How a highly sensitive person can also suffer from intestinal complaints
High sensitivity, also known as HSP, is a personality trait characterized by an increased sensitivity to stimuli from the environment. Other HSP characteristics include: a highly sensitive person often experiences intense emotions, has a rich inner world, and is sensitive to subtle changes in their surroundings. But what does this personality trait have to do with our intestines? In this blog, we will explore the fascinating connection between our gut health and high sensitivity.
Intestinal complaints and HSP
Highly sensitive individuals may react more sensitively to certain foods, such as gluten, dairy, soy, additives, pesticides, and artificial ingredients. These foods can cause inflammation in the body, which can amplify sensitivity to stimuli and emotional reactions. The AIP diet focuses on eliminating foods often associated with food sensitivities and inflammation. Read more about this ingenious diet here. By avoiding these triggering foods, highly sensitive individuals can better manage unwanted stimuli or symptoms.
A healthy gut flora and balanced gut health play a crucial role in both physical and mental well-being. In recent years, there has been increasing research on a strong connection between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis. Read more about the gut-brain balance here. Disrupted gut health, such as a leaky gut or an unbalanced gut flora, can contribute to inflammation and the development of emotional problems. These stimuli are naturally more pronounced in highly sensitive individuals. For example, for a person with HSP, irritable bowel syndrome is a reason to experience mental and emotional issues.
HSP and intestines
An important aspect of the connection between our intestines and high sensitivity is the microbiome, the community of microorganisms living in our intestines. The microbiome has a direct influence on our brains and behaviour. The microbiome produces neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in regulating mood and emotions. By optimizing the microbiome, we may be able to reduce sensitivity to stimuli and emotional reactions in highly sensitive people.
The digestive system and gut health play a crucial role in both physical and mental well-being. A poor diet, rich in large amounts of salt and sugar, can lead to increased inflammation in the body, including the intestines. These inflammations can damage the intestinal barrier, resulting in a leaky gut. This can lead to more negative stimuli for highly sensitive people. Optimizing the diet can help reduce the unpleasant symptoms that people with high sensitivity may experience.
Chronic stress and a highly sensitive person
Highly sensitive individuals experience the world more intensely and are often more sensitive to stress, with an increased response to stressful situations. However, chronic stress can have a negative impact on gut health. Hence, the AIP lifestyle is of crucial importance for highly sensitive people. The AIP lifestyle is more than just a dietary pattern; it is a holistic approach to well-being. It encourages healthy lifestyle practices such as getting enough sleep, managing stress, and engaging in physical activity. These elements are essential for promoting the well-being of highly sensitive individuals. They are namely often more sensitive to stress and need a balanced lifestyle. The AIP circle always recommends that these persons regularly connect with nature by taking walks in the forest. This in order to release negative energy.
The AIP Circle and High Sensitivity
A highly sensitive person can derive significant benefits from following the Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) lifestyle. By adhering to the AIP diet, these individuals can reduce their physical and emotional sensitivity, support their gut health, and establish a healthy foundation for a balanced immune system. It is a valuable lifestyle approach that can help highly sensitive people realize their full potential. Furthermore, it can be of service with finding a healthy balance in a world full of stimuli. For more information about the Autoimmune Paleo diet, you can book a coaching session on our website.
