Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

No, all sanitas products are GMO-free (Genetically Modified Organisms). In addition, the organic regulation prohibits the use of genetically modified substances in organic products. You can therefore be sure that you are receiving a high-quality and GMO-free product from us as a German manufacturer.

We generally recommend that infants and young children between the ages of 0 – 5 years should not take any food supplements at all, unless prescribed by a doctor. For children between the ages of 5 and 12, we recommend half of our normal recommended intake.

Absolutely, because a lack of certain vitamins, minerals and trace elements can worsen the quality of sleep. And the symptom “lack of sleep” in itself also increases our need for certain micronutrients such as vitamin C or vitamin B1.

Our body needs vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to convert the amino acid tryptophan into 5-hydroxytryptophan. 5-hydroxytryptophan is the precursor of serotonin and our body can only produce enough melatonin if sufficient calming serotonin is available. Melatonin is a sleep hormone.

Vitamin B1 also plays a central role. It is directly related to the neurotransmitters serotonin, acetylcholine and adrenaline and is considered the nerve vitamin. Even a slight deficiency can severely impair our sleep quality.

Relaxation methods (e.g. breathing and meditation techniques, Qi Gong), healthy sleep hygiene (no stimulants such as alcohol or nicotine from midday onwards, a sleeping environment that is not too warm but dark, avoiding sumptuous meals at least two hours before going to bed), but also tried and tested aromatic oils such as bergamot or cedarwood oil can also help with sleep disorders.

Storage in the refrigerator is not necessary. It is particularly important with capsules and tablets that they absorb as little moisture as possible after opening and are not exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight. We recommend a dry, dark place for storage. For liquid products (such as grapefruit seed extract or hemp oil), storage in the refrigerator can have a positive effect on shelf life, but is not absolutely necessary.

You can use these approximate values as a guide:

1 g CitroBiotic = 20 drops
1 ml CitroBiotic = 22 drops

Even the most famous physician of antiquity and founder of modern medicine, Hippocrates (approx. 460 to 370 BC), said “Death is in the gut”. This statement and its use to this day show the importance of the intestine as one of our central organs. The human intestine is up to 7 meters long and consists of the small and large intestine. It is the largest internal organ in the human body. Experts refer to it as a super organ because it is a real all-rounder: in addition to its function as an excretory organ – around 30 tons of food are passed through the intestine in the course of our lives – the majority of our immune system (around 70%) is also located in the intestine. It plays a central role in immune defense and the production of vitamins and messenger substances. The gut is also known as the “abdominal brain”, as it contains around 100 million nerve cells that control our digestion, release hormones and also send pain signals to the brain. In short… Fit gut = fit mind! A holistic therapeutic approach is completely unthinkable without taking into account the symbiosis in the gut. Unfortunately, the gut in particular suffers from the “modern lifestyle” with lots of stress, denatured food, lots of sugar and the hasty, mostly unnecessary use of antibiotics. The result is a negative change in the eubiotic intestinal flora. This can then lead to varying degrees of intestinal dysbiosis, intestinal mycoses (intestinal fungi), bloating, flatulence, mucosal irritation and digestive and stool irregularities. The condition of the intestinal flora is crucial for the function of the intestine as a toxin, i.e. toxin elimination organ.
There is also a connection between the condition of our microbiome and susceptibility to cystitis, as antibiotic therapy in connection with cystitis can set a vicious circle in motion: Antibiotics impair the “intestinal microbiome”, formerly known as intestinal flora. As a result, mucous membrane-protecting substances for the bladder mucosa can only be produced insufficiently and the bladder mucosa in turn becomes more susceptible to bacterial colonization. A chronic UTI can develop. It therefore always makes sense to maintain the health of the microbiome and take care of the gut in addition to ideally treating a simple uncomplicated bladder infection with naturopathy. Probiotic foods or food supplements with lactic acid-forming live bacteria are a good way of doing this.

