Faculty Mentor
Judith D. Ochrietor, PhD
Faculty Mentor Department
Biology
Abstract
Chronic stress can induce gut dysbiosis which contributes to the dysregulation of the gut-brain axis and leads to anxiety and depressive-like symptoms. The gut-brain axis relies on nervous, immune, and endocrine interactions. Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance within the gut microbiome, disrupts gut-brain communication, impairing gut barrier integrity, inflammation regulation, and hormonal and neurotransmitter production. These gut changes contribute to mood disorders resulting from stress, and thus it is important to implement dietary interventions, like probiotics, to help mitigate these effects. Research highlights the potential of probiotics to act as an intervention to combat stress-induced gut dysbiosis and replenish beneficial bacteria that support gastrointestinal (GI) function. Probiotics have been shown to restore the gut microbiome, decrease the release of pro-inflammatory factors, increase the release of neuroactive compounds (i.e., serotonin, dopamine), and regulate immunity, all of which contribute to maintaining gut barrier integrity. By preserving the health of the gut through probiotics, physiological response to stress is mitigated as perturbations in the gut-brain axis are reduced, thus improving anxiety and depressive-like symptoms induced by chronic stress.
Recommended Citation
Opdenbosch, Bianca
(2025)
"Probiotic Intervention in Managing Chronic Stress,"
PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas: Vol. 6:
No.
1, Article 7.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/pandion_unf/vol6/iss1/7
Included in
Behavioral Neurobiology Commons, Digestive System Commons, Human and Clinical Nutrition Commons, Mental Disorders Commons, Microbiology Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Therapeutics Commons
Accessibility Statement
This item was created or digitized before April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy material created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the Library provides accessible versions of archival materials by request. If you are experiencing difficulty accessing the information on the site due to a disability, please submit a request through the following form for assistance.
