Phenotypic changes in colonocytes following acute stress or activation of mast cells in mice: implications for delayed epithelial barrier dysfunction
While this is a mouse study, the implications confirm what we already know–stress has major negative physiological effects. This study found that there was an increase in the permeability of the GI tract under stress. This would create a condition called “leaky gut” where molecules and proteins are getting absorbed into the body that were never supposed to make it in. Since blood flows directly from the GI tract to the liver, this then overburdens the liver and sets up a whole other set of issues. Bottom line? Stress kills. Just in more ways then we used to think… And it’s not a pretty death.