Our intestines play an important role in stress management. The digestive processes are throttled by the sympathetic nervous system when we are under stress. Adrenaline activates the nerve cells in the intestinal wall that are connected to our brain. The blood flow to the intestinal mucosa deteriorates. This in turn can lead to local inflammation. Important nutrients such as vitamin B6, B12 or folic acid are then less easily absorbed by the intestinal mucosa. This leads to reduced serotonin production in the brain. The result: sleep disorders, depressive moods. But our immune system is also impaired by stress-related chronic inflammatory processes and the associated disrupted intestinal flora. Many chronic illnesses can result from this, e.g. irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or chronic sinus infections (sinusitis).

A real “perennial favorite” in the truest sense of the word in both summer and winter: Cystitis! Many girls and young women suffer from constantly recurring bladder infections. Antibiotics are essential for infections that ascend to the kidneys. But for mild and uncomplicated chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs for short), there is also support from the green natural pharmacy that can help to escape the “antibiotic spiral”. Cranberries, also known as American cranberries, are particularly worth mentioning in this context. They are available as fresh fruit, as juice, but also as cranberry extract, e.g. in capsule or tablet form.

Women are more frequently affected by cystitis than men. Chronic or recurrent cystitis occurs when it occurs twice in six months or three times in a year. On behalf of the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), experts have examined the question of whether herbal remedies can be an alternative to antibiotics for recurrent cystitis. The evaluation of available studies 2) showed an indication of a benefit of cranberry compared to placebo – both in terms of the relapse rate and the time to first recurrence.

2) Source: Press release Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, IQWiG: Health Technology Assessment. “Cystitis – Do herbal remedies help with recurrent cystitis”

As we age or grow older, nerve cells and cell functions are often lost. If this loss, i.e. the damage to our brain and nerve cells, is so great that our brain can no longer compensate for it, experts speak of a “neurodegenerative disease”. Examples of neurodegenerative diseases include Alzheimer’s and other dementias, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The number of older people in our country is constantly increasing. Because these neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with ageing, they are considered to be one of the greatest medical and social challenges of the coming decades. Around 1.5 million people in Germany already suffer from dementia and around 300,000 are affected by Parkinson’s disease. Current estimates assume that by 2050 around 152 million (!) people will even suffer from dementia – and unfortunately there is (still) no cure in sight!

Scientists are therefore investigating whether and how the risk of disease and the severity of neurodegenerative diseases can be reduced, for example through an optimized lifestyle and a healthy diet.

And now the “berry powers” come into play…
Flavonoids, such as anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins (PACs), which give berries their red, blue or purple color, have long been said to have positive properties on our cognitive abilities. A new study 1) from the University of East Anglia seems to back this up: it suggests that eating cranberries could improve memory and brain function and lower cholesterol levels. In the study, half of a group of 60 cognitively healthy participants aged between 50 and 80 years consumed freeze-dried cranberry powder (equivalent to approx. 100 g of fresh cranberries) every day for 12 weeks, while the other half took a placebo (i.e. a preparation without an active ingredient that cannot be distinguished externally from the “real” product). The term “cognitive” comes from psychology and refers to those human functions that are associated with perception, learning, remembering and thinking, i.e. human cognition and information processing.

Study leader Dr. David Vazour from the Norwich Medical School (UEA) in England says: “We found that participants who consumed the cranberry powder showed significantly improved episodic memory performance, combined with improved circulation of essential nutrients such as oxygen and glucose to key parts of the brain that support cognition – particularly memory consolidation and recall.”

In addition, Dr. Vazour noted, “The cranberry group also showed a significant decrease in LDL or “bad” cholesterol, which is known to contribute to atherosclerosis, the thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. This supports the theory that cranberries can improve blood vessel health and, in part, help improve cerebral circulation and cognitive ability.

“The results of this study are very encouraging, especially when you consider that a relatively short 12-week cranberry intervention could lead to significant improvements in memory and neuronal function,” concludes Dr. Vazour, who led the study.

1) Source: “Chronic consumption of Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) for 12 weeks improves episodic memory and regional brain perfusion in healthy older adults: A randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups study”; Frontiers in Nutrition; May 19, 2022.

Animal welfare is important to us. That’s why, with a few exceptions, many of our products are vegetarian, vegan and – where possible – even organic.

