Have you ever noticed that when you’re stressed, your digestion goes haywire? Or when you feel anxious, you feel it in your stomach? Or maybe you lose your appetite during a stressful time? You might notice your digestion goes completely off-track when life gets hectic.

You’re not imagining it. Your gut and your brain are in constant conversation, it’s your gut–brain axis at work, and this link is more powerful than most people realise.

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Meet Your Gut–Brain Axis

Your gut has its own complex nervous system, often called the “second brain”, technically known as the enteric nervous system. It contains about 100 million nerve cells woven throughout the walls of your digestive tract.

The gut and brain communicate directly through the vagus nerve, a long nerve running from your brainstem down to your abdomen. It carries signals in both directions, so your mood can affect your gut, and your gut can affect your mood.

In fact, scientists now know that about 90% of the body’s serotonin (the “feel-good” neurotransmitter) is produced in the gut. This explains why poor gut health can contribute to low mood or anxiety — and why stress can trigger bloating, constipation, or sudden bathroom emergencies.

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Fight or Flight vs. Rest and Digest

Our bodies were brilliantly designed to handle short bursts of stress: you spot danger, your heart races, your body diverts energy away from digestion to prepare you to fight or run.

The problem?
Modern stress is constant. Deadlines, emails, rushing from task to task. Your body thinks you’re in danger all the time.

This means you spend more time in “fight or flight” (sympathetic nervous system) mode and not enough in “rest and digest” (parasympathetic nervous system) mode.

The result?
👉 Reduced stomach acid and digestive enzyme production
👉 Food sits undigested → bloating and discomfort
👉 Gut motility can become too fast (diarrhoea) or too slow (constipation)
👉 Microbiome imbalance, food sensitivities, even leaky gut over time

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Signs Your Nervous System May Be Affecting Your Gut

• You feel bloated after eating, even healthy foods
• You have IBS-type symptoms that flare up with stress
• You crave sugar or carbs for quick energy
• You get acid reflux or feel “heavy” after meals
• You’re tired but wired — your body never fully switches off

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How to Support Your Gut–Brain Connection

The good news is you can train your body to spend more time in “rest and digest” mode. Here’s how to start:

Breathe properly: Slow, diaphragmatic breathing activates the vagus nerve, which switches on parasympathetic mode. Try the 4-4-8 or 4-7-8 techniques: inhale for 4, hold for 4 (or 7), exhale slowly for 8.

Eat mindfully: Sit down, avoid screens, chew thoroughly. This primes your digestive system to produce the right enzymes and acid.

Gentle movement: Breath-led Pilates, yoga, or walking help your gut muscles work properly and calm your stress response.

Nourish your microbiome: Eat a diverse range of fibre-rich plants, fermented foods (if tolerated), and stay hydrated.

Rest deeply: True rest isn’t just sleep — it’s carving out time for relaxation, nature, laughter, and breaks from constant input.

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💫 Experience It For Yourself

This is exactly what inspired me to create my Rest & Digest Retreat — a full day to calm your nervous system and support your gut health through Pilates, breathwork, nourishing food, education, and pure rest.

If your body is craving a reset, this might be just what you need.

📍 Burleigh Court, Cotswolds
📅 Saturday 28th June
🎟 Limited spots available

👉 Book your spot here

Your gut, and your mind, will thank you.