Is your gut trustworthy?

“It is through science that we prove, but through intuition that we discover.”

— Henri Poincaré

The concept that the gut and the brain are closely connected, and that this interaction plays an important part not only in gastrointestinal function but also in certain emotional states and in intuitive decision making, is deeply rooted in our language.

I’m sure you have heard:

• having a gut feeling about something

• going with your guts

• something is gut wrenching

• to be gutted

• to have the guts

• having butterflies, etc.

So let’s dig deeper into what our stomach is trying to tell us!

A TRUSTWORTHY GUT

It’s true that the initial stimulus that sparks a gut feeling can begin its cascade as a thought in your mind, but your gut responds nearly instantaneously, like a primitive warning system alerting you that something is amiss.

Before you can even process the thoughts running through your brain, your gut already knows enough to start preparing your body for “fight or flight” so you can respond right away.

This can happen through blood being ushered away from your digestive tract to your extremities so you can take immediate action.

Often you might feel the effects in your gut first. When it comes to chronic stress, you might experience digestive discomfort and an uneasiness in your gut telling you to slow down.

An irritated digestive tract afflicted with occasional gas, bloating, irregularity, or diarrhea can trigger feelings of temporary depression and anxiety and are indicators to tune in with your body.

The good news is that our gut is very forgiving. Supplying it with what it needs (nutrition, exercise, stress management, etc.) can help keep these types of physical and emotional issues at bay.

A healthy gut is a trustworthy gut—one that you can count on to both nurture and advise you and silently protect you.