What's your gut feeling?

When you listen to your stomach, what does it say to you?

I’m hungry!

Feed me!

I’m so full.

Put that last piece back!

I feel a little nauseous.

I think I have a stomach ache!

Bathroom run?

Whatever the message might be, our stomach is always communicating with us. If you’ve ever “gone with your gut” to make a decision or felt “butterflies in your stomach” when you like someone, you’re likely getting signals from an unexpected source: your second brain. Yes, your stomach is like your second brain! Hidden in the walls of the digestive system, this “brain in your gut” is revolutionizing our understanding of how our digestion is linked to our mood, health and even our thoughts.

I personally have a chronic stomach issue called Irritable Bowel Syndrome. If you watch one of my favorite shows, Parks & Recreation, the infamous Councilman Jamm, is a lighthearted example of this condition! Just two weeks ago I had a really bad flare up that crept up on me in the middle of my day. I couldn’t even stand or walk! Eric took me to the ER and they administered pain killers via IV. The flare up lasted for a few days, and I had to use all my self care tools to get me through that one! Some things I do: drink chamomile tea, reduce all stress, lots of sleep, yoga + meditate, eat mindfully, avoid sugar/alcohol/caffeine.

Other common chronic stomach issues include (but are not limited to) Acid Reflux, Celiac’s Disease, Chrons Disease, Bloating, Gas or Constipation. So many people suffer silently with these conditions!

So what does your gut have to say?