Stress is not just in your head; it directly impacts your abdomen through the gut-brain axis. There is constant bidirectional communication via the vagus nerve and chemical signals.
When you suffer from chronic stress, your body releases cortisol and other hormones that can increase intestinal permeability (the so-called "leaky gut"). This alters the protective mucus where your bacteria live, making it easier for opportunistic (pro-inflammatory) species to gain ground against beneficial ones. At Vivabioma, we analyze markers such as the production of GABA and indoles, which are essential to help you manage anxiety and maintain mental balance from the gut.