Stress is the major enemy of optimal health. In the US people are working an average of 33.6 hours a week with very little vacation. So much emphasis is placed on being busy and "productive" in our culture and very little value is placed on vacation, relaxation, and selfcare. Stress does not have to be work related though, It can also be chronic illness or perceived stress like relationship issues, difficult home life, past trauma, or chronic exposure to environmental stressors. 

Stress and inflammation are like the Bonnie and Clyde of modern health. They rob you of your well being!  Stress is one of the major reasons inflammation begins and is the number 1 reason healthy individuals develop digestive distress. It works by putting the body into “fight or flight" (AKA the sympathetic response) and increases our output of things like cortisol and epinephrine (better known as adrenaline). When in this state all energy is diverted to send power to the muscles for escape. Blood pressure increases, heart pounds, and pupils constrict. Digestion and other "Rest and Digest" functions like saliva production, digestive enzyme secretion, intestinal movement, and general healing/cellular repair are put on the back burner or turned off completely. You can see how this can be detrimental to digestion and your over all health if it goes on long term. When there is no intestinal movement or digestive juices food begins to cause pain, bloating, nausea, and later on inflammation of the gut. Constipation becomes an issue and detoxification is impaired.