When Rebecca first came to me, she was struggling with low energy, bloating, and gas. She felt frustrated and didn't know where to turn for relief. It was embarrassing and so uncomfortable! She also felt exhausted on a regular basis and couldn’t connect the dots. Getting up in the morning felt like moving through sand. Collapsing in a heap at the end of the day was normal. She also struggled with depression and thought much of the exhaustion was only related to her mind struggles.

It became clear during our sessions that her symptoms were just a small part of a bigger issue concerning her overall digestion and nervous system balance.

One day, after listening to her detailed experiences, we honed in on her mealtime habits. Rebecca often ate on the go, rushed through meals, and frequently felt stressed or distracted while eating. This is when I introduced her to the concept of the cephalic phase of digestion.

Interestingly, what we discovered together might surprise you and could be the key to unlocking better digestion (losing the bloating and indigestion) and increased energy for many others. Let’s dive into the powerful connection between the cephalic phase of digestion and how calming our nervous system before eating can make a significant difference.

The Cephalic Phase of Digestion

Have you ever noticed how your mouth waters at the sight or smell of food? Sometimes, even thinking about food can cause your mouth to water.

Try it.

Think about your favorite food right now. Really focus on it. What happened? I bet you felt a bit more saliva in your mouth.

That’s the cephalic phase of digestion at work. This early phase of digestion is initiated by the thought, sight, smell, and taste of food, triggering your digestive system to start preparing for the meal ahead. This is literally the body's wisdom at its best—getting ready to digest the food it’s anticipating.

Keep in mind that it’s not the food itself that your body needs—it’s the nutrients in the food that are vital to the health of your body. Digestion, simply put, is the body’s ability to break down and use nutrients.

One key thing to remember here: you are not WHAT you eat; you are what your body CAN DO with what you eat. This means, you could be eating the best diet in the world, but not assimilating the nutrients that you need. (More on this in an upcoming article.)

Why Calming Your Nervous System Matters

Stress and anxiety can wreak havoc on your digestive system. When stressed, your body diverts energy away from digestion, leading to issues like indigestion, bloating, and more. By calming your nervous system before eating, you allow your body to fully engage in the digestive process, making it more efficient and comfortable.

Tips to Calm Your Nervous System Before Eating

👉 Deep Breathing: Take 3-5 deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. This simple act can help shift your body from a state of stress to relaxation.

👉 Gratitude Practice: Spend a moment feeling grateful for the meal you are about to enjoy. This can be a silent thank you or a prayer.

Read here to learn how the power of thought can transform your life.

👉 Mindful Pause: Sit quietly for a minute and focus on your meal’s colors, smells, and textures. Engage your senses to bring yourself fully into the present moment.

This Week's Challenge

I challenge you to practice calming your nervous system before each meal this week. Observe how this practice impacts your digestion and overall sense of well-being.

Reflect and Share

At the end of the week, take a moment to reflect on your experience. Did you notice any changes in how you feel after meals? Do you feel less bloating, less gas, and more energy? Feel free to share your experiences by sending me an email– I'd love to hear from you!

Remember, small mindful practices can lead to significant improvements!

Have an amazing week full of mindful and stress-free meals!

Lots of love,

Rachel

Your Functional Nutrition Counselor and Life Coach

P.S. Remember, this is just the first step losing the bloat, gaining more energy and feeling a calm mind. When we work together 1:1, we dive even deeper into personalized strategies. This approach can also be the key to losing stubborn weight that has been difficult to shed. If you're ready to take the next step, click here to schedule a free consultation.