Study: Stress can damage immune system

By Staff Writer

A new study in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity reveals that high stress levels can create a bacterial imbalance in one's stomach.

Researchers from Ohio State University and Texas Tech University found that exposure to stress leads to changes in composition, diversity and the number of gut microorganisms. As a result, the bacterial communities in the intestine become less diverse, which can lead to a greater number of potentially harmful bacteria such as Clostridium.

The team concluded that stress-related bacteria affects the function of one's immune system, which may explain why individuals who have anxiety disorders develop inflammatory bowel disease and asthma. Scientists found that when they reduced the number of bacteria in the intestines using antibiotics, some of the effects of stress on the immune system were prevented.

Researchers said that a future study will examine if bacterial alterations are the reason why these conditions worsen during periods of high stress. These experiments are being funded by the National Institute of Health.

Adolescents who suffer from anxiety issues or other emotional disorders may benefit from the supportive activities that are offered by many wilderness therapy programs.