I got a gut feeling

Do you often hear people say or ask?

“Go with your gut.”
"I don't know. I just feel it in my gut."

“What does your gut tell you?”

It’s because our guts have a brain too; it’s called the enteric nervous system.

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There is an enormous amount of scientific research showing that there are many chemicals, peptides and hormones in the brain that are also present in the gut, that we have two brains.  AND, during fetal development, the same type of tissue that makes up our central nervous system, also makes up our enteric nervous system!


Our digestive tract contains cells and neurons that allow transmission of signals from the enteric nervous system to the central nervous system (the head-brain).  The vagus nerve is largely responsible for this as it runs from the brain stem directly to the abdomen.   They work together and influence one another!


According to the textbook of gastroenterology (by Furness and Bornstein), scientists have found that our enteric nervous system contains over 100 million neurons, which is more than the amount present in our spinal cords. 

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I don’t know exactly how you count that many neurons, but we get the idea that this topic deserves more attention, right?   And that our digestive tract has far more going on then we have given it credit for, no?

This is how we can feel “butterflies in our stomachs,” feel satiety from a thoroughly enjoyed meal or have a stressful situation make us feel “sick to our stomachs.”  No doubt, our mind and body are beautifully and intricately connected.

The body, especially the digestive tract is pretty darn smart.  And if we listen and tune in, there is much to be learned.  It’s quite easy for us to be out of touch with our bodies… when we need to rest, what we need to eat, how much and when.  I love the way Marc David explains this: “For many of us, eating without awareness is a habit we learned from a culture that has a love affair with speed.”  

He calls this gut-brain a “built in sage.”  There is much wisdom within our bodies; this sage is our own personal, built-in physician that offers individualized care, specific to our body’s needs.  We would be crazy not to consult it.

If we could slow down and tune in, it could change everything.

Here is a great place to start tuning in with your body in regards to your nutritional and metabolic needs. 
  

You up for a challenge?

Go to the grocery store or farmer’s market, to the produce section.  Take a quiet moment first, in the car if you'd like.  Close your eyes.  Breathe, slowly and in control for a few moments, only thinking about your breath.  You should be able to feel your heart beat and respiratory rhythm.  That’s a good place to which you know you’ve calmed your mind enough and are present. 

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Ask your body (to yourself or out loud if you want), 
“What food do you need?  What would be the most nourishing?” 

You can do this in the store too.  Who cares if you look like a crazy lady with her eyes closed holding on to a pink lady apple in the middle of Safeway?  I might not recommend talking to yourself aloud, but do allow yourself time to pause long enough and be drawn to an item or two.  


You may instantly think “avocado” or be drawn to the curious colors of an heirloom tomato or be wooed in by the sweet smell of basil.  

Heirloom tomatoes from Quillisascut Farm

Scan the options and varieties. Touch and smell.  Trust where you are led.  Something may come right away. If it does, awesome. If not, that’s ok too.  You can choose something simply because it’s a pretty color.  The idea is to just start tuning in, to ask your body and then to listen.  This takes training since most of us have spent many years ignoring or being oblivious to our body’s queues.  It may seem like a foreign language at first, but soon you will be speaking in tune with your body.  It's going to feel awesome and empowering!  Soon, you will be in tune and learning to let your gut feeling guide you to better nourishment and enjoyment of your meals.

Take this produce home and eat it with your full attention and enjoyment; savor it.  Check in with your body and ask, “How was that?” And LISTEN. 

Could you do this next time you make a trip to the grocery store?  

Do you already do this?

Are you willing to share how it goes and what you are drawn to? 

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