Independent laboratories in Germany regularly check the quality of our products. We and our products are also regularly inspected by government monitoring authorities.

Our sanitas products are manufactured in Germany in compliance with the strictest pharmaceutical and hygiene requirements in accordance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).

We also select the raw materials for our products very carefully and focus on quality. For example, we regularly visit the plantations in southern Europe where our organic grapefruits for our organic grapefruit seed extract grow and are in constant contact with the farmers in the cooperative.

We take all findings on the quality of teas as an opportunity to further optimize the extensive joint quality assurance measures. The difficulties and challenges lie in the fact that there are over 1000 different types of pesticides on the market, such as the controversial glyphosate. The analytical search for residues is very time-consuming and expensive due to this diversity.

However, it makes a big difference whether a food is consumed in its entirety (e.g. fruit and vegetables) or only in parts. Even with a relatively high contaminant load, only around 10% of the contaminants from the leaves are transferred to the finished beverage. Although this is reassuring, it is of course still unsatisfactory.

Teas from organic cultivation are an alternative. Our organic teas all come from certified organic cultivation (certified organic). Pesticide contamination can therefore generally be ruled out. Compliance with the strict organic guidelines in the cultivation areas is guaranteed by the responsible organic control bodies on site. Our organic inspection body is GfRS, the Society for Resource Conservation, in Göttingen. Our organic inspection body number is DE-ÖKO-039.

And for all our teas (including teas from conventional cultivation), the following naturally applies: every tea that is sold via a wholesaler must first be analyzed in the country of production itself. This means that the wholesaler commissions internationally certified laboratories directly on site in China, Japan etc. to test the tea in question for residues. If a tea exceeds the limit values, it may not be imported into the EU.
We source our teas from a renowned German tea importer based in Bremen, who has been in the tea business for many decades and also regularly inspects the tea plantations on site. In addition, our products are also regularly inspected by the state food inspectorate responsible for us. So far, all inspections have been carried out without any analytical complaints.

Among the many (medicinal) plants there is a very special group, the adaptogens. They are true superfoods, real plant power for more resilience and serenity. The term comes from the Latin “adapto”, which means “to adapt”. Adaptogens increase the ability of the body and mind to adapt better to special and stressful situations. Stress at home and at work or the loss of a loved one can weaken our mental and physical health in the long term, as constant negative stress reduces the activity of the immune system. We sleep poorly, suffer from cardiovascular problems or cravings, to name just a few of the consequences.
Adaptogens contain a variety of different ingredients such as secondary plant substances, hormone-like compounds, essential oils, bitter substances and tannins. The positive properties of adaptogens are triggered by one of these groups or they act synergistically.

Scientific studies show that many secondary plant substances have a high health protection potential. For example, certain flavonoids can protect against various types of cancer or have a positive effect on our blood pressure. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties have also been documented. However, an isolated intake of individual plant substances is probably of little use, as many studies show that the substances develop their positive properties precisely because of their complex structure, i.e. they only work in combination with each other. It is therefore all the more important to ensure that flavonoid-containing food or nutritional supplements are full-spectrum extracts, for example, in which the entire flavonoid spectrum (i.e. as it is present in the fruit or plant, for example) has been extracted.

Prebiotics are indigestible food substances that serve as a source of energy and nutrition for the “good” (non-pathogenic) bacteria and thus promote their growth and multiplication. Prebiotics are often soluble dietary fibers (e.g. inulin or oligofructose). These are found in chicory, artichokes, garlic and onions, among others.

The WHO, the World Health Organization, defines probiotics as “live microorganisms that confer a health benefit to the host when ingested in sufficient quantities”. Put more simply. Probiotic “good” bacterial strains support the microbiotics present in the gut by competing with harmful “bad” bacteria for nutrients, inhibiting the invasion of harmful bacteria or actively fighting the “bad” bacteria by producing antibodies.

Probiotic bacteria are used, for example, as lactic acid-producing live bacteria as pure cultures or mixtures in medicines as well as in foods and food supplements. The most commonly used probiotic cultures include various strains of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which belong to the order of lactic acid bacteria. However, Escherichia coli strains or enterococci are also used.

