The Role of Stress on Gut Health

Plus practical tips to slash stress!

Many of us are aware of the role that diet plays on gut health, but did you know that stress impacts our gut as well?

Research shows that psychological stress contributes to gut dysbiosis and increases intestinal permeability, which can result in leaky gut and chronic inflammation when not managed. 

As soon as the body perceives stress, it moves into the sympathetic state, triggering the release of our fight-or-flight hormones like cortisol, as well as the release of inflammatory cytokines. 

This leads to a weakening of the lining of the gut barrier, causing the tight-junctions to become “leaky" and allowing for bacteria, toxins, and harmful substances to move out of the gut and into the bloodstream, resulting in widespread inflammation.