Episode 18: The Gut Mind Connection Foods you can have to help Reduce Anxiety

Reawakening Beauty Podcast by Shawna Patruno

Air Date: June 19 2022

This must-listen conversation with Meg De Jong is about her work on how we rebuild our mind and gut connection. Her tips and resources will be essential as you explore your journey to becoming free of anxiety and stress.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

  • How is anxiety linked to digestive issues? 
  • For those who are not exactly sure about technical terms associated with the gut-brain connection, can you simplify this terminology?
  • What made you interested in the gut-brain connection? 
  • What foods cause gut inflammation? 
  • What foods enhance mood? 
  • Should Omega-3’s be eaten alone or in combination with other fats? 
  • What can you do to reduce anxiety immediately? 
  • Why does everyone react differently when they’re hungry? 
  • What do you think about adrenal burnout? 
  • Is there anything else we missed? 
  • How long does it take for your health protocol to work? 
  • Is there anything you want to say about feeding your mind? 
  • Is there a superfood that everyone should try?

SHOW NOTES:

  • Here are some major things that impact stress levels within the body: 
    • The gut-brain access refers to the constant communication between our gut and brain. Chemicals that affect how we’re feeling are often produced by our gut bacteria. 50-99% of certain hormones that control our happiness are actually produced by our gut. 
    • Gut inflammation can contribute to feelings of anxiety. 
      • Foods that may cause an inflammatory response: dairy, refined sugars, artificial sweeteners (acesulfame K), and pesticide-covered food. 
      • Foods that often reduce the inflammatory response: 
        • whole foods (things that come in the form that they came in when plucked from the ground)
        • complex carbohydrates (whole wheat, rice, quinoa)
        • healthful fats like omega-3s to stabilize blood sugar (oils, olive oils, seaweed, fish, walnuts, ground flaxseeds, and hemp hearts). 
    • Hormonal imbalance is another anxiety producer. This often occurs in women when progesterone levels are often low and estrogen is higher. This issue may occur around your period. 
  • To reduce anxiety:
    • Know that you are not your thoughts. 
    • Avoid stimulants like caffeine. 
    • Stabilize your blood sugar by eating meals and snacks. 
    • Don’t skip meals. When you haven’t eaten, stress hormones are sent around the body. 
  • Meg’s diet protocol takes about 3 months to see results. She always reminds clients that nutrition is one important tool to resolve anxiety, but it is not the only solution. 
  • Your food is a tool for self-love. Find the stuff that feels good for your body. Get in touch with what your body craves. 
  • Eat the rainbow, a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, and more!

SHAWNA PATRUNO (HOST OF REAWAKENING BEAUTY)

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FREE RESOURCES AND MORE INTERVIEWS (YOUTUBE)

PUBLISHED WORK ON CONFIDENCE AND SKIN CARE TIPS

MEG DE JONG (GUEST ON REAWAKENING BEAUTY)

BIO:

As a holistic nutritionist, Meg De Jong’s deepest desire to help people thrive in both your body and mind! She believes everything is connected and therefore addressing our nutrition is a critical avenue to welcoming so much goodness. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor’s of Kinesiology in 2015. She then went on to study at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition to become a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN). She’s now been coaching people in nutrition for over 5 years. Getting to witness the transformations of those she works with is one of the biggest blessings in her life.

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES: 

SPEAKER WEBSITE: https://megdejongnutrition.com/