It always makes sense to use food supplements that are of natural origin. These usually do not contain any superfluous additives and are easier for the body to metabolize. Preparations with plant extracts in particular are more than synergistic mixtures of multiple substances. Food supplements that are organic, vegan, sustainably and holistically formulated and produced can address the natural regenerative powers of the human body very well with their inherent life processes.

Our most important immune organ in our defense against viruses is our gut. That is why we should treat and care for it “well”. Antibiotics, heavy metals, food toxins, intolerances and nutritional errors burden it in many ways. The consequences are disorders of the intestinal flora (dysbiosis), fungal colonization (candidiasis) or holes in the intestinal mucosa (“leaky gut”). A stool examination can help to uncover these problems. Ideally, a build-up of the mucosal flora (e.g. with suitable probiotics) should be preceded by intestinal cleansing. Depending on the findings, nutritional advice and a subsequent change in diet may also be necessary.

All B vitamins are essential for the function of the nervous system. A deficiency can be the cause of neuropathy, for example. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in particular plays an important role here. In addition to the formation of blood cells and energy metabolism, vitamin B12 plays a decisive role in the formation of the myelin sheath. It is also necessary for the formation of neurotransmitters and hormones. It is important to know that vitamin B12 cannot be synthesized by the human body. It is contained in relevant quantities primarily in meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.
In order to be absorbed and processed by the body, the B12 ingested with food must be bound to the glycoprotein “intrinsic factor” produced by the parietal cells of the stomach. This complex is then absorbed into the blood via the cells of the small intestine. Several factors can cause a vitamin B12 deficiency, e.g. malnutrition, a stomach disease, but also intestinal diseases, e.g. Crohn’s disease or malabsorption syndrome.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is also a very important component for an intact nervous system. Vitamin B6 is also relevant for protein and fat metabolism and for hormonal and immunological processes.

Antibiotics have been and are often used too lightly in both human and veterinary medicine. The frequent prescription of antibiotics, especially for viral flu-like infections, must be critically questioned, as antibiotics can only be effective against infections caused by bacteria.

But what are resistances?
Bacterial diseases can usually be treated effectively with antibiotics. Sometimes bacteria become insensitive to antibiotics, i.e. resistant to antibiotics, and the usual antibiotic drugs are then no longer effective. Infections with resistant bacteria are more difficult to treat and even previously easily treatable infections can then become life-threatening. In this context, secondary plant substances (such as bioflavonoids, polyphenols, anthocyanins) are of particular importance in naturopathy, as many of these substances have immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory and germ-inhibiting properties. These bioactive plant substances, also known as “phytamines” or “phytonutrients”, have increasingly become the focus of medical research and studies in recent years.

The intestinal flora, also known as the microbiome, consists of over 100 million bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is significantly influenced by our diet and lifestyle habits. A disturbed microbiome is associated with a variety of diseases such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, fatty liver, high blood pressure, dementia and tumors. We therefore have it in our hands to do something good for our gut health and thus for our general well-being.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional chronic digestive disease and has many names, e.g. functional diarrhea, nervous diarrhea, vegetative neurosis, dyssynergia of the colon, colonic spasms, spastic colon, enterospasm, mucous colitis, muco-membranous colitis or irritable colon syndrome. It is characterized by chronic or recurring symptoms (e.g. abdominal pain, flatulence), which are often accompanied by changes in bowel movements (such as diarrhoea).
The symptoms are so severe that they severely impair the quality of life of those affected. It can even go so far that every meal is associated with anxiety for those affected. IBS often also affects younger people. In Germany, it is estimated that between 5% and 20% of the population suffer from IBS. Women are generally affected more often than men. IBS usually occurs for the first time between the ages of 20 and 30, e.g. at the beginning of university or when starting a career. The typical symptoms are flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, cramp-like abdominal pain, loss of appetite and malaise. Not all symptoms need to be present and the severity of symptoms also varies greatly from person to person. As IBS is very shameful, it can be assumed that many people do not go to the doctor with their symptoms and the number of sufferers is significantly higher than 20%.

