What is Your Stomach Telling You?

Queasy. Nervous. Butterflies. How does your gut know what you're feeling?

The gut and brain are in constant communication, according to Meghan Freeze, APRN, CHI Health Gastroenterology Nurse Practitioner.

"The gastrointestinal tract is filled with nerve cells that receive and provide information to the brain. It also produces more than 90% of the body's mood regulating hormone - serotonin," she said.

Happy gut, happy life. "Stress can cause chronic nausea, bloating, even trigger flare-ups exacerbating irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and other gastrointestinal conditions," said Freeze. "The habits we gravitate towards when stressed, like too much unhealthy food, alcohol or coffee, also cause stomach and GI discomfort."

• Digestion-Friendly Foods
• Yogurt
• Whole-grain foods
• Leafy green vegetables
• Fruits
• Vegetables with skin
• Unsaturated fats

For expert care, go to CHIhealth.com/Gastro