Unlocking the Power of Gut Instinct: Boosting your Health & Wellbeing
Apr 12, 2022
When it comes to making decisions about our health, we often rely on the advice of medical professionals, scientific research, and expert opinions. While these sources are invaluable, there's another powerful tool that can guide our health decisions: our gut instinct. That inner voice, that feeling deep down, can be a valuable ally in maintaining and improving our well-being. The idea of trusting your gut instinct to guide your health can complement traditional approaches to healthcare, and help us feel more empowered when making decisions regarding our health.
The Science Behind Gut Instinct
The idea of "gut instinct" may sound abstract, but it's rooted in science. The gut-brain connection, also known as the gut-brain axis, is a bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. This connection is responsible for more than just digestion; it also plays a crucial role in regulating emotions, mood, and even decision-making.
Researchers have found that the gut is home to a complex network of neurons known as the enteric nervous system. This network can operate independently of the brain but also communicates with it through the vagus nerve. The gut produces neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which are involved in mood regulation. These discoveries suggest that our gut has the ability to influence our emotions and intuition, hence the term "gut instinct."
Gut instinct, to me, means standing completely in your power. Rather than constantly seeking external advice, you can go within and trust what your body is saying. It means knowing exactly what your body and mind need and having the courage to do what’s best for you, even if that might upset others.
Being able to tune into your gut instinct means that you are comfortable and confident making choices that align with your highest values. It’s knowing that your health and your life are in your hands, and you do not need anyone outside of you to tell you what to eat or how to move.
How to Listen to your Body
Trusting your gut instinct in matters of health often involves paying close attention to your body's signals and cues. Here are some ways you can do just that:
1. Recognize Physical Sensations: Sometimes, your body sends signals that something isn't quite right. It might be a persistent ache, fatigue, or changes in appetite. Pay attention to these sensations and take them seriously.
2. Embrace Intuition: Have you ever had a feeling that something was wrong even if all the tests and reports said otherwise? Your intuition can be a powerful guide. If you feel uneasy about a particular treatment or diagnosis, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion.
3. Trust Your Emotional Responses: Emotions are closely tied to the gut-brain axis. If you're feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed about a particular health decision, it's worth exploring why. These emotions can provide valuable insights into your health choices.
4. Consider Your Past Experiences: Reflect on past situations where your gut instinct served you well. Trust that your intuition has a track record of looking out for your best interests.
5. Holistic Approach: Take a holistic approach to your health. Consider not only physical symptoms but also your emotional and mental well-being. Your gut instinct often takes into account your overall state of health.
The Gut and Nutrition
Our bodies are always talking to us, but we can’t always hear what they’re saying. That’s where nutrition comes in. We need to quiet the noise by eliminating some common inflammatory foods for a short period of time so that we can create opportunities to listen.
I like to think of this as clearing the muddy waters. When we remove the mud, we can see more clearly.. Slowly, over time, we rebuild trust with ourselves; we learn how to tap into our Gut Instincts.
Some common inflammatory foods include:
- Processed sugar
- Vegetable and seed oils
- Refined grains
- Highly processed snack foods (chips, cookies, crackers, etc.)
- Processed meat & dairy
- Sodas and sweetened drinks
- Gluten
- Soy
- Eggs
**Some of these items like gluten, soy, and eggs are tolerated by most people. Please work with a professional, and trust your intuition, to help you figure out what’s best for you.
Trusting your gut instinct to guide your health is about listening to your body and intuition as valuable sources of information. While it's not a replacement for medical expertise and evidence-based approaches, it can provide valuable insights and help you make more informed decisions about your well-being. By combining your intuition with professional guidance, you can achieve a more holistic and balanced approach to healthcare that considers both your physical and emotional needs. By learning to listen to your body's signals and tuning into your intuition, you can make decisions that align with your true desires and values.
So, the next time you get that feeling in your gut, pay attention. Your gut instinct might be trying to tell you something important – something that could boost your health, well-being, and overall happiness. Embrace the power of your gut instinct to unlock its potential.
My signature program, The Gut Instinct Method, is all about healing the gut naturally through whole foods and lifestyle changes. It works on more than just nutrition; it builds self-worth, self-love, self-respect, and overall mindset. Stillness and contemplation are available to all of us. Having a ‘gut instinct’ is knowing that at any moment, we can become still and contemplate. We can surrender to the presence of love - love for ourselves, our bodies, and our minds. At any moment, we can tune into that inner knowing and trust that it is guiding us in the right direction.
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