Feeling nauseated or experiencing a strong sense of disgust, revulsion, or anxiety about something.
This phrase has been used since at least the 18th century, reflecting the long-observed connection between emotional distress and physical stomach sensations. It stems from the physiological reality that strong emotions can trigger the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the digestive system, actually causing nausea.
What's fascinating is that this isn't just a metaphor - there's real science behind feeling 'sick to your stomach' when emotionally distressed. The gut contains more nerve cells than the spinal cord and produces many of the same neurotransmitters as the brain, which is why we have such visceral reactions to disturbing news or situations.
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