People who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome can no longer control flatulence or bowel movements well. They often experience severe stomach and intestinal cramps. Those affected usually restrict themselves severely out of shame and avoid social contact. There are a number of natural herbal home remedies to support the typical symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Quinton Hypertonic was developed to balance mineral deficiencies in the body in a natural way. The elements listed in Mendeleev’s periodic table are essential for a healthy metabolism. It has an immediate invigorating effect and is very beneficial in cases of exhaustion caused by physical and mental exertion. It is also beneficial for many symptoms that often result from a deficiency of vital minerals (e.g. anorexia, asthenia, malnutrition, osteoporosis, orthostatic syncope, etc.).

The qualitative composition of the micro-minerals in Quinton Isotonic is proportionally identical to the extracellular fluid (intra-environment). Natural isotones determine the composition, weight and versatile properties of Quinton Isotonic. It contains all the elements of the periodic system. Quinton Isotonic was developed for the optimal regulation of homeostasis.

It provides natural rehydration, is a complete supplement of ionic substances and can support the restoration of cellular osmosis.

The intestinal barrier is our protective shield between the outside and the inside, so to speak. It allows the “good” substances to pass through and prevents the “bad” substances (e.g. toxins) from getting through. If our intestinal barrier does not function properly, i.e. there is a disruption in permeability, experts refer to this as “leaky gut”.

Factors at various levels contribute to the correct functioning of the intestinal barrier:

Immunological barrier => defense cells
Physical barrier => intestinal mucosa cells
Microbial barrier => intestinal flora

The natural bioflavonoids are a valuable ingredient of a grapefruit seed extract and only one of several quality characteristics. The flavonoid content alone says little about the quality and effectiveness of a GKE. What is important is that it is a full spectrum extract. CitroBiotic is a so-called full spectrum extract. It maintains the balance or spectrum of the various grapefruit bioflavonoids as found in the fruit, without over-representing any single flavonoid. Flavonoids are the yellowish-orange (flavus = Latin: blond, yellow) plant substances. They are among the most important active ingredients in phytotherapy. Many flavonoids are also foodstuffs. For this reason, they are also referred to as “semi-essential”. If we eat a diet rich in flavonoids, we are definitely doing something good for our body, as flavonoids have considerable antioxidant potential. They are widespread in the plant kingdom and are found in practically every fruit and vegetable and in some types of nuts and cereals. Flavonoids are thermostable, i.e. they are only slightly lost during cooking. Foods very rich in flavonoids include broccoli, endive, onions, kale, cranberries, cranberries, tomatoes, citrus fruits (especially grapefruit), but also red wine (in moderation!) and green tea. The valuable grapefruit ingredients are different in the fruit, the peel and the core. The fruit, i.e. the flesh, contains the bitter-tasting glycoside naringin as well as ascorbic acid and thiamine. The outer yellow peel contains pinene, limonene, linalool, citrate aldehyde and has an oil content of 20%. The grapefruit seeds contain numerous bioflavonoids, including naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, quercetin, kämpherol, rutin, limonin, poncirin and other ingredients. The seeds and the white parts of the peel are used to produce GKE, i.e. the parts that we usually remove when eating grapefruit normally.

Vitamin B1 is important for nerve function. It supports the processing of information between the nerves. In addition, energy is mainly generated in the nerve cells through the conversion of carbohydrates – and vitamin B1 plays a key role in this.

This depends on the type and characteristics of the product, but they generally have a shelf life of at least 12-24 months. The best-before date (BBD) and the lot number can be found on the packaging. The best storage conditions are dry, protected from light and not too warm below 25°C. The best before date printed on the packaging is based on the raw materials used, which naturally vary in their shelf life.

