Stress, insomnia, what we eat, our environment and lifestyle habits are all known factors that affect mental focus and microbial balance in the intestinal tract.

Microbes in the human intestinal tract, called the microbiome, are part of the unconscious system influencing behavior and mental health. Disruption of the gut microbiome balance can negatively impact mental health. The gut microbiome influences the brain and the brain function by producing neurotransmitters, hormones, immune-regulating molecules and bacterial toxins. In turn, stress and emotions can change the composition of the gut microbiome. Stress hormones can affect bacterial growth and compromise the integrity of the intestinal lining, which can result in bacteria and toxins entering the bloodstream. This can cause inflammation, which has been shown to play a role in depression and mental function.