Over 40 Fitness Hacks 562: Atavia Minoudis - Beyond IBS: Harnessing the Vagus Nerve for Better Health
Beyond IBS: Harnessing the Vagus Nerve for Better Health
Click On My Website Below To Schedule A Free 15 Min Zoom Call:
Over 40 Fitness Hacks SKOOL Group!
Atavia Minoudis - Gut Reactions Podcast
Instagram: @Atavia.Minoudis
In this episode of the Over 40 Fitness Hacks podcast, Brad Williams interviews Atavia Minoudis, a nutritional therapist specializing in gut health, particularly IBS. Atavia shares her personal journey with IBS, which led her to pursue a career in nutritional therapy after experiencing the frustration of being misdiagnosed and not receiving clear answers. She explains that IBS is an umbrella term encompassing various gut issues, and the root causes can be diverse, including imbalances in the gut microbiome, food sensitivities, leaky gut, and stress.
Atavia highlights the importance of gut health, noting that factors like stress, poor diet, medications, and environmental toxins can damage the gut, leading to issues like leaky gut. This condition causes food particles to leak into the bloodstream, triggering immune responses and food allergies. She also discusses how stress plays a major role in gut health, as chronic stress can lead to inflammation and disrupt gut bacteria, exacerbating symptoms.
The conversation shifts to the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in calming the nervous system. Atavia emphasizes the need to strengthen vagal tone through practices like humming, singing, yoga, and deep breathing. These activities can activate the vagus nerve, helping to reduce stress and improve gut health over time.
Brad relates to the topic by sharing his experience with diaphragmatic breathing to manage stress and lower back pain post-surgery. The episode underscores the significance of managing stress for overall health, particularly as we age, and provides practical tips for improving gut health and calming the nervous system.
00:00 Introduction to Gut Health and Vagus Nerve
00:19 Podcast Updates and Upcoming Guests
01:25 Interview with Octavia Moon Begins
02:06 Octavia's Background and Personal Journey with IBS
03:41 Understanding IBS and Gut Health
07:53 The Role of the Vagus Nerve in Gut Health
09:18 Practical Tips for Calming the Vagus Nerve
12:28 Mindset and Lifestyle Changes for IBS Management
14:09 Testing and Probiotics for IBS
20:25 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
If you're interested in online personal training or being a guest on my podcast, "Over 40 Fitness Hacks," you can reach me at brad@over40fitnesshacks.com or visit my website at:
Additionally, check out my Yelp reviews for my local business, Evolve Gym in Huntington Beach, at https://bit.ly/3GCKRzV