Stress. We've all been there. Men and women alike face a multitude of stressors every day. While women are communal beings likely to reach out to friends for support, men rarely talk about their feelings, often bottling them up inside. As a result, men are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of long-term stress. It's well known that stress can tip the scales in favor of conditions such as heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, headaches and obesity. What you may not know is the gut microbiome can also become seriously injured, having a ripple effect throughout the body and a huge impact on overall well-being.

The gut microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria living in the intestine. These tiny beings not only make up the majority of cells and DNA within each human body, they are responsible for many of the health benefits we have come to rely upon for optimal function. In a healthy environment, the intestine is teeming with a variety of different strains of organisms contributing to the overall balance of the ecology. This balance is particularly important because bacteria are directly involved in key processes such as immune function, mood regulation, intestinal health, digestion, caloric extraction, bowel function, protection from pathogens and even vitamin and nutrient production.

While a positive balance of such bacteria can ensure these functions are performed at the highest level, imbalances can wreak havoc on just about every system of the body.

Stress is a bacteria-buster.

Research has found that prolonged stress triggers unfavorable shifts in bacterial composition and diversity. Populations of beneficial microbes die off, while colonies having adverse affects in large numbers flourish. In this state – called dysbiosis – it's easy for health to degrade, as the bacteria are no longer capable of supporting our optimal function. An unhealthy microbiome is at the root of most health conditions today, often triggered by prolonged stress.

Additionally, stress can impact the structure and function of the intestine itself. Over time, it can slow down gut motility, leading to constipation, digestive disorders, toxic build-up and SIBO, or overgrowth of bacteria in small intestine. Another common consequence is leaky gut syndrome, in which large particles of undigested food, pathogens and intruders easily slip through the intestine into the body, triggering food sensitivities, inflammation, infection and autoimmune conditions. Stress also decreases blood flow to the intestine, cutting off nutrients and supplies needed for cells to be healthy and thrive.

The body is wired to handle stress by switching into a temporary fight-or-flight mode that initiates physiological changes. Energy is diverted away from normal life-sustaining functions like digestion and is used to energize limbs to literally fight or flee. This is meant to be a short-term, temporary reaction for protection. It's only when we allow stress to continue affecting our bodies without resolution that it becomes a problem.

Swap out stress for awe, wonder and a sense of purpose.

The care of the microbiome is a challenge for everyone, and we can't rely on doctors all the time. To truly affect lasting change, we must take matters into our own hands and take responsibility for our own well-being. That means cutting down the stress levels. It may sound funny, but the greatest stress reducer that I have seen comes from experiencing the emotions of awe and wonder – and it's scientifically backed. Research has found these emotions improve inflammation levels, change blood markers and switch the nervous system into the parasympathetic mode, which is the restful calming state we are meant to live in most of the time. Once the emphasis switches to the grandeur and majesty of something greater than ourselves, we can recognize that we aren't the center of the universe, and our problems aren't all that exist. There is much more out there to connect to and be amazed by, allowing us to transcend our own issues and stress.

I find awe and wonder by looking at views of space and the earth as seen from the astronaut's perspective. Also, by looking through a microscope into the vast, normally invisible world, it moves me every time. Others may find awe and wonder by viewing the Grand Canyon or a picturesque sunset, standing in a tall forest or scuba-diving amidst the fish and coral reefs.

Additionally, finding and experiencing meaning and purpose in one's life is a critical factor. Far too often, people are so busy making money and achieving higher goals that it's easy to forget to step back and also find fulfillment. Now, I'm not saying you have to quit your job if you don't find it fulfilling – but by changing your point of orientation in the world, you can also alter the way you experience it and how it affects you. Taking the time to help others or just simply spending time with those who matter can have a huge positive effect.

At death, people's greatest regrets aren't about money or wishing they made more. Usually, it's about not being there for someone else, not giving time to someone else. You don't have to be rich to give your time; you just need to shift your attention to what holds true meaning for you. Get home in time to eat dinner with the kids. Take breaks from the stressful job. Go for a walk outside, and connect with those around you. All of these simple actions can shift things just enough to help lower cortisol, manage stress and aid us in our quest for healthy aging by protecting our own bodies and the gut microbiome.