You know how we often say “trust your gut” as a vague metaphor? Well, Dr. Jessica Shepherd flips that entirely. She’s telling us that your gut instinct is not a metaphor—it’s a real, tangible conversation happening inside you, driven by trillions of microbes. It’s less about fleeting emotion and more about hardwired biological intelligence.
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Meaning
The core message here is that what we call a “gut feeling” is a genuine biological signal, not just a psychological concept. It’s your body’s second brain communicating with your first one.
Explanation
Let me break this down. For years, we’ve treated that pit in your stomach before a big decision as just nerves. But the science is now clear: your gut is lined with over 100 million nerve cells—the enteric nervous system. It’s in constant, two-way communication with your brain via the vagus nerve. This isn’t just poetic; it’s physiological. The microbes in your gut produce a huge range of neurochemicals, literally shaping your intuition, mood, and decisions. So when you get that “feeling,” it’s your microbiome’s data analysis hitting your consciousness.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3670) |
| Category | Health (243) |
| Topics | intuition (17), science (14) |
| Literary Style | factual (11), witty (99) |
| Emotion / Mood | provocative (175) |
| Overall Quote Score | 79 (243) |
Origin & Factcheck
This quote comes directly from Dr. Jessica Shepherd’s 2021 book, “Love Yourself Well,” published in the United States. It’s a modern take grounded in the last decade of microbiome research. You won’t find this attributed correctly to older sources; it’s very much a product of current scientific understanding, not an old wives’ tale.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Dr. Jessica Shepherd (57) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Love Yourself Well: An Empowering Wellness Guide to Supporting Your Gut, Brain, and Vagina (57) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1891) |
| Original Language | English (3670) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Dr Jessica Shepherd is an OB/GYN and women’s health advocate who blends clinical expertise with accessible education. She founded Her Viewpoint to help women navigate topics like periods, fertility, fibroids, sexual health, and menopause. A trusted voice in media and on stage, she translates complex science into practical steps patients can use right away. While building the Dr Jessica Shepherd book list and resources, she continues to champion informed, equitable care that centers each woman’s needs and goals.
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Your gut instinct is not a metaphor—it’s microbiology |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2023; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9780063289408; Last Edition: 1st Edition; Number of Pages: 288. |
| Where is it? | Chapter 4: The Gut-Brain Connection, Approximate page from 2023 edition |