Improve Your Intuition with Better Gut Health

Researchers in this 2011 study say, "Recent neurobiological insights into this gut–brain crosstalk have revealed a complex, bidirectional communication system that not only ensures the proper maintenance of gastrointestinal homeostasis and digestion but is likely to have multiple effects on affect, motivation and higher cognitive functions, including intuitive decision making."

Translation: The two-way communication between the brain and the gut does more than help us digest a meal — it also assists with higher cognitive functions like intuitive decision-making!

Keep reading to learn the connection between gut health and intuition, and how to improve your gut health for stronger intuition.

How Gut Health and Intuition are Connected

Intuition often relies on recognizing patterns from past experiences. The brain stores vast amounts of information and uses this stored knowledge to make quick decisions without conscious reasoning.

The reason it can make such quick decisions without conscious reasoning, is thanks to the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the body's longest nerve which runs from the brain to the gut.

The vagus nerve is part of the central nervous system. The nervous system is constantly scanning the environment and picking up millions of bits of information beyond our conscious awareness!

It then transmits this information between the gut and brain, which allows us to make intuitive decisions.

The Impact of Stress on Intuition

But! If chronic stress is in the picture, this communication between the gut and brain via the vagus nerve gets skewed.

Chronic stress activates the body's fight-or-flight response, which suppresses vagus nerve activity and reduces vagal tone. This suppression impairs the effective communication between the gut and brain, leading to issues like gut dysbiosis and increased gut permeability. 

Additionally, stress increases cognitive load and emotional distress, which hinder clear thinking and intuitive insights. "Gut feelings," become harder to interpret correctly, and picking up on subtle physical cues becomes challenging. 

Why Gut Health Matters for Better Intuition

An imbalanced gut microbiome and inflammation from a "leaky gut" can negatively affect neurotransmitter production, essential for mood regulation and cognitive functions, which can cloud judgment and intuitive abilities.

In addition, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), is am amino acid and neurotransmitter produced by gut bacteria, and helps in calming the nervous system. A calm and balanced nervous system is more conducive to clear and effective intuitive insights.

5 ways to improve gut health for stronger intuition

Improving gut health can have a positive impact on your overall well-being, including enhancing your intuitive abilities. Here are five ways to improve gut health for stronger intuition:

1. Eat a balanced and diverse diet 

This should include:

• Fiber-Rich Foods: Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains to feed beneficial gut bacteria. Foods high in fiber, such as apples, beans, and broccoli, promote the growth of good bacteria.
• Fermented Foods: Include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. These foods contain probiotics, which help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
• Prebiotic Foods: Prebiotics, found in foods like garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, and oats, serve as food for probiotics. They help nourish and sustain beneficial gut bacteria.
• Healthy Fats: Consume healthy fats from sources like avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds. These fats support the gut lining and overall digestive health.

2. Incorporate probiotic supplements

Realistically, with the busy lives we lead today, it can be hard to get all the nutrients we need from our diet. 

An easy way to boost your gut health (and lower stress!) daily is to take a high-quality, targeted supplement for gut health like PYM's Mood Biotics.  Probiotics can help restore and maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, especially after taking antibiotics or experiencing digestive issues. 

These supplements were formulated by psychiatrists, neuroscientists and nutritionists with the most proven strains of prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health and mental health.

Some of these are:

Lactobacillus Plantarum: To support serotonin production and brain health 

Bifidobacterium longum: To improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiousness

3. Manage stress

As mentioned above, chronic stress can greatly impact gut health, neurotransmitter production, brain function, and  suppress vagus nerve activity. This disrupts the communication between the gut and brain and negatively impacts our ability to make intuitive decisions. Manage stress with these science-backed tips!

Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga. These practices help reduce stress, which can positively affect gut health by decreasing inflammation and promoting a balanced microbiome.

Regular Exercise: Physical activity can help reduce stress levels and improve gut motility. Aim for regular, moderate exercise such as walking, jogging, or cycling.

Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get sufficient, quality sleep. Poor sleep can negatively impact gut health and overall well-being. 

 4. Stay Hydrated

Water Intake: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support digestion and nutrient absorption. Staying hydrated helps maintain the mucosal lining of the intestines and supports the balance of good bacteria in the gut.

Herbal Teas: Herbal teas, such as ginger, peppermint, and chamomile, can aid digestion and have soothing effects on the gut.

5. Limit Inflammatory Foods

Reduce Sugar Intake: High sugar intake can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast in the gut. Limit consumption of sugary foods and beverages

Limit Alcohol: Alcohol can harm beneficial gut bacteria and increase gut permeability, leading to various digestive and cognitive issues.

Cut Back on Processed Foods: Processed foods often contain additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats that can harm gut health. Opt for whole, minimally processed foods instead.

 Conclusion

Supporting your gut health is a great way to strengthen your intuition! Intuition is a process that involves the brain, the gut, and the vagus nerve to send and receive messages to each other. You can support gut health by eating a balanced diet, supplementing with a high-quality probiotic like PYM Mood Biotics, managing stress, staying hydrated, and limiting inflammatory foods.