Listen to Your Gut: Understand the Connection between Nutrition and Mental Health
Gut health and nutrition have been overlooked as an essential part of mental health.
This is a 4 week psychoeducational program designed for people who want to understand the connection between gut health and mental health and to make some gradual lifestyle changes, with the support of a group and professional support.
Event Details
When: Wednesdays, October 21 to November 11
Time: 5:30 to 7 pm
Fee: $400
Location: 720 Spadina, Suite 312
Facilitated By: Rachael Frankford, Psychotherapist & Natalie Singer, Holistic Nutritionist
What’s included in the series:
Session 1
Meet Your Second Brain
Your gut has its own nervous system — often called the second brain. This session introduces the enteric nervous system and how it communicates with the brain through the vagus nerve.
Consider joining if you:
Experience anxiety, depression, or mood challenges
Struggle with digestive issues
Want to understand the gut-health and mental wellness connection
Are looking for practical, body-based tools
Are curious about how food, stress, and emotions are interconnected
Session 2
Learn about your Microbiome
Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that help with digestion, immunity, and emotional regulation. In this session, you’ll learn how the microbiome works, why it matters for mental health, and simple ways to support it so you can feel more grounded, focused, and calm.
Session 3
Stress, Digestion & the Nervous System
Learn how stress impacts digestion and how gut dysregulation affects your stress response. We'll explore inflammation—what it is, how it's connected to chronic stress, and why it matters for mental health
Session 4
Mindfulness and Behavioural Change (March 3)
Create your personalized gut–brain wellness plan. Explore mindfulness principles (beginner's mind, present awareness, non-judgment, curiosity) and build sustainable habits across key life areas.