Are You Listening to Your Gut? [Quiz]

If you try to find the center for communications of your body, it is not in your head. It’s in your digestive system. Yes, your gut controls so many bodily functions, from absorbing the nutrients our immune system needs, regulating brain function, and even energy production, your gut is in control.

Are you listening to the grumbles inside you?

Why Your Gut Matters

There’s a reason people plead “trust your gut,” in fact, there’s even research backing up that phrase. Our gut is much more than just another wellness buzz word. Even if you don’t know much about your gut, know this, 70% of our immune system is housed there, that’s how important it is.

There’s even evidence that balancing your gut can help with anxiety. So, make sure you care for it by:

• Including probiotics in your diet
• Adding digestive enzymes for digestion
• Bulking up on fiber and non-starchy vegetables
• Avoiding sugars and refined foods

Tummy Talk

Think of your gut as that friend with no filter who cannot seem to stop talking. Your gut is continuously sending you alert messages that something odd is happening. A short study found that 1 in 3 of us ignore gut health issues. Let’s break that cycle by listening carefully.

When it makes a sound: those groans in your tummy are due to gas and fluids moving through your gut. You hear them when you’re hungry or nervous.

When it feels: cramps and abdominal pain are indications of intestinal obstruction. Certain types of pains can be ulcers, gallstones, or stress, and indigestion.

When it smells: the smell of your wind is related to unabsorbed carbohydrates and protein food.

Listening to your gut can help you prevent waiting too long to look at a potential health issue. Even your skin and gut are connected, make sure to pay attention to all the messages your tummy is sending.