Why your gut feels it before your brain knows you’re stressed

Research shows that stress can modify neurohumoral signaling between the brain and gut, disrupting the normal rhythm of digestion​, that’s why people often notice digestive discomfort before feeling “mentally” stressed. The gut and brain communicate constantly, there is a whole gut-brain axis, in which a modification in one can reflect a change in the other. People should start normalising gut symptoms as early warning signs, not as a personal failure. Doctify offers experienced GPs that can help identify those symptoms.

What is the gut–brain connection?

The gut and brain are constantly connected and it is called the gut-brain axis. As Doctify-rated Dietitian Aleks Jagiello explains, scientists recognise a close brain-gut axis as “a two-way communication network between the nervous system and the gut​”. When you’re stressed or anxious, it triggers physical changes that can disturb normal gut function.

Sometimes the gut is called the “second brain” because the gut receives all the emotional signals and stressors from the body and feels it before the brain even knows.

How stress is processed in the body

Stress responses start in the nervous system, it is not just a conscious thought. Aleks Jagiello states, “when you experience stress, your body releases stress hormones and activates nerves that can alter gastrointestinal function”. Its response is coordinated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (also known as the “fight flight” system). Stressor-induced activation of the HPA axis produces cortisol and other stress hormones, while the sympathetic nerves liberate adrenaline. These chemicals will have many effects on the body, including the GI tract​.

The body may react before the mind labels something as stress, due to all the rapid pathways and signalling in the brain that we mentioned above.

When you’re under stress, you might experience a variety of digestive symptoms. It’s not “in your head” – these are real physical symptoms caused or exacerbated by stress-related changes in your gut.

Aleks Jagiello, Doctify-rated Dietitian

Early gut symptoms that can signal stress

These are some of the initial gut symptoms that can reflect stress:

• Bloating or abdominal tightness.
• Nausea or loss of appetite.
• Urgent bowel movements or loose stools.
• Constipation during prolonged stress.
• “Butterflies” or a sinking feeling in the stomach.

Why the gut reacts first

The gut reacts first than the brain because there are high concentrations of stress-sensitive nerves in the gut, leading to changes in gut motility and disrupting the normal rhythm of digestion​ under stress. As Aleks Jagiello notes, “stress triggers changes in the vagus nerve and the enteric nervous system (the gut’s own “mini brain”), and this can suppress digestive muscle contractions and reduce secretions needed for digestion​. In effect, the body puts digestion “on hold” during a “fight or flight” situation”.

How stress hormones alter digestion and gut blood flow.

Gut symptoms vs gut disease

When stress-related gut symptoms are usually harmless when they are episodic, temporary and end shortly after the stressful event finalises. Often patterns, timing, and triggers help differentiate stress from illness. Stress is typically reactionary to specific and temporary triggers, while illness often has no clear trigger and persists regardless of context.

Common situations that trigger early gut stress signals

Here are some examples of common stress triggers, which can help you identify if you are experiencing stressful situations:

• Work pressure, deadlines, or long-term personal worries
• Relationship tension or emotional strain.
• Poor sleep or irregular routines.
• Ongoing worry even when you “feel fine” mentally.
• Environmental stress, like extreme temperatures, high noise levels, altitude, or exposure to toxins.

How to recognise your personal early warning signs

Below are some tips that will help you recognise your early warning signs:

• Noticing patterns between gut symptoms and life events.
• Tracking symptoms before major stress becomes overwhelming.
• Using gut reactions as helpful feedback rather than something to ignore.

Also, talking with a trained GP or a professional psychologist can help to prevent upcoming stressful events in the future.

When to speak to a GP

Please consult a GP if you experience any of the following:

• Symptoms that are persistent, worsening, or unexplained.
• Symptoms that are disruptive to daily life despite trying self-care.
• Red flags such as: high fever, prolonged vomiting, any vomiting of blood, blood in the stool or black/tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, or unintentional weight loss.

GPs are experts in assessing gut symptoms in the context of stress and wellbeing.

Final thoughts

Gut symptoms are often the body’s early stress alarm. When you’re stressed or anxious, it triggers physical changes that can disturb normal gut function. Listening early can prevent burnout, anxiety, and chronic digestive issues. Doctify helps patients find trusted GPs who look at both physical and emotional health together.

Feel free to consult a GP through Doctify for personalised advice whenever you want, we will be happy to help you! Find the best GPs in the United Kingdom or search for the best specialists globally:

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