What happens to your gut when you’re stressed.
There are a range of potential digestive and gut issues that may occur when dealing with chronic stress, which could then also impact overall health.
High cortisol levels can disrupt the gut-brain axis, impairing gut function and contributing to digestive issues, like indigestion and heartburn.
Alter healthy gut bacteria through release of stress hormones (like cortisol and adrenaline), as distress signals are carried through the circulatory system and into the gut.
Gut permeability, referred to as “leaky gut” in which toxins and bacteria can pass from the gut to the bloodstream, triggering inflammation.
Reduced digestive function, which can lead to constipation, bloating or malabsorption of nutrients.
*Sources for insights cited on the impact of stress on gut health here
Good for your gut resources
*These recommendations are the opinion of unBurnt™ and are not paid placements.
Research study spotlight
American Gut: an Open Platform for Citizen Science Microbiome Research: 2018
Highlights:
Microbiome specimens were compared across 10,000 citizen-scientists
Variety matters: study found that those who consumed 30 or more plants per week had a healthier gut, categorized by more ‘good’ bacteria than those who ate 10 or less per week.
Prebiotics, which fuel good gut bacteria, are found in plants.
Polyphenols , which contribute to plant color, are known to reduce inflammation and have anti-oxidant properties.
By improving healthy gut bacteria through diversity of plants, the study suggests a correlation to improved health outcomes.
Plants include vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, legumes, grains, herbs & spices.
Full study here