Precisely during periods of prolonged stress and lack of routine, more and more people report a feeling of heaviness, bloating and fatigue – not only mentally, but also physically. Just before Passover, when the home fills with the scent of cleaning and renewal, a completely different question arises: What happens to our body during such periods – and does it really need a “cleanse”?
Changes in routine, less orderly eating and sometimes also accumulated load, both physical and mental, may affect the digestive system and create a feeling of burden. But contrary to popular belief, the body does not really need an extreme “detox”, but rather proper support for the mechanisms that already exist within it.
The concept of “detoxification” has become especially popular in the health world in recent years, but in practice the body is equipped with natural mechanisms whose role is to eliminate waste and maintain internal balance. The liver, kidneys and digestive system work constantly to filter unnecessary substances and maintain proper function.
And yet, when routine changes and eating habits are disrupted, especially during tense days of uncertainty, many experience a sense of burden in the digestive system and a desire to restore a feeling of lightness and balance to the body. At such moments, the body itself comes into play and activates mechanisms aimed at coping with the load and trying to restore balance.
When stress meets the stomach: What really happens in the body?
Periods of prolonged stress affect not only mood, but also the body, and especially the digestive system. Changes in routine, irregular eating and interrupted sleep may affect the functioning of the digestive system and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, a feeling of heaviness or discomfort.
According to Dr. Menachem Shechter, a gastroenterology specialist in the Jerusalem district at Meuhedet, the digestive system is particularly sensitive to such changes. “Periods of physical and mental stress harm our daily routine and affect not only mood but also the entire body, and the digestive system in particular. The digestive system is a very dynamic system, influenced by a wide range of factors – many of which are actually under our control”.
According to him, proper functioning of the digestive system depends on a basic routine that includes sufficient sleep, regular mealtimes, a balanced diet, physical activity and balance of the microbiome – the population of bacteria in the intestine.
“In prolonged stress situations, the body activates survival mechanisms, including the secretion of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline”, explains Dr. Shechter. “This response changes intestinal motility, that is, the rate at which food passes, and therefore many experience abdominal pain, pressure or cramps”.
In addition, stress may also affect the immune system and the intestinal wall, and may even exacerbate existing inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s or colitis. The composition of gut bacteria is also affected, especially when eating habits change and tend toward processed food.
The liver at the center: How does the body cope with load?
Alongside the medical explanation, traditional herbal medicine refers to the body’s natural elimination mechanisms as a basis for maintaining balance. Maya Abir, a naturopath and professional training manager at Bara Herbs, explains that one of the central organs in these processes is the liver.
“The liver is responsible for breaking down toxins, filtering substances from food and the environment and maintaining metabolic balance. When it functions properly, elimination processes are carried out naturally and efficiently, but in situations of physical and mental load, prolonged stress or exposure to various substances – the system may weaken”.
In the field of herbal medicine, there are plants that have been studied in the context of supporting liver function. Abir adds, “One of the most prominent is milk thistle, which contains silymarin – a component studied in the context of protecting liver cells and supporting regeneration. There is also turmeric, considered one of the most researched medicinal plants in the world, used traditionally to support liver activity. Its active compound, curcumin, has been studied in contexts of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, with its absorption improving when combined with certain components”.
Antioxidants are also another significant component in the body’s balancing processes. These are substances that help protect body cells from oxidative damage, caused among other things by exposure to environmental pollution, stress and processed food. Foods rich in antioxidants include green vegetables, fresh fruits, green tea and algae. Algae such as spirulina are considered to have particularly high nutritional density, while chlorella is studied in the context of its ability to bind heavy metals and assist in their elimination and cleansing from the body.
The matcha drink, which has become popular in recent years, is also rich in chlorophyll and the EGCG component, and may serve as a greener alternative to coffee.
“In traditional herbal medicine, plants that support digestive system function and the body’s overall sense of balance are well known” explains Abir. “Among the plants are dandelion, used to encourage fluid secretion and support liver activity; nettle, rich in minerals and contributing to general nourishment; and aloe vera, known in traditional uses for soothing the digestive system and supporting the immune system. Alongside these, herbal blends such as Triphala from Indian medicine combine several components that support intestinal activity”.
Between lack of routine and balance: How to support the body during periods of load?
Periods of stress, emotional eating and changes in routine affect not only the general feeling, but also the functioning of the digestive system and the body’s internal balance. Nevertheless, there are simple daily actions that can help the body cope better with accumulated load.
Dr. Shechter explains that maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring adequate water intake and incorporating moderate physical activity – alongside exposure to daylight – contribute to balancing the body’s systems and the functioning of the digestive system. According to him, even simple actions such as breathing exercises, moments of relaxation and even laughter may reduce stress levels and help the body cope with prolonged stress.
“Alongside daily habits, one can also look at the body through its natural elimination and balance mechanisms”. Emphasizes Abir. “During periods of prolonged load and changes in routine, quite a few people feel that the body needs a break and relief from accumulated burdens. When a feeling of heaviness, fatigue or load in the digestive system increases, the desire arises to allow the body to return to balance and support its natural elimination processes. A tailored diet rich in antioxidants, alongside the integration of medicinal plants that support these processes, can help support the body’s filtration systems and restore a sense of lightness, balance and vitality”.