That gut feeling

Your gut isn’t just where food is digested. It’s where your body processes stress, stores intuition and decides how much energy you get to carry through the day.

Have you ever had a “gut feeling” that something was off – even when you could not explain why? That old saying carries more wisdom than we thought. Modern science now confirms what traditional cultures have long known: your gut is the control centre of your health. In fact, many symptoms we try to fix with caffeine or painkillers – like fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, bloating or inflammation –often begin in the gut.

What is “the gut”, really?

It is your entire digestive system – a long, intelligent tube from your mouth to your colon. It breaks down what you consume and absorbs nutrients to fuel your muscles, brain, hormones and all your body systems. As the saying goes, “You are what you eat,” because your energy depends on the quality of what you feed yourself.

But the gut is not just about digestion. Within your intestines lives your gut microbiome – trillions of bacteria, fungi and microorganisms. This ecosystem is shaped by your diet, lifestyle and environment, and no two people have the same one. That means your path to health is deeply personal.

When in balance, your microbiome supports immunity, energy, metabolism and mental clarity. But if disrupted by stress, processed food, antibiotics or poor sleep, it can lead to inflammation, fatigue, brain fog and even autoimmune conditions.

The gut-brain connection

Your gut and brain are constantly talking via the gut-brain axis – a communication system of nerves and hormones. Over 90% of your body’s serotonin (the “feel-good” hormone) is made in your gut, not your brain.

When your gut is inflamed, it can impact your mood, focus and sleep. And when you are stressed, your gut tightens, slowing digestion and immunity. It is a two-way street – your gut affects your mental health and vice versa.

Probiotics vs Prebiotics

Ever heard of these two? Know the difference? Probiotics are beneficial bacteria which help repopulate and diversify

your microbiome. They are found in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut and maas. Prebiotics are fibres that feed those bacteria and can be found in onions, garlic, leeks, oats and bananas.

Three natural ways to support your gut

• Eat right

Eat intentionally to feed your good bacteria. Include fermented foods for probiotics and plant fibres for prebiotics. Try raw garlic in salads, a spoon of sauerkraut with lunch, or plain yogurt with banana and cinnamon.

• Chew slowly

Digestion starts in the mouth. When we rush or eat while stressed, we hinder nutrient absorption. Make meals a calm ritual. Sit down, breathe and chew properly.

• Connect with nature

Gardening, barefoot walking or being in nature introduces beneficial microbes that support gut health. Let the earth nurture your body, naturally.

A gut feeling you can trust

Your gut sends signals every day, whether through bloating, fatigue or mood shifts. You do not need to be too hard on yourself – small shifts create lasting change. One nourishing meal, one calm breath, one mindful walk is enough to begin.

Next time you have a gut feeling? Lean in. Your body might be telling you exactly what it needs.

Cerina Bezuidenhout Haasbroek

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified health provider before making changes to your health routine.

Living Well is a monthly wellness column exploring functional health, natural rituals and conscious living in Namibia. Follow @cerinabzd on Instagram for tips, workshops and holistic health guidance.