Never judge a book by its cover – a phrase that nearly everyone has heard countless times in their lives which has been widely understood to mean not to assess judgement on appearance alone. This metaphor can also be true for ones body. Health is more than what is seen on the outside. It is also about the unseen issues that some face on the inside. Though, gut issues and mental health can rarely be detected by simply their outside appearance, it exists and are endured by many.

Erin Kenney, MS, RD, HCP, is a Registered Dietitian, Holistic Cannabis Practitioner, and CEO of Nutrition Rewired, a Boston-based company providing nutrition counseling and meal planning to help individuals achieve optimal physical and mental health and wellbeing, conducted a Virtual Continuing Education session on June 9, 2021 hosted by Central Mass Dietetic Association. She spoke about the importance of getting to the root cause of ones body not functioning at an ideal level and addressing those issues through an integrated nutrition approach.

Kenney’s session focused on how the gut and brain connect, and what could cause disruptions between them, nutrition’s effect on mental health with ways of focusing on nutrients, and the benefits and limitations of probiotics and CBD usage. She addressed ways to spot signs of gut issues and how ongoing stress can lead to poor digestion with also emphasizing the importance of testing for issues rather than guessing for optimal care. Signs and symptoms of gut issues can include anxiety, brain fog, chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, weight changes, and more.

She had a fundamental feature on the importance of focusing on nutrients like proteins and healthy fats, along with minerals, vitamins, and probiotics. Specifically, one of the key takeaways from her presentation included how diet, specifically high-fat diets, can lead to changes in the gut microbiota and the benefits of fibrous foods, foods rich in Omega-3’s, Vitamin D, and folate. Each piece working together to strengthen and balance the mind, body, and soul for core health. Kenney addressed peer-reviewed research studies on positive effects CBD has been shown to have on mental health, along with sharing knowledge on how to purchase quality CBD.

Kenney was full of expertise and knowledge with the audience’s appetite wanting more. Learn more about her insight and wisdom with purchasing her Cookbooks: “Rewire Your Gut” and “Rewire Your Sweet Tooth” available in the Nutrition Rewired Shop and listen to her Nutrition Rewired Podcast where as a registered dietitian she brings cutting-edge, practical advice to advance your nutrition and de-bunks myths to help re-wire gut health. Also, follow her on Instagram and TikTok for daily doses of Kenney.

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Disclaimer of Liability: The Massachusetts Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Blog strives to provide evidence-based nutrition information. Nothing on this website, its associated blog, or any social media channels should be considered advice or diagnosis. The content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for personal, professional medical care or diagnosis. MAND does not endorse any products or services mentioned. You are urged to consult your primary care provider regarding any health condition or issue. MAND is not responsible for the content or claims of third party websites or providers.