Jen Hatz MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, CSCS
Stress and the Gut-Brain Connection. The concept of “stress” is the most widely accepted yet broad term used to describe the variety of experiences and impacts throughout our fast-paced landscape of modern life. Stress is an ever- present companion for many yet tends to carry a negative connotation, often viewed as the feeling of distress. Stress however, is not inherently a negative feature or experience, but rather our response to a stimulus, and our misunderstanding or misrepresentation of stress may mean an
inappropriate response or imbalance of this stimulus in our everyday life. For the sake of improving
our ability to manage stress effectively, and productively create forward progress in challenges we
face, we need to uncover the reality behind stress and what it actually means to each of us, starting
with how each of us can identify our state of stress.
Identifying when we are in a state of distress, versus a positive and productive work flow, can vary
greatly based on a variety of factors including behavioral and social norms, environmental factors,
and more. To this point, uncovering methods to identify stress as your body physiologically
responding to stimuli can carry great weight in identifying the right balance.
While its impact on mental health is widely acknowledged, emerging research sheds light on the
intricate relationship between stress and the gut. This connection is not merely anecdotal; it has
tangible effects on the gut lining and can be monitored through the fascinating lens of salivary
secretory IgA (sIgA) as a biomarker.
Stress and the Gut-Brain Connection: A Complex Dance
Stress, whether chronic or acute, triggers a cascade of physiological responses throughout the body.
The gut, often referred to as the “second brain,” is particularly sensitive to these stressors. The
intricate network of neurons, neurotransmitters, and hormones within the gut is collectively known
as the enteric nervous system (ENS). This system communicates bidirectionally with the central
nervous system (CNS), creating the gut-brain axis.
When stress activates the sympathetic nervous system—the “fight or flight” response—blood is
redirected away from the digestive system, impacting its normal functioning. This diversion of
resources can lead to changes in gut motility, blood flow, and the composition of the gut microbiota.
Over time, chronic stress may contribute to a compromised gut barrier function, influencing the
integrity of the gut lining, and potentially impairing overall gut health and integrity including
neurotransmitter and hormone synthesis, communication via vagus nerve, and more. (1)
Impact on Gut Barrier Function
The gut lining, consisting of a single layer of epithelial cells, plays a crucial role as a barrier between
the internal environment and the outside world. This barrier is essential for preventing harmful
substances, such as bacteria and toxins, from entering the bloodstream. Chronic stress, however,
can compromise the integrity of this barrier through various mechanisms.
Research suggests that stress may increase the permeability of the gut lining, a phenomenon often
referred to as “leaky gut” or increased intestinal permeability. In a state of heightened permeability,
substances that would normally be restricted to the digestive tract may pass through the gut lining
and enter the bloodstream. This can trigger an inflammatory response and potentially contribute to
the development or exacerbation of various health conditions. (2)
Salivary Secretory IgA: A Window into Stress Impact
As the intricate dance between stress and the gut unfolds, researchers have turned their attention to
salivary secretory IgA (sIgA) as a potential biomarker. Secretory IgA is an antibody found in mucosal
surfaces, including the lining of the digestive tract. It plays a crucial role in the immune defense of
mucous membranes. (1)
Stress, particularly chronic stress, has been associated with alterations in sIgA levels. (2) The
relationship between stress and sIgA is bidirectional, with stress influencing sIgA production, and
sIgA levels providing insight into the impact of stress on the immune system. (2) Monitoring salivary
sIgA levels thus becomes a valuable tool in understanding the physiological consequences of stress
on the gut. (3)
The Role of Salivary Secretory IgA as a Stress Biomarker
Due to the subjective nature of “stress” and the natural individualization of where and how we
experience stress in our lives, identifying a biomarker linked to our own physiological response to
stress is the first step in identifying how to make decisions or changes in our lives to serve us best.
Stress serves a purpose if utilized appropriately and identifying, and monitoring, the stress in our
lives with how our bodies physiologically respond is the perfect step towards optimizing our stress,
our productivity, and our work: life balance with performance.
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Conclusion: Decoding the Stress-Gut Dialogue
As we unravel the intricate dialogue between stress and the gut, the role of salivary secretory IgA
emerges as a valuable storyteller. Monitoring changes in sIgA levels provides a unique window into
the physiological impact of stress on the gut lining and the immune system. By understanding this
connection, we open avenues for early intervention and holistic approaches to stress management
that consider both mental and digestive well-being.
In a world where stress has become ubiquitous, the exploration of biomarkers like salivary sIgA adds
depth to our understanding of the mind-body connection. Through this lens, we gain not only insights
into the consequences of stress on the gut but also actionable knowledge to nurture the delicate
balance between mental and digestive health.
Click here to read about Mental Health and The Gut-Brain Connection
References:
- Bosch, J. A., Berntson, G. G., Cacioppo, J. T., & Dhabhar, F. S. (2003). Acute stress evokes
selective mobilization of T cells that differ in chemokine receptor expression: a potential pathway linking immunologic reactivity to cardiovascular disease. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 17(4), 251–259. - Ait-Belgnaoui, A., Durand, H., Cartier, C., Chaumaz, G., Eutamène, H., Ferrier, L., … &
Fioramonti, J. (2012). Prevention of gut leakiness by a probiotic treatment leads to
attenuated HPA response to an acute psychological stress in rats.
Psychoneuroendocrinology, 37(11), 1885–1895. - Sikander, A., Rana, S. V., & Sinha, S. K. (2009). Proinflammatory cytokines in the
pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, 24(4),
358–360.
