While physical and mental health are still viewed by society as relatively separate things – they’re actually a lot more closely linked than you’d think.

The gut-brain axis is the communication process between the nervous system in the gut and the brain.

If you’ve ever had butterflies in your tummy or lost your appetite due to nerves, you will have directly experienced the relationship between the gut and the brain.

High levels of stress can affect communication between the gut and the brain, which in turn can alter the composition of the gut microbiome. 

“Ongoing stress over a long period of time – chronic stress – caused by stress hormones like cortisol and adrenalin being at a raised level can impact our health if constantly present,” explains Pearse.

“This affects a range of systems in the body from the immune system to gut function.

“High levels of stress hormones can also impact appetite and may even cause bloating.”

There’s no need to stress about being stressed, though.

Simple activities like journaling, meditation, exercise and getting out in nature all help to keep your stress levels down and your tummy’s happiness up.

4 surprising ways your gut can affect your wellbeing