{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F3f0341ee-c7d7-4c06-9346-9e09fdb4dbd4","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"Healing Your Gut, Calming Your Mind: The Real Gut\u2013Brain Connection, Vagus Nerve Basics, and Stress Cravings Explained with Lola MacLean","description":"On The Mindful Journey, host Sana digs into the gut\u2013brain axis with Lola MacLean, a Functional Gut Health Consultant and Family Nurse Practitioner. We cover the enteric nervous system, vagus nerve, stress physiology, \u201cleaky gut,\u201d nutrient absorption, dysbiosis (including Candida), and why basics like sleep, movement, relationships, and simple mindfulness often outperform fads. Clear, actionable steps for high-achieving women who are done guessing and want results without the wellness noise.\nAbout the guest:\nLola MacLean is a family nurse practitioner and functional gut health consultant who helps women reduce bloating, bathroom urgency, and anxiety by restoring gut function and rebuilding body trust through evidence-informed foundations and practical habits.\nKey takeaways:\n\n\nThe \u201csecond brain\u201d refers to the enteric nervous system; it talks to your brain primarily via the vagus nerve, shaping mood, focus, and digestion.\n\n\nStress pushes the body into sympathetic (fight/flight) mode, which slows motility and digestion, creating a loop of poor absorption and more anxiety.\n\n\nNutrient absorption matters: low stomach acid, H. pylori, or microbiome imbalance can reduce magnesium, iron, zinc, and B-vitamins\u2014nutrients tied to energy and mental health.\n\n\nCravings can be data: dysbiosis (e.g., Candida overgrowth) may drive persistent sugar urges; addressing the root reduces the pull.\n\n\nFoundations first beat protocols: quality sleep, gentle daily movement, supportive relationships, joy, and simple mindfulness (brief walks, singing, breathwork) regulate the gut-brain axis.\n\n\n\u201cDoing everything right\u201d isn\u2019t a checklist; it\u2019s listening to your body and adapting by life stage\u2014what worked at 20 may not at 40 or 60.\n\n\nPractical start: eat unhurried, stimulate the vagus nerve (slow exhales, humming), keep meals consistent, and audit stress before adding supplements.Platform safety review: Not violating. This episode contains no hate, harassment, illegal activity, or graphic content; health topics are educational, not prescriptive.\n\n\nConnect with the guest\n\n\nInstagram: Reach out to Lola for resources and updates.\n\n\n\nWant to be a guest on The Mindful Journey? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch\n\n\nDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik\n\n\nDisclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.\n\nHealthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it\u2019s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty\u2014storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate\u2014this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:\n\u2022 Mental Health & Emotional Well-being\u2022 Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth\u2022 Holistic Healing & Conscious Living\u2022 Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment\nWith over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.\nSubscribe and be part of this healing journey.\nContactBrand: Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122Email: join@healthymindbyavik.com | podcast@healthymindbyavik.comWebsite: www.healthymindbyavik.comBased in: India & USA\nOpen to collaborations, guest appearances, coaching, and strategic partnerships. Let's connect to create a ripple effect of positivity.\nCHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST:Listen our 17 Podcast Shows Here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/healthymindbyavikBe a guest on our other shows: https://www.healthymindbyavik.com/beaguestVideo Testimon","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/fa5e3591-84fc-492d-815f-96e307958300/untitled-design-11-7aj21.jpg"}