Events › The Gut-Mind Connection: How Nutrition Can Help with Depression and Anxiety

The gut plays a powerful role in mental health. Supporting gut health can strengthen the connection between the brain and body, helping to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

Workshop Talking Points

• Introduction: The Gut-Brain Axis
  • Overview of the gut-brain connection: how the gut and brain communicate through the vagus nerve.
  • The role of the microbiome in mental health and its impact on mood and stress.
  • Introduction to Polyvagal Theory: understanding how safety and balance in the nervous system influence digestion and mental health.
• Nutrition's Role in Supporting the Gut-Brain Connection
  • Key nutrients that support gut health and mental resilience (e.g., omega-3s, B vitamins, magnesium).
  • Foods that promote a healthy microbiome (e.g., fiber, fermented foods, prebiotics, probiotics).
  • Anti-inflammatory foods and their impact on reducing systemic inflammation linked to depression and anxiety.
• Polyvagal-Informed Nutrition Practices
  • The connection between nervous system states (fight, flight, freeze) and eating habits.
  • Strategies to bring the body into a "rest and digest" state for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • How eating hygiene (eating slowly, mindful chewing, and meal timing) enhances vagus nerve activation.

Speaker: Meg Bowman
Meg Bowman is a licensed dietitian nutritionist specializing in mental health and gut health through a functional nutrition approach.