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 4 part series is an extension to our polyvagal series where we go deeper into understanding the connection between our brain-gut axis and polyvagal theory.
Each session includes beautifully designed handouts, guided meditations and practical resources to help you keep practicing between workshops.
Event Details
When: Tuesdays (February 10 to March 3)
Time: 4:00pm to 5:00 pm EST
Fee: By donation (recommended amount is $100)
Location: Online via Google Meet
Facilitated By: Rachael Frankford, Registered Social Worker
Natalie Singer, Registered Holistic Nutritionist
Contributions will support the development of our new mental health community hub and ensure our online and in person workshops can continue and grow.
Did you know that 90% of serotonin is produced in your gut? Or that your gut contains more neurons than your spinal cord?
The gut–brain axis is a powerful two-way highway connecting your digestive system to your mood, anxiety, sleep, and resilience. This workshop will help you understand how to support both—through science, mindfulness, and practical daily strategies.
Session 1:
Meet Your Second Brain (February 10)
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.
Session 2:
Microbiome (February 17)
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 (February 24)
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.
Who Should Attend
Experiences anxiety, depression, or mood challenges
Struggles with digestive issues
Wants to understand the gut-health and mental wellness connection
Is looking for practical, body-based tools
Completed our polyvagal series and wants to go deeper
Is curious about how food, stress, and emotions are interconnected
What's Included
4 live, interactive sessions (60 minutes each)
Downloadable handouts and resources
Guided meditation recordings
Session recordings for registered participants