Feeling “butterflies in the stomach” is a real physical response caused by our body’s stress or excitement. When we’re nervous—like before an exam or interview—our brain activates the “fight or flight” mode. This sends signals to release adrenaline, which redirects blood away from the stomach to muscles, preparing us to react quickly. That sudden change affects digestion and creates that fluttery, uneasy feeling.
The stomach and brain are closely connected through the gut-brain axis. So, emotional changes like anxiety or excitement can directly affect how our stomach feels. It’s not just in our head—it’s the body reacting to emotions. That’s why even happy excitement, like meeting someone special, can cause the same sensation.
Share your moments when you have felt butterflies in your stomach.
The influence of Gut-Brain axis has been more profoundly studied by scientist recetly. And it has been discovered more that the influence of emotions and stress affects the functioning of our stomach and the vice versa on brain as well.
I remember getting butterflies the last time I was in the examination hall. The subject I feared the most was enzymology, and I was really nervous before seeing the question paper. I was worried that I might not even get average marks. But to my surprise, most of the questions were from previous years, and I knew all the answers really well.
The brain and gut axis , the stomach and brain connected with each other So the emotional changes like anxiety excitement directly connected to the stomach
You explained it so nicely. I usually feel those butterflies before interviews or when waiting for an important result. And sometimes even in happy moments, like meeting someone close after a long time. It’s such a mix of nervousness and excitement!
That “butterflies” feeling is your body’s response to strong emotions like excitement or nervousness. Adrenaline release shifts blood from the stomach to muscles, preparing you for action. This change, along with gut muscle tension, creates the fluttery sensation. It’s a harmless sign of how closely our brain and digestive system are connected through emotions.
Happens a lot before interviews or big presentations. Those butterflies are equal parts nerves and excitement, reminding you that ‘yes, this moment, right here matters’.
Great topic, That “butterflies in the stomach” sensation happens when we’re nervous or excited. Here’s a clearer breakdown:
When anxiety or excitement hits, your brain activates the fight-or-flight response, releasing adrenaline that redirects blood away from your stomach this shift slows digestion and causes that fluttery feeling.
Plus, your gut and brain are closely linked through the gut–brain axis. Signals from your emotions can trigger physical reactions in your digestive system, especially via the enteric nervous system and vagus nerve.