Woman consciously takes time for healthy food

Study on the effect of mindful eating on stress & digestion

Christine E. Cherpak

August 2019

Anti-Stress & Burnout

This study looks at the treatment of mindfulness while eating as a possible treatment for gastrointestinal complaints that are often associated with prolonged stress.

Mindfulness is known for its ability to reduce stress by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system and restoring physical balance.

Combining the findings on the digestive system with a consideration of the nervous system, neuroendocrine and immune signaling pathways, and the factors of stress and mindfulness is referred to as the hypothetical construct of the triad. In this way, the importance of mind-body practices (e.g., mindful eating) that maintain parasympathetic nervous system dominance and help cultivate autonomic nervous system homeostasis, which is essential for optimal digestive function, is emphasized.

The clinical aspect of the link between stress, digestion and mindfulness lies in the simple treatment of a mindful diet to improve digestive function.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Mindfulness, nutrition, stress, digestion
Institution: Maryland University of Integrative Health, Laurel, USA
Title: Mindful eating reduces stress and digestive problems
Brief description: The study examines the links between mind-body practices such as mindfulness (when eating), digestion and persistent stress.
Original title: Mindful Eating: A Review Of How The Stress-Digestion-Mindfulness Triad May Modulate And Improve Gastrointestinal And Digestive Function
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32549835/