Trust Your Gut

🪞 The Wisdom of Knowing Yourself

“The more you know yourself, the less you are swayed by the noise of others.” — Epictetus

We live in a world that glorifies data but undervalues discernment. Everyone has an opinion, a study, a “must-do.” The one voice we often forget to listen to? Our own.

Here we’re exploring how ancient philosophy and modern science both agree on one thing: when you nourish your gut and sharpen your mind, you make decisions that are rooted in truth — not fear.

🧠 Think Critically — Especially in a Consumer Culture

Critical thinking isn’t cynicism — it’s curiosity with boundaries.

“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald

Here in the U.S., where marketing is as powerful as legislation, it’s never been more important to think critically. We live in a country where food can be labeled “natural” with no regulation, “clean beauty” has no legal definition, and “doctor-recommended” might mean a single paid endorsement.

Our attention — not our wellbeing — has become the commodity. Algorithms, packaging, and even wellness influencers (myself included, which is why I take this seriously) are designed to capture your trust, your curiosity, and your credit card number.

So, how do we stay awake in a system that profits when we don’t?
We ask questions.

• Who benefits if I believe this?

• What’s the evidence — and who produced it?

• Is this rooted in fear, convenience, or empowerment?

• How does it feel in my body when I sit with it?

That last one is where intuition begins — because the body often recognizes truth faster than the mind can analyze it.

“If you don’t program your own mind, someone else will.” — Unknown

Critical thinking isn’t about rejecting everything. It’s about refusing to outsource your judgment — especially to industries that thrive on confusion. When you combine discernment with embodied awareness, you protect yourself from both propaganda and placebo.

🌿 The Science of “Gut Feelings”

Your “gut feeling” isn’t poetic — it’s physiological.

The gut and brain are in constant communication through the vagus nerve, forming what scientists call the gut-brain axis — a two-way information superhighway.

Recent research confirms that about 95% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, not the brain. This neurotransmitter — often nicknamed the “happiness molecule” — helps regulate mood, digestion, and even decision-making. (PubMed, 2023)

Bacteria living in your intestines help regulate this serotonin production. A 2019 review in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that gut microbes metabolize tryptophan (the amino acid precursor to serotonin), shaping how effectively your body produces it. (Frontiers, 2019)

One species, Akkermansia muciniphila, has recently drawn attention for its role in maintaining gut-barrier integrity, reducing inflammation, and even influencing thyroid health. A 2024 study suggested that higher levels of Akkermansia may be protective against hypothyroidism by improving metabolic and immune balance — an emerging area of research linking gut health and hormonal resilience. (PMC, 2024)

When your microbiome is balanced, your brain receives clearer signals — leading to calmer emotions and better judgment. But when it’s off (thanks to stress, antibiotics, or ultra-processed foods), your intuition can feel foggy or anxious.

“All disease begins in the gut.” — Hippocrates
“Trust your gut. Your brain can be fooled, and your heart is an emotional mess. But your gut doesn’t lie.” — Oprah Winfrey

A 2022 Nature study found measurable differences in the microbiomes of people with IBS and emotional distress, confirming the physical-emotional link between gut and mood. (Nature, 2022)

And serotonin made in the gut doesn’t stay there — it activates vagal nerve fibers, sending direct signals to the brainstem that influence mood, cognition, and even decision-making. (MDPI, 2025)

So yes — you literally can’t think clearly if you’re inflamed.

💡 How to Strengthen Both Mind and Microbiome

1. Eat for clarity, not comfort.
   Think fiber, fermented foods, and healthy fats — they feed the bacteria that fuel your neurotransmitters.

2. Pause before reacting.
   Whether it’s a headline or a heated conversation — breathe. Give your gut and brain time to sync before you speak.

3. Notice the sensations.
   When something feels “off,” it probably is. Your body reads the room long before your logic does.

4. Filter your inputs.
   Garbage in, garbage out — whether it’s food or information. Choose what you consume with intention.

The Stoics taught us to seek truth through reason. Modern science shows us that reason and intuition are not opposites — they’re partners.

“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift, and the rational mind is a faithful servant.” — Albert Einstein

Feed your gut. Question everything. And trust that your body always knows before your brain catches up.

🛒 Shop the Guide: Gut-Health Favorites

(Affiliate links — these are products I love.)

🩵 Probiotic: Pendulum GLP-1 Probiotic Pro → A targeted probiotic that includes Akkermansia muciniphila and Clostridium butyricum to support gut barrier health, serotonin balance, and metabolic function.

💧 Hydration: Buoy Electrolyte Drops → Tasteless electrolyte support with no sugar or additives — ideal for maintaining gut integrity and hydration during stress, travel, or sauna use.

🔥 Infrared Detox: HigherDose Sauna Blanket →
Deep, restorative heat that supports lymphatic flow, detoxification, and recovery.

📚 Books to Feed Your Mind

• Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ — Giulia Enders

• Thinking, Fast and Slow — Daniel Kahneman

• The Daily Stoic — Ryan Holiday

• Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention — and How to Think Deeply Again — Johann Hari

• The Molecule of More — Daniel Z. Lieberman & Michael Long

💌 Join the Conversation

What’s one time your gut instinct saved you from something that looked good on paper?
Hit reply to this week’s email or DM me on Instagram — I’d love to hear your story.

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