Supporting Stress and Restoring Balance in the Body
Stress is a natural part of life, but when it becomes constant or overwhelming, it can influence nearly every system in the body. Stress influences the following body systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, gastrointestinal, immune, muscular, reproductive, and integumentary (skin). It triggers the "fight-or-flight" response, which can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, and if chronic, stress can contribute to long-term issues like heart disease, digestive problems, hormone imbalance and immune suppression.
In my practice, I support clients in understanding how stress may be contributing to symptoms and help them build nutrition and lifestyle strategies that gently guide the body back toward balance.
Symptoms of Chronic Stress (Sympathetic Nervous System Dominance)
When we’re in a state of chronic (ongoing) stress, the body tends to shift into sympathetic dominance, the “fight or flight” state. Over time, this heightened state can contribute to a wide range of symptoms, including:
-
Digestive changes such as bloating, altered bowel habits, IBS or reduced appetite
-
Skin concerns like eczema flare-ups, rosacea, dryness, or increased sensitivity
-
Hair-related changes, including thinning or shedding
-
Cardiovascular effects, such as increased heart rate or a sense of internal pressure
-
Low energy, irritability, poor sleep, and difficulties with focus
-
Hormone imbalance, mood swings, ovulation difficulties
The Role of the Parasympathetic Nervous System
To balance the stress response, we work on activating the parasympathetic nervous system, “rest and digest” mode. This is the state in which the body can digest food more effectively, repair tissues, absorb nutrients, and lower inflammation.
Supporting the parasympathetic system can positively influence digestive comfort and nutrient absorption, skin health, hair growth and strength, mood and emotional resilience, menstrual cycles, sleep quality, general vitality.
How I Can Help:
Nutrition to Support Stress
Creating balanced meals that stabilise blood sugar, promote digestive ease, and provide the nutrients needed for hormone and nervous system health.
Mind–Body Practices
Advising on simple, accessible habits that help shift the nervous system toward parasympathetic activity, such as deep, slow breathing before meals, mindful eating, gentle movement and creating calming routines around meals and sleep.
Supporting Digestive Function
Because stress and digestion are so closely connected, we will also explore ways to optimise digestive capacity and enhancing nutrient absorbtion.
Building Stress-Resilient Habits
Together, we develop achievable lifestyle routines that help you move out of chronic fight-or-flight and into a more grounded, restorative state.
