It’s really worth considering what you are doing, thinking and feeling when you are eating. For those people with a delicate digestive system have you ever noticed that when you are away on holiday or in any relaxing situation certain foods that gave you indigestion at home do not cause you any aggravation when you are away……. just when you have pin-pointed one food that you think upsets you, you then find yourself in a position of having to eat it again (or daring to eat it again!) with out any adverse reaction…..confusing! Our level of stress has a MASSIVE influence on our ability to digest food and absorb the nutrients into the bloodstream. ‘Stress’ doesn’t have to be life threatening or a major issue to have a detrimental effect, although the greater the stress is the more it is likely to cause problems. Even just being rushed or feeling concerned about something is stressful to the body. The body under stress goes into survival mode and produces hormones like adrenaline to prime the body for any impending danger and prepare for action….’fight or flight’……a sequence of instinctual reactions click in… the body needs to protect it’s self first and foremost. Part of this clever response means sending extra blood supplies to the muscles just in case a quick get away is needed, the digestive system is not considered essential at this time and is depleted in digestive juices, blood, oxygen and so then it’s function is severely compromised. The result of this can be experienced as indigestion, bloating, stomach ache and cramps. Over a long period of time and on a regular basis this can lead to the body being ‘starved’ of vital nutrients…..resulting in degeneration in the body and all manor of problems and disease’s. Our emotions have a profound effect on our nutrient absorption, general health and weight control (under stress the body lays down fat supplies where it can, an insurance just in case there’s going to be a shortage later on!) If we become aware that what’s going on in our lives contributes hugely to ALL our body functions and systems…. hormone production, breathing, growth and repair, as well as determining our digestive dynamics, we are more likely to take a little time to get ourselves in a ‘fit state of mind’ to cultivate a fit and healthy body. What we need is…. Relaxed, calm and positive….bring back the habit of family meals, a social time with love and laughter (well I know it’s unlikely to be quite so idyllic!) where food, sharing and gratitude all fit into the same sentence. The act of saying a prayer or Grace before a meal was a ritual that flicked the switch from outside business, external achievement to setting the tone for a sense of the appreciation of the body, life and those around you. A truly nurturing experience on all levels. Choosing your mood is as important as choosing your food!