Is it all in your head? Have you been called “Crazy”?
“Irrational”?
“Hysterical”?
“Koo-koo”?
Let me say it right here—you are not crazy. The gut, brain and the nervous system are intrinsically connected. Many symptoms which are commonly labeled “mental,” “emotional.” or “psychological” are often actually an imbalance in the gut.
Symptoms of Gut-Brain Connection Dysfunction & Brain fog
Do you experience any of the following:
- Mood Swings
- Trouble concentrating
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Impatience
- Lack of focus
- Feelings of unease/confusion
- Inability to complete tasks, goals and even daily chores
What is Deemed Mental May be Physical at its Root
The symptoms above can be linked to digestive distress, toxicity, and nutritional deficiencies. For example, hypoglycemia—a blood sugar imbalance caused by lack of proper digestion—can create mood swings and severe brain fog. As someone who struggled with this condition the first two decades of my life, I imagined mood swings and instability were just my personality. I had no idea that my blood sugar crashes, which caused uncontrollable behaviors, were actually a digestive problem. In fact, the root cause was actually lack of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid), which prevents nutrients from being absorbed.
New research from Dr. Xu Xiong (PMID: 37513676, 2023) confirms a strong link between an imbalance of gut bacteria and mental health issues like anxiety, insomnia, depression, and disordered eating. The surprising part? Most medical schools doe not teach doctors, including some GI specialists, about this crucial gut brain connection. As a result, they often struggle to identify the root cause of these conditions or know how to effectively treat them, and resort to pharmacists, or surgery— which in many cases are either ineffective, or can actually make things worse.
Medical Professionals Thinking its all in Your Head?
Anti-depressants are helpful for some people, but when prescribed simply because a doctor does not know of better options, it is time to rethink this approach. In 2025, we deserve effective solutions to address root causes of mental health issues, rather than just treating symptoms. In my practice, 75% of clients report that medical personnel have called them “crazy” either directly, or by inference. When an important person causes you to question your reality with bad info, its called gaslighting. To be gaslit by a doctor, the person you highly trust for support, can be devastating. If you feel alone, confused, or isolated, book a consult with me. We can move the needle to a healing direction in just one coaching call.
If you’re feeling unheard by your doctor, know you are not the only one. After seeing 39 doctors myself, I’ve learned what happens when chronic pain issues stump the experts. It’s a frustrating experience that often leaves people feeling dismissed–and that’s why many of my clients find themselves in the ‘I Am Not Crazy Club’—a club no one wants to join.
People seeking help feel devalued by labels like ‘crazy’, ‘irrational’, or ‘over-reactive’—making it difficult to seek further support. Because I have been called “crazy” myself, I know this pain firsthand. These comments add emotional pain to physical pain. That’s why I’m so passionate about changing this narrative.
Physical Solutions for Healing the Gut-Brain Disconnect
Discovering digestive enzymes—like Enzyme Energy—and adequate protein consumption balanced my blood sugar. It took time, but my hypoglycemia with the emotional roller coaster it created disappeared. Finally, I didn’t lose my mind in afternoons, when my blood sugar crashed. The cranky, angry voice that roared incoherent statements at inopportune times shifted. For those times when my blood sugar numbers were off the charts, I look back and wish for my new formula Sugar Flush, which halts blood sugar spikes.
Learning from my experiences, I created my signature produce line, which includes Protein Power and All Day Energy to support my brain and nervous system, especially when I am on-the-go. Stress can mess with digestion and blood sugar, so I always pack Protein Power when I travel—a lifesaver when healthy food isn’t an option.
Healing the Nervous System to Strength Emotional Stability
When we identify the root cause of a gut imbalance, the gut can heal. Then, the nervous system can begin to regulate. This is when you may begin to feel a change in how you feel emotionally. This shift may be subtle at first, but over time, the difference can be dramatic.
A stable vagus nerve provides a sense of calm and strength throughout the body. A robust microbiome with healthy bacteria replaces shakiness, fear and tension with resilience and optimism. What once felt overwhelming and impossible now seems doable. There is almost always a solution, when steady nerves provide a safety net.
