a little deeper; but keep it simple. The important part is repetition and consistency. 5 minutes, 3 times a day. Oh, and don’t forget to send a little thanks to your biome for all the help they offer, and to yourself for doing a practice that helps you be better and more at ease a the world that needs calm, collected, loving humans.
All in all, help that very large community of microbes work in loving harmony, which translates to the same potential for thriving harmony in your life. Be well everyone.
With love from Purica and our thriving biomes.
And just because we care: Here’s a short video of some clever cats!
