Nourishing the Gut, Nurturing the Soul: How Gut Health Impacts the Nervous System
As we step into a new year, there’s often a collective sense of urgency—a rush to declare resolutions, make changes, and become “better.” While these intentions may come from a place of hope, I’ve learned that true transformation doesn’t come from a sprint to perfection. It comes from honoring the daily rhythms of care, choosing habits that nourish not only the body but the mind and spirit.
This year, I invite you to anchor your focus on a relationship that often goes unnoticed: the profound connection between your gut and your nervous system.
The Gut-Brain Connection: A Sacred Conversation
Your gut is more than just a part of your digestive system; it’s an intelligent, dynamic hub of activity that directly communicates with your brain. Known as the gut-brain axis, this two-way communication network shapes how you think, feel, and respond to the world.
It’s remarkable, really. The gut produces serotonin, often called the “happiness hormone,” as well as other neurotransmitters like dopamine and GABA, which help regulate mood, energy, and focus. In fact, about 90% of your serotonin is produced in the gut—a testament to the idea that emotional well-being begins from within.
The vagus nerve, a key player in this system, acts like a messenger between your gut and brain. Signals from your gut microbiome—those trillions of microorganisms living in harmony within you—can influence how your brain responds to stress, joy, and everything in between.
But this sacred connection can also become strained. A diet filled with processed foods, chronic stress, or even long periods of poor sleep can disrupt your microbiome, damage your gut lining, and trigger inflammation. And when the gut struggles, the mind often follows, leading to brain fog, anxiety, or that heavy fatigue that feels impossible to shake.
Healing Begins with Nourishment
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my own journey—through motherhood, health challenges, and creating Wild Feather—it’s this: healing begins with nourishment. Not restriction, not punishment, but the quiet, steady act of giving your body what it truly needs.
Here are some ways to start:
1. Bone Broth: The Quiet Healer
A steaming cup of bone broth isn’t just comfort in a mug; it’s a profound act of restoration. Rich in collagen, gelatin, and amino acids like glycine and proline, bone broth helps repair the gut lining and reduces inflammation.
I think back to my own postpartum recovery—four times over—and how a warm cup of bone broth became a lifeline. It soothed my body, replenished what was depleted, and grounded me when life felt chaotic. Whether you sip it on its own or use it as the base for soups and stews, bone broth is like a gentle hug for your gut.
2. Fire Cider: Ignite Your Inner Flame
There’s something deeply invigorating about fire cider—a bold, tangy tonic that warms you from the inside out. With its combination of apple cider vinegar and herbs like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, it’s a gut-loving powerhouse that supports digestion and a healthy microbiome.
In the colder months, I often reach for fire cider to awaken my senses and reset my digestion. It’s a ritual, a moment of care that reminds me that healing doesn’t have to be complicated.
3. Healthy Fats: Fuel for Body and Mind
Our brains are made of nearly 60% fat, so it’s no surprise that healthy fats are critical for both gut and nervous system function. Grass-fed ghee, coconut oil, and even fatty fish like salmon are rich in anti-inflammatory fats that nourish your gut lining and help maintain focus and clarity.
Scoop and stir coconut oil and ghee into your coffee, or enjoy a buttery piece of salmon alongside your favorite seasonal root veggies. These small acts of nourishment go a long way in supporting vitality.
4. Healing Herbs: Nature’s Medicine Chest
Adaptogens like ashwagandha and turmeric are known for their ability to calm the stress response, while herbs like peppermint and fennel ease digestion. I like to think of these herbs as whispers of wisdom, helping to guide us back to balance.
A warm herbal tea can be a simple yet powerful addition to your day, whether you’re seeking comfort, focus, or just a moment to pause.
Resolutions That Truly Nourish
When I think about resolutions, I no longer think about perfection. I think about sustainability, about building a life that feels whole and abundant. The best resolutions are the ones that nourish—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
Maybe this year, instead of striving for more, you strive for enough. Enough moments of rest. Enough nourishing meals. Enough presence with the people you love. Let your resolutions be rooted in care—for yourself, your family, and the rhythms of your life.
Nourish Your Gut, Nurture Your Soul
When we care for our gut, we aren’t just tending to digestion; we’re nurturing the very foundation of our well-being. From the neurotransmitters that lift our mood to the signals that calm our stress, the gut is where healing begins.
This year, let’s make nourishment our guiding light. Whether it’s through the quiet ritual of sipping bone broth, the energizing kick of fire cider, or the grounding richness of healthy fats, these small acts of care can ripple out into every part of our lives.
Here’s to a year of health, clarity, and deep, meaningful nourishment.