At long last, hope and joy are no longer words on paper, but define the real wins in everyday life – completing a task, trying a new hobby, waking without dread. Of course, anyone who has suffered trauma, abuse or serious mental health conditions deserves trustworthy professional counseling. However, even with excellent support, many of my clients who are trauma survivors struggled to create and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This inability to follow through can cause even more heartache and self-loathing.
Detoxification Can Clear the Gut-Brain Connection
One client, Anne, who dealt with weekly panic attacks after a year of therapy said, ”They were all right! I AM weak.” She still wondered if she was crazy. No, she was not! She had faced her demons. What we discovered is, her gut did not work. She had bugs, bacteria, parasites and yeast. She also was struggling with SIBO–all of which responded to Bugs Be Gone, and the Happy Gut Cleanse.
We discovered hat her home was riddled with mold, a neurotoxin which causes anxiety and depression. No one had suggested to her that her environment could be a factor in her anxiety.
For Anne, we created a detoxification protocol that included colon hydrotherapy, healthy food, supplements, weekly saunas, lymphatic drainage therapy, vitamins and moving to a mold-free home. Today Anne is a thriving graphic designer who looks forward to each new day. One year ago, she did not believe that would ever be possible.
3 things to do Now to Relieve Stress to Start Healing
1. Consume 120-150 grams of protein a day.
Does protein sit in your stomach like a rock? Maybe this is why you avoid it. If so, Enzyme Energy is about to be your new best friend. Take one after every protein meal. Protein and healthy fat is the nervous system’s fuel. One serving of protein such as chicken, fish, turkey, or lamb is about 30 grams and fits in the palm of your hand. Eggs are very digestible, but only about 6 grams of protein. Protein does not need to be eaten in solid form. Protein drinks, shakes and bone broth can easily add another 50 grams a day. I drink 2-3 protein drinks and get 150 grams with those, bone broth, and two solid meals.
2. Are You Constipated?
Constipation causes toxins to recirculate in the body. This can create headaches, brain fog, anxiety and even food allergies. Happy Gut Cleanse, to the rescue—my most popular supplement with 126 actual user rave-reviews with a 5-star rating!
3. Are You Experiencing Blood Sugar Issues?
If you experience uncontrollable sugar and carbohydrate cravings and crashes, you may be dealing with a yeast overgrowth, also called Candida. This imbalance makes it almost impossible to stick to a healthy diet. To balance fungus overgrowth, try Yeast Be Gone and Women’s Probio Energy. If you feel like the devil is in charge of your food choices, healing candida can set you free.
Let’s Learn About Gut Microbiome & its Gut-Brain Connection
If curious about the condition of your gut microbiome, and what it says about your emotional/mental health, a stool sample test is good. We suggest the GI MAP from Diagnostic Solutions. If you are seeing a functional medicine doctor, he or she may have another test in mind. Blood tests and hormone tests also lead to the cause of stress, anxiety and tension.
Bear in mind, a traditional GI doctor may test for a limited number of bugs, bacteria. fungus, and parasites. Do you experience symptoms of bloating, rashes, anxiety? Instead, as an alternative to expensive and often inaccurate testing, take my parasite quiz. And, with a course Bugs Be Gone you may rid your body of nasty unwanted critters inexpensively, simply, and quickly.
My Happy Holiday Gift to You, Because Gut Health Need not Break the Bank
If your gut is imbalanced, hurting, or serotonin flat, to ask for help can feel impossible. Perhaps, you have come to believe that you do not deserve support. Yes, you do. Just come to my free ASK JULIA TikTok and YouTube live videos Fridays & Sundays at 4 pm PST—plus join the love and compassion at our Facebook Group. We contend that achieving gut-health need not be a financial decision! Therefore, The Happy Gut Tribe Facebook page, my live ASK JULIA videos, plus my power-packed with life-changing blogs are all free!
My Holiday Gut Health Guide—Your Best Gift of 2025?
My intention and wish is for you to glide into the new year with more self-love, commitment and self-care than ever before. and if you haven’t already, download my free Holiday Gut Health Guide before December 31. Remember, it does not cost a fortune to heal your gut. I stand on that.
Meanwhile, breathe deeply, and keep moving. Do one thing daily to bring you joy. Trust your body will heal. I am sending hugs and holiday cheer. Be good to yourself as the world serves us more than enough negativity—may your holiday stockings overflow with empathy and faith.
With Love, and Holiday Cheer,
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