How to do Digestion Support, Gut Health, and Kombucha Benefits During High-Stress Times

Living Kombucha Israel
Jul 1
3 min read

What We learned about Digestion Support (And What Might Help You, Too)

What began as a one-week getaway turned into an unexpected three-week stay abroad due to flight cancellations during the war. We were safe, and deeply grateful — but let’s just say, our bodies felt the impact.

We found ourselves in a country known for its Mediterranean diet, but in practice, the everyday options felt limited: bread, tomatoes, cheese, repeat. While you can find well-rounded, high-protein meals depending on your location and budget, most of the time we found ourselves eating heavy, repetitive meals. Our digestion definitely noticed.

We searched for probiotics. We hunted for kombucha. In three weeks, we found just one brand — pasteurized and lifeless. It left us with a deep appreciation for the real, raw kombucha we brew back home.

During our time there, we experienced firsthand the effects of poor nutrition — and we also learned how to bounce back from it. Now, we want to share that knowledge with you.

🧘 Less Can Be More for Stress and Digestion Support

During stressful times, it's often better to eat lighter meals — and even slightly less — rather than turning to large, heavy comfort-food portions. Stress can reduce the efficiency of our digestive system by slowing gut movement and lowering enzyme production. Overeating or consuming rich meals can overwhelm the body and worsen symptoms like bloating, indigestion, and fatigue and make us seek a Digestion Support. Simple, whole foods are easier to digest and give the body a chance to recover and rebalance.

Whether you’re at home, traveling, battling a health challenge, or just trying to get through a stressful chapter — your digestive system is often the first to react. That’s because our nervous system perceives these situations similarly: it activates a stress response that deprioritizes digestion in favor of immediate survival. When in fight-or-flight mode, the body doesn’t focus on breaking down food or absorbing nutrients — which is why bloating, irregularity, and discomfort are so common during high-stress times.

Whenever life gives you a moment to slow down — and you feel safe enough to turn your attention inward — supporting your health through nutrition becomes a powerful act of self-care.

🍽 Heavy Foods to Watch For

Processed wheat: bread, pasta, pizza, crackers, cookies
Excess cheese
Fried foods
Sugary drinks, sweetened snacks, and processed desserts — these slow digestion and promote bloating, especially during stressful times

🔍 Why Fiber and Probiotics Matter (Big Time!)

Fiber feeds your beneficial gut bacteria. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria. Together, they support smoother digestion, a stronger immune system, and greater emotional balance — especially in difficult times. To start your own homemade kombucha - you can check our step by step recipe how to make kombucha at home.

🙏 Go Beyond Food for Digestion Support

Stress alone can disrupt digestion — even if your diet is healthy. So don’t just think food — think breath, movement, sleep, and giving your body moments of gentleness.

Just five minutes of closing your eyes and focusing on your breath can significantly reduce stress, slow your heart rate, and shift your nervous system into a calmer state.

When we consciously breathe — long, slow inhales and exhales — we activate the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the “rest and digest” mode. This signals safety to the body and allows your digestive system to function properly. Practicing mindfulness and breathwork daily as part of your stress reduction techniques for digestion can be a powerful way to support both mental well-being and gut health.

🛑 Behaviors to Avoid

Mindless scrolling on social media
Compulsively checking the news
Eating while distracted (TV, phone, etc.)
Late-night snacking
Skipping meals or irregular eating patterns

Bringing awareness to these patterns can make a big difference in restoring calm and supporting healthy digestion — and helping you reconnect with your gut, especially during challenging times.

🏡 We’re Back Home

(And we’re praying for all our hostages to come back home, too)

This unexpected trip gave renewed purpose to Living Kombucha’s health mission.

Sometimes, we take our delicious kombucha for granted. But more often than not, when tasting other kombucha brands here or abroad, we’re reminded that the love, time, expertise, and creativity we’ve poured into it are truly exceptional, meaningful, and stand out proudly in the global kombucha market.

We’re here to keep making kombucha that’s not only delicious but genuinely alive — for those moments when your body craves real support.

Wherever you are — at home, traveling, dealing with a health issue, or just trying to get through a tough week — don’t forget to nourish your gut. It’s the root of so much more than digestion. And we are honored to be part of your journey.

To health, to balance, and to coming safely home.