There is a connection between your gut and your brain. Research has found that the gastrointestinal system and the central nervous system are in constant communication. The gastrointestinal tract is sensitive to emotions like anxiety, anger, sadness, and happiness. That’s where we get expressions like “butterflies in my stomach”, “my stomach is in knots”, or “gut feeling”. The brain has a direct effect on the stomach and intestines. A troubled intestine can send signals to the brain and vice versa. Anxiety, stress, and depression can cause intestinal distress or be the result of intestinal distress.