Stressed Out? The Gut Could Be the Key

gut micriobiome

The Gut & Brain Connection

Stress is part of everyday life, but while we often focus on its impact on mental wellbeing, we shouldn’t overlook its effect on the gut. The gut-brain axis, the two-way communication between the gut and brain, plays a key role in how we respond to stress. When stress levels rise, the body releases cortisol, triggering a ‘fight or flight’ response, also known as activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which draws blood flow away from the gut. This diversion of blood disrupts the gut’s normal rhythm, slowing down digestion and potentially contributing to inflammation. For many people, stress can show up in the gut as bloating, cramps, nausea, or changes in bowel habits (including urgency or constipation), even if you’re otherwise healthy. Over time, this can alter gut bacteria and impact how effectively the gut and brain communicate.

 

Learn More

Lucy Jones, Registered Nutritionist for Yakult, says:

“Stress is something most of us are managing daily, but what’s often overlooked is the impact it can have on our gut health.”

woman in her 50s meditating outdoors

Your Gut, Your Mood!

The gut and brain are in constant communication, with the gut often referred to as the ‘second brain’, so when stress levels rise, it can disrupt that balance of our gut bacteria.

The trillions of bacteria that make up your gut microbiome help produce important chemical messengers, like serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood, stress levels and overall wellbeing.

Did you know that over 90% of the body’s serotonin (the “feel-good” hormone) is found in the gut?

Find Out More

Expert Tips

Lucy Jones, Registered Nutritionist for Yakult shares five, science-backed tips to help support both gut health and the body’s response to stress. With modern lifestyles putting the gut-brain axis under pressure, simple, consistent habits to look after your gut can play an important role in managing everyday stress.

 

Calm with Sound

Calm sounds like nature, ambient music, white noise and ASMR, are shown to help reduce stress and ease anxiety. These sounds can help lower blood pressure and activate parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest system”). Reduce the cortisol and try the Yakult Unwind Playlist for calm vibes!

Get Inspired