According to the DGE, the German Nutrition Society, the following phytochemicals have been shown to have health-promoting effects:

– Flavonoids (e.g. apples, berries, cranberries, grapefruits, cherries): Anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, blood pressure-lowering, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic

– Carotenoids (e.g. carrots, tomatoes, spinach, melons, pumpkin): Antioxidant, immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, beneficial for cardiovascular diseases)

– Phytoestrogens (e.g. nuts, sunflower seeds): antioxidant, immune-boosting

– Glucosinolates (e.g. mustard, cress, cabbage): immune-boosting, antioxidant

– Sulphides (e.g. leek, garlic): antibiotic, antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, blood pressure-lowering

– Monoterpenes (e.g. mint, caraway, lemon): cholesterol-lowering, cancer-inhibiting

– Saponins (e.g. legumes, soy, oats): antibiotic, antifungal (fungus-inhibiting)

– Phytosterols (e.g. wheat germ, soybeans): cholesterol-lowering

– Phenolic acids (e.g. whole rye grain, coffee): antioxidant

– Polyphenols (e.g. kale, berries, green tea): aid digestion

Our body cells are absolutely dependent on iron. Iron is therefore an essential nutrient. In science, a distinction is made between storage iron (ferritin) and functional iron. Storage iron accounts for approx. 30 % and is mainly contained in the liver, spleen and intestinal mucosa in intracellular form (within the cells). The lion’s share (approx. 70 %) is made up of functional iron. It is so called because it is needed by the body in the active working phase, i.e. when it comes to hemoglobin, enzymes and the like. Iron has vital tasks, especially in the transportation of oxygen. It binds the oxygen to the blood pigment haemoglobin in the red blood cells (erythrocytes). Iron is therefore essential for our energy metabolism. It also plays an important role in the citrate cycle and ATP synthesis in the “cell power plants” (mitochondria). Iron is also involved in our hormone balance: Iron-containing enzymes make an important contribution to the action of the thyroid hormone thyroxine and the formation of pregnenolone from cholesterol. Iron-containing enzymes also play an important role in detoxification reactions, in the nervous system and in the regeneration of our musculoskeletal system.

We recommend taking 15 drops 3 times a day, preferably half an hour before meals. If you prefer, you can also take our liquid grapefruit seed extracts on their own. Alternatively, you can add the drops to half a glass of water and drink. However, you will always find a recommended dosage on the label, including for the other CitroBiotic products such as organic grapefruit seed extract capsules or organic grapefruit seed extract tablets.

Stress, hectic pace, pressure to perform and sensory overload often dominate our lives. If you no longer feel up to the demands, your body and mind can no longer adapt sufficiently. This is when plants such as roseroot are needed.

Neurotropic vitamins and adaptogenic plant extracts (such as roseroot) can be good “nerve food”, also known as “brain food”. The group of B vitamins comprises eight water-soluble vitamins. Vitamin B1 supports the body’s own nervous system functions and strengthens nerves and muscles. Magnesium also contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and to the normal functioning of the nervous system. For this reason, the combination of rose root extract with Vitanmin B1 and magnesium is a sensible formulation.

A deficiency, especially of vitamins B1 and B12, can cause nerve damage. If a clear deficiency is detected (the laboratory or the doctor treating you should always take a look at the MCV/MCH as well as the B12 values), parenteral therapy by a doctor, i.e. a direct injection or infusion into the bloodstream, is recommended. Later, depending on the cause, it may be possible to switch to maintenance therapy. Overall, the administration of a vitamin B complex is recommended. In addition to a good supply of B vitamins, a balanced diet and sufficient exercise can also make an important contribution to improving quality of life and general well-being.

The gut plays an important role in the defense against pathogens and gut health also has a direct impact on our physical well-being and our psyche. Intestinal bacteria process food and use it to produce various vitamins, hormones and neurotransmitters, e.g. serotonin, which helps with depression. They not only support the immune system and protect us from harmful germs. They also have an effect on communication between the brain and the gut. The gut can therefore communicate with the brain via hormones and nerve connections and thus controls fears, feelings, learning behavior or the craving for certain substances. This is also referred to as the “brain-gut axis”. In depressed people, the bacterial composition in the gut is often altered and certain bacterial strains are underrepresented. These can be enriched again, e.g. by consuming probiotic foods (probiotics). This also improves mood, as some studies have shown. Our gut – and especially our intestines – actually reflect our emotions. They are involved in weighing up different options and react to stimuli. We also notice this when we make decisions “from the gut” or suddenly lose our appetite at the thought of something unpleasant.