What causes the "drop" feeling you get in your stomach when you experience something thats upsetting?
The "drop" feeling in your stomach can be caused by a number of factors. When the body senses that it is in danger, digestion is not a priority, so the body essentially puts it on hold [1]. This means that blood rushes away from the stomach, which can make it feel as though the intestines are falling [1]. Additionally, when we are swept along by a wave of nerves and hormones, our muscles contract, including those in our core [1]. When we are startled by something, this movement is amplified by the muscles in our core, causing everything from butterflies to an anchor in our stomach [1]. Finally, when we are on a roller coaster and hit the peak, things start to shift around [2]. The intestines, stomach, and bladder contain liquid, and this movement can contribute to that "drop" feeling [2].
The "drop" feeling in your stomach when you are stressed or upset is due to the fight-or-flight response, which is an instinctive physiological response that is experienced by all animals in the animal kingdom [2]. This response is designed to protect you in dangerous situations, prepare you to fight in case of an attack, or help you outrun a predator [2]. During this response, our blood moves away from organs that are not essential for defense, attack, intense movement, and exertion, such as the stomach and intestines [1]. Digestion is not a priority for the body during this time, so the body puts it on hold [1]. As the blood rushes away from the stomach, it can feel as though your intestines are falling [1]. Additionally, when you are upset, it triggers the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, which produce a physical reaction all over your body [2]. Stress is also a common irritant of the digestive system, and can cause stomachaches, gas, constipation, diarrhea, and a host of other wonderful conditions [2].