Stressed While Eating? Here’s Why That’s a Problem
The digestive system is one of the most beautifully orchestrated systems in the body. From the moment we see or smell food, a complex chain reaction begins—each organ doing its part to break down what we eat, absorb nutrients, and support our health. But none of it happens in isolation. The real conductor behind this process? Your nervous system.
Specifically, the autonomic nervous system, which has two key branches: the sympathetic (commonly known as “fight or flight”) and the parasympathetic (often referred to as “rest and digest”).
When you're under stress—running late, juggling tasks, watching the news, or even just eating in a rush—your body shifts into sympathetic mode. This is great when you need to act quickly or stay alert, but not so great for digestion. That’s because digestion is primarily controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system, which functions best when the body feels safe, calm, and structured.
Stress and Digestion Don’t Mix
Eating while stressed may not seem like a big deal in the moment. After all, your body doesn’t completely shut down digestion in a sympathetic state. It will still do the basic work. But if this becomes your norm—eating every meal on the go, distracted, or in a stressed-out state—your digestion will eventually struggle to keep up.
Over time, this can lead to bloating, indigestion, nutrient deficiencies, and even chronic digestive concerns. The body was not designed to handle digestion in a high-alert state for months or years on end.
Creating a “Rest and Digest” Environment
Many of us eat meals surrounded by distractions—whether it’s the news on TV, our phones buzzing, or loud background music. While these might feel like small things, they can actually keep your body in a low-level state of stress, making it harder for your nervous system to shift into “rest and digest” mode. Even how you chew or breathe during meals can influence your body’s ability to properly digest food.
That’s why creating a calm environment around mealtimes is so important. Here are a few simple habits that can help your body relax and better support digestion:
Take a few deep breaths before eating to help your body shift into a parasympathetic (relaxed) state.
Chew your food thoroughly—if you’ve read my past blogs, you’ve heard me say this before, and for good reason. It gives your digestive system a head start and reduces unnecessary strain on your gut.
Minimize distractions like screens or loud noise. Put your phone away, turn off the TV, and keep the setting peaceful.
Eat without multitasking so your body can focus fully on the process of digesting your food.
Set the tone with a calm atmosphere—dim lighting, soft background music, or even just sitting down at a table can help.
These small, mindful changes can have a powerful impact on how your body processes food.
One of the first steps in supporting digestion isn’t reaching for a supplement or fancy product—it’s learning how to eat in a parasympathetic state. You can have the best probiotic or enzyme in the world, but if you’re eating while your body is in a fight-or-flight mode, you’re not getting the full benefit.
Feeling like your digestion has been off? Let’s take a closer look at how your body is responding. Reach out at info@brywell.co — I’d love to help you find the right starting point.