How culture, stress, and social life may shape gut health

Abdominal pain before an important exam, nausea during intense stress, or sudden intestinal problems following difficult life experiences—many people regard such symptoms as a temporary bodily reaction. However, a growing body of evidence confirms that the relationship between the brain and the gut is far deeper. A publication co-authored by Professor Agata Mulak of Wroclaw Medical University indicates that gastrointestinal health is influenced not only by genes, diet and gut bacteria, but also by culture, social relationships, economic status and the way individuals function within society.