Why You Feel Emotions in Your Gut (and Not Just Because You've Eaten Something Dodgy)

Let’s talk about your gut. No, not the one you’re sucking in for photos—the one that throws a tantrum every time life gets stressful.

You know the feeling. You’re about to give a big presentation, and suddenly your intestines turn into Cirque du Soleil. Or you get a text that says “We need to talk,” and your stomach immediately files for emotional bankruptcy.

But why? Why does your digestive system turn into a drama queen every time your brain gets a little emotional?

Let’s break it down—funny bones and guts included.

1. Your Gut Has a Brain. Seriously.

No joke. It’s called the enteric nervous system—a.k.a. the “second brain.” That’s right: your gut has its own nervous system, its own neurons, and probably its own opinions about your life choices.

It doesn't write poetry or do taxes, but it does know when you’re stressed, sad, or mad—and it reacts with all the subtlety of a toddler in a toy store.

Butterflies in your stomach? That’s your gut-brain going, “Oh hey, looks like we’re nervous now. LET’S FLIP EVERYTHING.”

2. Stress: The Gut’s Arch-Nemesis

Stress hits your gut like an unexpected plot twist. Your brain freaks out, your cortisol spikes, and your gut goes, “Cool, I’ll just cramp, bloat, and forget how to digest lunch.”

And don’t even get us started on anxiety. Anxiety walks in the door like an overdramatic houseguest, and your stomach starts doing backflips for no good reason.

Want to know how your gut feels about your emotional turmoil?

Diarrhea.

That’s how.

3. The Gut Feels All the Feels

Your gut isn’t just reacting—it’s feeling. Think of it as the body’s overly emotional middle child. It doesn’t want attention, but it will throw a tantrum if ignored.

Grief? Your stomach curls up like a sad croissant.

Excitement? It sends you to the bathroom four times before a date.

Love? It gives you butterflies. (Cute, but still suspicious.)

Your gut is basically the emotional support character of your nervous system—underpaid, overworked, and not nearly appreciated enough.

4. Food and Feelings: The Awkward Roommates

Here’s the kicker: your gut is also the party host for everything you eat. So when emotions crash the party, guess what? Digestion gets weird.

Suddenly, you can’t handle dairy. Or onions. Or anything that isn’t beige and emotionally neutral.

You’re not “sensitive”—your gut is just running emotional diagnostics while trying to break down a sandwich. It’s multitasking, okay?

5. What Can You Do About It (Other Than Cry in the Bathroom)?

First, breathe. Your gut loves deep breathing. It thinks you're doing yoga even if you’re just trying not to scream in traffic.

Second, chill on the caffeine during high-emotion days. Your gut already thinks you’re being dramatic. Don’t give it a double shot of espresso to confirm it.

Third—and this is a big one—go see a kinesiologist. Seriously. They’re like the emotional detectives of the body. Kinesiologists can help uncover what’s really going on beneath the bloating, butterflies, and bizarre digestive plot twists. They’ll get your gut and brain talking again like old friends at a brunch table. (Minus the mimosas. Or not—your gut will let you know.)

Final Thought: Trust Your Gut, But Maybe Feed It First

Your gut isn’t trying to ruin your day. It’s just the overly honest friend who says, “You seem upset,” even when you were pretending to be fine.

So next time your stomach speaks up, don’t ignore it. Give it a little love. Maybe a warm tea. Maybe a nap. Maybe book in with a kinesiologist who can gently untangle that emotional spaghetti you’ve been carrying around.

Because your gut knows.

And if you listen, you might just feel a little better—emotionally and digestively.