Fun Fact Friday: Why do we get ‘Butterflies’ in our stomach when we’re nervous?
Ever wondered why your stomach suddenly feels like it’s fluttering before an interview, an important presentation, a first date, or even a football match? Contrary to popular belief, there aren’t actual butterflies in your stomach—but there is some fascinating science behind the sensation.
The feeling commonly referred to as “butterflies in the stomach” is your body’s natural response to stress, excitement or fear.
When your brain senses a situation it considers important or potentially threatening, it activates the body’s “fight or flight” response. This triggers the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, preparing your body to react quickly.
One of the first things these hormones do is redirect blood flow away from organs that aren’t immediately essential for survival, including parts of the digestive system. Instead, more blood is sent to your muscles, heart and lungs to help you respond to the situation.
As digestion slows down temporarily, the nerves around your stomach become more sensitive. Combined with slight muscle contractions in the digestive tract, this creates the fluttering, uneasy sensation we describe as butterflies.
Interestingly, the feeling isn’t limited to fear. You can experience butterflies before exciting moments too—like receiving good news, performing on stage, meeting someone you like or watching your favourite team in a tense match. That’s because your brain processes excitement and anxiety in remarkably similar ways.
Scientists also point to the close relationship between the brain and the gut, often called the “gut-brain connection.” The digestive system contains millions of nerve cells that constantly communicate with the brain, which is why emotions can have such a noticeable effect on your stomach.
So the next time you feel butterflies before a big moment, don’t panic. It’s actually a sign that your body is gearing up to help you perform at your best.
Fun Fact: The expression “butterflies in the stomach” has been used for more than a century, proving that people have been trying to describe this curious sensation long before scientists understood exactly what causes it.
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