Introduction Many people notice that abdominal pain and digestive discomfort often worsen during stressful times. This is not just a coincidence—the gut and the brain are deeply interconnected through what scientists call the gut-brain axis. Stress can directly influence how the digestive system functions, while gut issues can also affect mood and mental health. Understanding this two-way relationship helps explain why conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are often linked with stress and anxiety, and why managing emotional health can play a vital role in reducing abdominal pain. What Is the Gut-Brain Axis? The gut-brain axis is the communication network…