Have you made a gut decision? Or have you experienced a gut check moment? Have you ever made a decision going with your gut? According to reporting from ABC News’ Lucille Tang, our abilities to think and employ solid reasoning are owed at least in part to the health of our digestive tract. We don’t normally think of digestion in these terms, but there’s a body of evidence to support the idea.

Some scientists call the 100 trillion bacteria and 100 million nerve endings in our gastrointestinal tract our second brain. This “brain” communicates with an interface known as the gut-brain axis, which explains why gut health can improve conditions like Alzheimer’s or depression. People often associate chemicals like serotonin with the brain, but most of our body’s serotonin, our sleep cycles and our appetite, is found in the gut.

On the flip side, other studies have shown a relationship between imbalances in gut bacteria and a rise in neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases. But the good news is that there are established practices that we can do to promote gut health. If the conventional wisdom is right, you may not exactly be what you eat, but more what or how you digest.

Possible Preaching Angle:

Our ability to think correctly and make good decisions is also greatly influenced by a healthy relationship with our internal guide (Rom. 8:14) and teacher (1 Jn. 2:20, 27) the indwelling Holy Spirit who is vital for healthy Christian living (Eph. 4:30).

Source:

Lucille Tang, “How the Bacteria In Your Gut Affect Your Mind and Body,” ABC News (2-12-19)