Stress Changes Your Gut

Chronic stress reshapes the microbiome within days. Cortisol thins the protective mucus lining the intestines, favoring inflammatory bacteria over beneficial species. Students even show reduced Lactobacillus during exam periods.

Stress and anxiety then form a feedback loop:

• Stress damages gut bacteria.
• Damaged bacteria drive inflammation.
• Inflammation amplifies anxiety.
• Anxiety creates more stress.

Breaking the cycle takes both psychological support and microbial recovery.