Scientists from the University of Vienna have found that stress is linked to the development of "biological mechanisms" based on gut bacteria and fibre consumption. The research was published in the medical journal Neurobiology of Stress. Researchers found that higher microbial diversity was associated with higher hormonal and perceived stress reactivity. The findings suggest that targeted diets could help individuals manage stress better by improving their body's microbiome. The acids in the gut microbiome, which are generated from the digestive fermentation of usually fibre-rich food, could play a role in the developing new ways of dealing with stress.