The digestive "slow down" & the "December dilemma" that many face....

Welcome to December.....which for many of us in the Northern Hemisphere - can be the coldest - darkest & most stressful month of the year. While the world is busy "speeding up" - your body is inherently "slowing down".

What I didn't know for many years *and what most people still don't know* - is that there are real physiological shifts that happen in the body in response to changes in light and temperature.

Since every single cell and organ system in your body has a circadian clock in front of it - when we have less and less natural light - the body naturally makes more melatonin and less cortisol (which also impacts leptin - as this key master hormone has a relationship with both cortisol and melatonin).

This impacts digestion, hormone production, thyroid, appetite, mood, sleep & SO much more.

Today's newsletter is going to dive into "winter digestion" & give you some practical tips you can implement today to support your body through this time.

Keep reading for the full article!

New here? Check out my $7 Cortisol Course the $5 Seasonal Eating Course or Get Lesson one from my Hydration Mastery Course for 99 cents​

One thing that I guarantee you most people are unaware of when it comes to "gut health" is the seasonal shifts that our digestion goes through. Let's talk about why and what you can do to support yourself:

How Winter Affects Your Digestion (and What You Can Do About It)

When winter rolls in with its shorter days and colder nights, you might notice some changes in how your body feels after eating. Science shows that digestion and metabolism naturally slow down in winter. Here's why it happens and what you can do to support your gut during the chillier months.

First - Why Does Digestion Slow Down in Winter?

1. Seasonal Light Changes
   • Your body runs on an internal clock (circadian rhythm) regulated by sunlight. In winter, shorter daylight hours reduce the signals that keep your metabolism active during the day.
   • Research Spotlight: A review published in Frontiers in Endocrinology explains how circadian rhythms directly influence digestive functions, from enzyme activity to gut motility.
2. Hormonal Shifts
   • Longer nights mean more melatonin production, which slows down digestion to prepare the body for rest. Cortisol, a hormone that energizes and supports digestion, also decreases during darker months.
   • Scientific Support: This review highlights how seasonal changes affect the balance of hormones like cortisol and melatonin, which play a role in digestive efficiency.
3. Gut Microbiome Changes
   • Your gut microbiome—the community of bacteria that helps digest food—shifts with the seasons. Winter bacteria are better at extracting calories and storing energy, but they might slow digestion.
   • Study Proof: This study found significant seasonal shifts in gut bacteria among humans, influencing digestion and metabolism.
4. Slower Metabolism
   • Cold weather and reduced sunlight naturally signal the body to conserve energy. This can slow down your digestive processes and lead to a sluggish feeling after meals.
   • Energy Conservation Evidence: Why does metabolism scale with temperature? ​

Signs Your Digestion Might Be Slowing

• Feeling fuller for longer after meals.
• Bloating or sluggishness, especially after heavier meals.
• Irregular bowel movements.
• Increased cravings for comfort foods like carbs and sweets.

How to Support Your Digestion in Winter

1. Align Meals with Daylight
   • Eat your largest meals during daylight hours when your digestive system is naturally more active. Try to finish eating a few hours before sunset.
2. Choose Warm and Easy-to-Digest Foods
   • Soups, stews, and cooked veggies are gentler on your digestive system than raw or cold foods. Add warming spices like ginger and turmeric to support gut health. (Click here for my $5 Seasonal food course)​
3. Get Morning Sunlight
   • Expose yourself to sunlight in the morning to reset your circadian rhythm and boost digestive efficiency.
4. Stay Hydrated
   • Sip on warm water, herbal teas, or broths to keep your digestion moving and combat winter dryness. (CLICK HERE to read my article about winter hydration)
5. Keep Moving
   • A gentle walk after meals can stimulate digestion, even during the colder months.

The Science of Seasonal Living

Understanding how winter affects your digestion is part of living in harmony with your environment. By adjusting your habits to align with the season, you can optimize your gut health, energy, and overall well-being.

Ready to get more support? Click here to sign up for The December Chill- where this topic will be covered in depth!

Please feel free to forward this to a friend or family member who you feel could benefit.

In Health 🌞,

Sarah

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