In addition to feelings of nervousness, anxiety and/or nausea, stress can impact your gut health. That feeling of uneasiness in the stomach can actually be quite serious—it could potentially literally alter your gut.

According to a 2017 study by Brigham Young University published in Nature Scientific Reports, when subjects were exposed to stress their gut microbiota changed to resemble those of subjects eating a high-fat diet. With continued stress, this could result in obesity—which comes with its own set of health issues. This is potentially frightening because of its reported frequence.

“Stress-induced GI symptoms are becoming more and more common,” said Sam Michini, VP of marketing and strategy of Georgia-based Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes. “Also, the increased number of people experiencing anxiety and tension is causing disruptions in digestion—which reminds them of why they are anxious in the first place. It’s a vicious circle.”

So many variables can contribute to stress. Karen Jensen of Natural Factors said when consumers are looking for supplements to help with stress and anxiety, she suggests that they turn their focus to gut health because of this link.

“There are always various causes of anxiety but for many people the main cause is mental/emotional stress therefore, supporting the adrenals, the main stress adaptive organs, is important,” Jensen said. “The gut microbiome also plays a big part in the regulation of stress based on the gut-brain connection. Most people want instant results, but regulation of the gut and adrenal glands can take time. However, In addition to supporting the adrenal glands and gut, there are also natural health products that can work quickly to calm the nervous system and reduce symptoms of anxiety.”

For more information visit: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5589737/

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