I spend a lot of time thinking about instinct and intuition, terms that are so hard to define, they seem almost ethereal—as if they belong only in myths and fables. To put it as simply as I can, however, both describe an inexplicable knowing, a gut feeling that can only be proven in hindsight. 

I ruminate on these things because I feel connected to my own sense of intuition. This manifests itself in my strong personal boundaries, my decisiveness, and at times, my impulsiveness. I don't spend a lot of time deciding if something is right for me. It either feels right, or it doesn't.

Is intuition just another word for a mind-body connection? Sometimes I believe that it is. The body, after all, has a knowledge that the mind can’t always explain. As I read countless stories across Inspire’s many communities, I realize how important intuition is to our health. Many illnesses and diseases start with a feeling. Perhaps we don’t know what is ailing us, but we know something’s not right. If we trust ourselves and our bodies, we follow this thread with enough determination that we find an explanation, a diagnosis. Sometimes, a diagnosis can take years to find, and we must pursue it doggedly. We weren’t imagining it after all. Something was wrong, and now it has a name.

If we're lucky, a strong sense of intuition can even save our lives. If diagnosed early enough, many conditions are manageable, if not curable. Take heart disease, for example. One in 5 women will die of heart disease. But early detection can drastically improve these numbers. 

Perhaps intuition can’t warn you about an impending heart event, but that’s where the mind can lead the way. Our article celebrating American Heart Month can help you understand the different tests available to help detect heart-related conditions before they become catastrophic. 

Sometimes, we get gut feelings about people, too. This includes the doctors who are there to help us. In this month’s member spotlight, Katie Irish details the instincts she followed to discover her multiple sclerosis diagnosis, as well as the diverse set of doctors she met along the way. Gaslighting is a terrible and common occurrence in healthcare settings, putting us at confusing odds with our instincts.

Our intuition isn’t always our friend. It can also lead us astray, especially when it comes to what we crave and the foods we eat. Finding the right diet for our health can feel like navigating maze that has no exit. Luckily, integrative nutritionist Neeyaz Zolfaghari returned to Inspire for another Ask the Expert, offering nutrition advice for various autoimmune conditions.

Finally, this month we’re highlighting the incredible work of the Myasthenia Gravis Hope Foundation. Its founder, Rebekah Dorr, is a myasthenia gravis patient herself. She is leading the way to radically change conversation, education, and stigmas that surround the MG community in order to foster true hope and tangible reformation. As in Rebekah’s case, our instincts may lead us to connecting with a community that is so much bigger than ourselves.

Disclaimer

Member comments have been lightly edited for length and clarity. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of any organization or individual. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.