One of the key factors of optimal health is having a thriving gut flora. This can be achieved through the power of probiotics which are the opposite of antibiotics. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed by doctors to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics are helpful for infections that persist despite holistic treatment. Unfortunately, antibiotics also kill off the good bacteria in our gut that aids proper digestion, a clean colon, glowing skin and stable blood circulation. We want to fill our bellies up with good bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces boulardii, and Bifidobacterium bifidum, to name a few common strains. These strains can be found by the billions in many fermented foods! A few of my favorite ways to ingest probiotics include kraut, pickled beets, kombucha, coconut yogurt and a daily intake of probiotic supplements. While treating your gut with great foods creates a healthy digestive system, it may not be the only reason why taking care of our gut benefits our overall health.

I like to think of my gut as the brain of my body. When we think about it, our bodies make up the majority of our physical beings whereas our head makes up a smaller portion. Although our true brain rests above our shoulders, it may actually be the secondary brain. What if we looked at our gut as the primary brain? How do you think your entire body would respond, especially your true “secondary” brain, if you fed your gut with strong bacterial strains through fermented foods? By paying closer attention to that center of our torso, the solar plexus, we may become wiser, much more intelligent, energized, happy, alive, and beautiful; we become more spiritually and universally connected.

Intuition.

Intuition is felt within your solar plexus that you may recognize as that “gut feeling”. Sometimes it is the fluttering wings of butterflies when we’re excited, letting us know to continue on. Sometimes it’s a slight burning sensation, letting us know something isn’t quite right and to hold back. In Ayurveda, a Hindu system of mind-body medicine, our digestive and metabolic process is referred to as agni meaning fire in Sanskrit. Burning sensation…fire…digestion. See the connection?

A properly functioning brain connects us to every physical source in our bodies through neuron transmitters and our entire nervous system in more ways than has been discovered, but what if it doesn’t stop there? What if trusting your gut had more to do with total connection with energy outside of your body? Connection with Chi, Qi, Yin and Yang. When you feed your primary brain righteously, you may in fact become more connected to the wisdom of Nature, higher energy, miracles in healing, and finding every answer you’ve ever wanted. When we aid our gut, we become smarter, more wise, more aware, more intuitive and with that comes alignment to a happier and healthier life.

Trust your gut, it’s on to something.

Meagan is the author of The Modern Farm Girl: From Lady-like to Dirty-like.  She is a farmer, chef, traveler and wellness coach currently studying at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition.  Take a look at her website for delicious vegan recipes or follow her on instagram and facebook for wellness updates!

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