Is nervous system dysregulation really the root cause of chronic bloating, IBS, food sensitivities, and digestive discomfort — or is that only part of the picture?

In this episode, I break down how the nervous system and gut are deeply interconnected, why digestion is a nervous-system–regulated process, and why healing your gut requires more than just "calming your nervous system." This episode explains the science behind the gut–brain axis, vagus nerve, stress hormones, histamine overload, and microbiome imbalances — and why nervous system regulation and targeted gut repair must work together for lasting results.

You'll learn how chronic stress impacts digestion, gut motility, stomach acid, immune function, and the gut lining, as well as how gut imbalances themselves can drive anxiety, panic, and overwhelm. We also explore practical tools to regulate your nervous system, build stress resilience, and support digestion in real life — without needing expensive gadgets or extreme routines.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE:

• Nervous system dysregulation contributes to gut issues — but it is rarely the only root cause
• Digestion is a nervous-system–regulated process, not just about food or supplements
• Chronic stress suppresses stomach acid, enzymes, bile flow, gut motility, and immune function
• The gut–brain axis is bi-directional: the gut affects anxiety and stress, and stress affects the gut
• Cortisol and stress hormones damage the gut lining and contribute to leaky gut and inflammation
• Gut imbalances can increase anxiety through histamine overload, neurotransmitter disruption, and endotoxins
• Trauma, chronic overwhelm, perfectionism, and people-pleasing all impact gut health via the nervous system
• Nervous system regulation must be paired with microbiome repair, digestion support, and root-cause healing
• Simple, accessible tools like breathwork can rapidly shift the body into a rest-and-digest state
• Healing isn't about eliminating stress — it's about building capacity and resilience

LINKS:

• Book a strategy call with Hannah HERE
• Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz for free!
• Equip Protein: use the code hannahaylwardhhc for 15% off
• Listen to Episode 1 - How Trauma Impacts Gut and Hormone Health
• Listen to Episode 25 - Is Nervous System Dysregulation Causing Chronic Gut Issues w/ Jessica Maguire
• Listen to Episode 40 - What Came First - My Anxiety, or my Gut Issues?

CONNECT WITH HANNAH:

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