GI & Mental Health Intersection
Jenny Kaltunas, ND
This presentation will explore updates on the science of the Gut-Brain connection and how GI health, including microbiome balance, digestive physiology, detoxification processes, neurotransmitter and hormone production in the gut impact mental health processes.
Additionally, I will present updates on the science behind the impacts of mental health conditions on the GI tract including effects on gastrointestinal motility, secretion, nutrient delivery, microbiome balance, and vagus nerve function.
I will discuss common mental health conditions that present with strong GI components and will discuss my clinical experience treating these conditions, how to evaluate the gut-brain connection with laboratory testing and review case examples.
2 CE (1.75 general + 0.25 pharm), NANCEAC-accredited, expires 10/15/2023
Jenny Kaltunas is a naturopathic physician and East Asian medical practitioner who studied at Bastyr University and has a private practice, In Tune Healing Arts, in Seattle, WA. She is trained in both traditional Chinese medicine, 5-element acupuncture and the sound healing therapy, Acutonics.
Her specializations include mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, psychosis, PTSD and ADHD as well as gastrointestinal disorders such as SIBO and IBS.
Her goal is to offer a more comprehensive approach to mental illness, blending orthomolecular psychiatry and functional medicine with therapies that address the mind and spirit.