Interrelationship Between Psychological Stress and Gastrointestinal Physiology: Role of the Gut–Brain Axis

Year : 2026 | Volume : 15 | 02 | Page :
    By

    Shweta Mali,

  1. Self Researcher, Tirupati campus, Tingre Nagar, Vishrantwadi, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The relationship between stress and gut microbiome is a critical area of medical research underscoring the relativity and impact of psychological and emotional states on gastrointestinal (GI) health. This paper investigates the intricate relationship between stress and digestive health by analysing the influence of stress hormones, gut–brain interactions, and psychosocial determinants. Both acute and long-standing stress responses may disrupt normal gastrointestinal activity, affecting motility, secretion, intestinal microbiota, and overall digestive well-being, often leading to gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Stress regulation within the body involves major neuroendocrine pathways, particularly the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and the autonomic nervous system, both of which can alter normal digestive functioning. The gut and the brain communicate through interconnected neural and biochemical pathways involving both the central and enteric nervous systems. In addition, emotional and social influences such as anxiety, depression, and chronic life stress may aggravate gastrointestinal discomfort and negatively affect digestive health. By delving into contemporary research findings and the underlying biological mechanisms, this paper provides a refined understanding of how stress influences digestive function and how digestive health, in turn, affects psychological well-being. The insights gained aim to inform more holistic approaches to managing and treating stress-related gastrointestinal disorders. Through profound comprehension, clinicians and researchers can pave the way for more precise, targeted interventions to alleviate the stress-linked gastrointestinal disorders and amplify the health status ubiquitously.

Keywords: Gut, brain, microbiome, stress, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis

How to cite this article:
Shweta Mali. Interrelationship Between Psychological Stress and Gastrointestinal Physiology: Role of the Gut–Brain Axis. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2026; 15(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Shweta Mali. Interrelationship Between Psychological Stress and Gastrointestinal Physiology: Role of the Gut–Brain Axis. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2026; 15(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/joayush/article=2026/view=248259


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 15
02
Received 05/06/2026
Accepted 12/06/2026
Published 13/06/2026
Publication Time 8 Days
19

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