A University of Vienna study of 74 healthy adults found that higher gut microbial diversity was linked to stronger cortisol and stress responses during acute stress tests.
Short-chain fatty acids produced by gut bacteria, particularly butyrate and propionate, appear to calibrate the stress response in distinct and opposing ways.
The research challenges assumptions that a “healthy” stress response means staying calm, instead suggesting flexibility and appropriate reactivity are key.
Stress disrupts gut bacteria balance, while a diverse microbiome may support a well-calibrated, adaptive stress response.
Fiber-rich foods, fermented foods and stress management techniques can support both gut health and stress resilience
The connection between gut health and stress runs deeper than scientists previously understood, according to new research that challenges conventional thinking about what constitutes a healthy stress response.
Read Full Article: https://www.naturalnews.com/2026-04-24-gut-bacteria-may-shape-body-stress-response.html
