Well@Work Tip

Tools to combat and lesson stress’s effect on us.

Empowering Employees to Thrive @ Work: Gut Health blog

We all have a brain, and gut! Two things we take with us everywhere, even work. (As if you didn’t know, ha!)

But what if stress and chronic stress are flaring your gut up each day when you walk in? Or after that stressful meeting? Could it be acute or a sign of a bigger health issue?

The human gut is often referred to as the "second brain" due to its vast network of neurons, collectively called the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS contains over 100 million nerve cells, which is more than the spinal cord and plays a crucial role in regulating digestion, absorption, and even the sensation of pain. These nerve cells allow the gut to communicate with the brain via the vagus nerve, forming a bidirectional communication pathway known as the gut-brain axis. This system is highly sensitive to changes in the body's internal environment, making it central to our experience of stress and well-being. Studies have shown that this close connection between the brain and gut can explain why emotions, such as anxiety or stress, can manifest in gastrointestinal symptoms, such as stomachaches, bloating, or discomfort.

Chronic stress significantly affects gut health through several mechanisms. Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to the release of cortisol, a hormone that can alter gut motility, reduce digestive function, and disrupt the balance of gut microbiota. This dysregulation can lead to increased intestinal permeability, commonly known as "leaky gut," allowing toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, further exacerbating systemic inflammation and triggering negative emotional and physical responses. Research indicates that individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal disorders often experience worsened symptoms during periods of heightened stress .

In addition, stress can intensify the communication between the gut and brain, leading to a heightened perception of pain or discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. When the body is in a state of stress, signals from the brain can trigger the release of inflammatory chemicals in the gut, leading to flare-ups of conditions like IBS or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Mindfulness practices and stress-relieving techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation, have been shown to help regulate this gut-brain connection, reducing the negative impact of stress on gut health .

Supporting great expert organizations such as the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation are at the center of what we do at Peak Mind. We desire to provide easy-and-effective tools to thrive at work. And learning and development are core to our Comprehension + Compassion = Connection mission and values.

According to an article on https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/research/our-research-accomplishments - there are so many new developments that could help workers feel better all day, including while at work. And if you have ever had to have the uncomfortable bathroom conversation with a boss or coworker, this means the world to you!

“Discovered hundreds of genes linked to IBD

Experts have long believed that Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis tend to run in families, but it’s only in the past two decades that we’ve been able to pinpoint specific genes and genetic changes that are associated with IBD. Foundation-funded research led to the discovery of NOD2, the first gene ever identified as relevant to Crohn’s disease. Since then, our Genetics Initiative has helped identify hundreds of genes that appear to predispose someone to IBD or make them more vulnerable to frequent flares.

 The goal now is to empower scientists to study how genes contribute to IBD, as well as to find gene-controlled pathways that may lead to new treatments.

 At the Cleveland Clinic, Thad Stappenbeck, MD, PhD, used funding from our Genetics Initiative to discover a genetic variant that makes many IBD patients overproduce a protein called plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). The most exciting part is that Dr. Stappenbeck’s team has already identified a compound that appears to block PAI-1, and researchers are in the process of developing it into a new drug.”

I am excited to attend this weekends IBD Learning event at the NCAA Hall of Champions in downtown Indy. Come join us if you want to learn more about gut health! https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/myibdlearning/indianapolis. The more you know, the more we can do to help live better quality lives. Hope to see you there!

Saturday
September 14, 2024
9:30 am - 2:00 pm ET

Subscribe today to our channels to catch our upcoming reveal from the stress-study Peak Mind performed in partnership with this school and it’s teachers the Spring semester 2024.

Go forth and be well. We support your journey, and know others do too!

We wish you well on your journey to well-being. If you are finding this journey hard to implement within your organization, let Peak Mind help you today.

Demo or Schedule a time to discuss how we can help you.

#BeWell and #LetsPeak

@PeakMindOnline