There is a special connection between the brain and the stomach that can reflect a person’s mental state and overall well-being, according to researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark. The study was published in the journal Nature Mental Health (NMH).

The authors analyzed data from 243 volunteers whose brain activity (via functional MRI) and stomach electrical rhythms were recorded simultaneously. The results were compared with detailed questionnaires on anxiety, depression, stress, fatigue, and overall life satisfaction.

It turned out that the stronger the synchronization between stomach rhythms and activity in certain brain regions, the worse the person’s mental state: higher levels of anxiety, stress, and signs of depression were observed. Conversely, weaker stomach–brain coupling was associated with higher well-being and quality of life.

“Expressions like ‘butterflies in the stomach’ or ‘sick with worry’ have become part of everyday language for a reason. Our data show for the first time that such phrases have a physiological basis,” said study co-author, neuroscientist Lia Banellis.

The next steps of the project involve observing patients with anxiety and depressive disorders and testing whether new methods can regulate this connection to improve mental health.