Leena Mahtani
Your digestive system doesn't just process food—it processes stress. And every time you say yes when you mean no, you're serving your gut a cocktail of cortisol and adrenaline that it definitely didn't order.
Boundaries protect digestion. This isn't just a feel-good wellness phrase—it's literal biology. When you're constantly overcommitted, overwhelmed, or doing things that drain your energy, your nervous system stays in fight-or-flight mode. This shuts down digestive functions because your body thinks it needs to run from a tiger, not break down your lunch.
Saying no reduces stress chemistry. Every boundary you set is like hitting the reset button on your stress hormones. When cortisol levels drop, your parasympathetic nervous system can finally kick in—the "rest and digest" mode that your gut desperately needs to function properly.
Think about it: that knot in your stomach when you agree to something you don't want to do? That's not just anxiety. That's your digestive system literally contracting under stress. Your gut knows before your brain does when you've crossed your own boundaries.
The people-pleasers, the chronic yes-sayers, the ones who feel guilty for having limits—they often struggle with digestive issues for a reason. Your gut bacteria thrive in a calm, balanced environment. Chronic stress from poor boundaries creates inflammation and disrupts the delicate ecosystem inside you.
Your "no" is medicine for your microbiome. Every boundary you set is an act of self-care that your gut will thank you for.
Sometimes the most digestive thing you can do is simply protect your peace.
Thanks for reading!
