
It’s rarely discussed, but narcissistic relationships can cause gut problems, which in turn lead to a wide range of other physical and psychological issues.
Along with digesting food, your gut is known as your second brain. It’s constantly communicating with you. So when things aren’t going well, you feel it.
Gut health makes a huge difference to your overall health and well-being. I’ve experienced this personally, having suffered from gut problems.
In this article, I’ll discuss how narcissistic abuse causes gut problems and how they affect your health. I’ll also discuss how I overcame my stomach problems after my narcissistic relationship…
This releases cortisol, adrenaline, and other stress hormones into our bodies, increasing inflammation and compromising digestion.
Related : Narcissist Bread Crumbing
This can lead to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, such as diarrhea and constipation. It can also damage your gut microbiome, which helps you digest food and protects you from harmful bacteria.
The stress of narcissistic abuse can lead us to engage in behaviors that harm our gut. We might drink more alcohol, overeat, and eat unhealthy foods, for example.
This is an attempt to soothe ourselves. When we’re in a state of stillness, our immediate needs often take priority over our long-term health.
The Impact Of GutIssues
At one point, my gut issues took a significant toll on me. I regularly suffered from diarrhea and bloating, common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
What I didn’t realize was that these digestive issues also affected my mental health. Significantly.
After addressing my gut issues, I realized they contributed to my anxiety, low mood, and low energy. Once I made the changes I’m about to share, I couldn’t believe how much better I felt.
My anxiety decreased significantly. My mood improved. And my energy levels skyrocketed. Here’s how I did it…
How I Dealt With Gut Problems
Probiotics
Probiotics made a huge difference in my gut health, but only after I found the right type for me.
Probiotics work by introducing beneficial bacteria into our gut, which aids digestion by helping us break down foods our gut can’t. Over time, these beneficial bacteria are replaced by harmful bacteria.
Related : How Narcissists Disguise Abuse
We all have different microbiomes, so what works for one person may not work for another. So, it’s worth experimenting to see which probiotics work best for you.
I tried sauerkraut, which my body seemed to reject. Then I tried kombucha, which helped a little. But what really made a difference for me was kefir.
Kefir is a fermented milk, a cross between milk and yogurt. It contains lots of beneficial bacteria. I noticed my digestion improved dramatically after just a few days of consuming it.
Reduce Processed Foods
Most processed foods contain preservatives, which help extend their shelf life. But this comes at a price.
Preservatives harm our gut microbiome because their job is to kill bacteria and keep food fresh. So, by reducing the amount of processed foods you eat, you reduce the gut bacteria that kill preservatives in your stomach.
Instead, I now eat more natural foods without additives. My motto is “Eat God’s food, not man’s food.”
So, I stick to natural foods like meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. I avoid packaged, factory-made foods.
Gluten Free Diet
This diet isn’t for everyone, and it may be unique to me. But going gluten-free has always seemed like the final step in my journey to good gut health.
It was difficult at first to give up bread, pasta, pastries, etc., but for me, it was worth it. I’ve been on a gluten-free diet for several years, and I’ll never go back. Not only has my digestion improved, but so has my mood and energy. I’ve also benefited from virtually eliminating the psoriasis and nasal congestion issues I’ve had since childhood. Plus, my skin has never looked better.
Stress Reduction
Since stress is so detrimental to the gut, reducing it logically helps. So try to focus more on the present moment. Don’t worry about what might happen in the future, or dwell on what you can’t change in the past.
I’ve made it my mission to distance myself from negative people, as they cause so much stress. And honestly, why would I let them do that to me?
Deep, slow breathing helps in stressful situations. Just take a few slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. You’ll notice an immediate calming effect.
Related : 7 Signs The Narcissist is Faking To Love You
I’ve also found that regular meditation reduces my stress levels because it gives me valuable “time out.” Plus, it gets me used to not doing things all the time.
Meditation doesn’t have to be long and complicated. Check out the free guided meditation session below to get started…
Conclusion
Your gut health is so important to your overall health, both physical and mental. So, if you’re experiencing problems, address them.
Don’t let your gut issues get worse. See your doctor and do your research. Identify your personal triggers. And don’t rest until you address them.
Once you’ve addressed your gut issues,
Once you address your intestinal issues, you’ll discover many positive effects. Your life will improve dramatically. So, it’s worth the effort. Don’t let the narcissist drain you anymore. Restore your mental and physical vitality.