Dealing With a Highly Sensitive Nervous System and Digesting – Tips to Help Manage It More Effectively

The Connection Between Our Nervous System and Digestion

Our digestive system is controlled by the enteric nervous system, also known as the "second brain". This network of neurons and neurotransmitters runs from our esophagus to our anus, and it plays a crucial role in regulating digestion. It communicates with our central nervous system, which interprets and responds to external stimuli.

When our central nervous system is highly sensitive, it can send signals that disrupt its function to the enteric nervous system. This can lead to various digestive issues, such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

The Role of Gut Microbes

Another factor that can impact digestion is the balance of gut microbes in our digestive system. These tiny microorganisms are vital in breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and regulating our immune system. When the population of good bacteria is disrupted, it can significantly impact our overall health, including digestion.
Research has shown that individuals with a sensitive nervous system may also have imbalances in their gut microbiome. This can contribute to digestive issues, as well as other health problems such as anxiety and depression.

Tips for Managing a Sensitive Nervous System and Digestion

If you have a highly sensitive nervous system, there are steps you can take to support your digestive health:

1. Monitor Your Diet One of the most effective ways to improve digestive health is to pay close attention to what you’re eating. If you have a sensitive nervous system, certain foods may trigger digestive discomfort or exacerbate other symptoms, such as anxiety. Keep a food journal and note any symptoms you experience after eating certain foods. Over time, you may start to notice patterns and can adjust your diet accordingly.
2. Practice Mindful Eating In addition to monitoring what you eat, paying attention to how you eat is important. Mindful eating involves being fully present and engaged during meals, paying attention to the flavors and textures of your food. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are known to exacerbate digestive symptoms. It can also help you eat more slowly, which aids digestion.
3. Prioritize Sleep Sleep is essential to overall health and can help reduce stress, anxiety, and other symptoms of a sensitive nervous system. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. If you have trouble falling asleep, consider a relaxing nighttime routine, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath.
4. Exercise Regularly Movement is crucial for maintaining digestive health and managing symptoms of a sensitive nervous system. Regular exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and aid digestion. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, such as brisk walking, yoga, or swimming.
5. Seek Support Living with a sensitive nervous system can sometimes feel isolating and overwhelming. It’s important to seek support when you need it. Consider joining a support group or therapy, which can provide a safe space to share your experiences and connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Seeking supportive relationships with loved ones is also important for overall mental health.

Taking care of ourselves and managing our highly sensitive nervous system doesn’t have to be painful. It can be a journey of self-discovery and an opportunity to explore our inner strengths and boundaries in life. By making mindful changes in our diets, we can seek the nutritional balance that supports our level of sensitivity. Furthermore, practicing mindfulness will help us better recognize triggers and develop methods to cope with them, no matter the difficulty. In essence, dealing with a highly sensitive nervous system is about understanding oneself and taking control of how best to achieve harmony between the body and mind. So pause, listen to your needs, and find the right outlets to relieve you—you deserve it! Make sure to try these tips one by one so you can find which ones work for you; this way, you'll have an easier time dealing with your highly sensitive nervous system effectively.
Thanks for reading! :)