Food and Mood: How the Gut Brain Connection May Affect Seasonal Depression, Cravings, and Winter Fatigue

About this episode

This episode explores the connection between food, mood, and the gut-brain axis, particularly in relation to winter-related mental health issues.

Winter can take a serious toll on both physical and mental health — especially in colder regions like New England where shorter days, less sunlight, and more time indoors can affect energy, mood, and overall well-being. In this episode of The Harmony With Food Show, registered dietitian and functional nutritionist Meg Marie O’Rourke (Magnificent) explores the powerful connection between food, mood, and the gut-brain axis.Meg explains why so many people experience fatigue, brain fog, emotional eating, and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the winter months — and why the answer isn’t simply taking random supplements or starting another restrictive diet.In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why winter often triggers cravings for sugar and comfort foods • The science behind the gut-brain connection • How digestive health may influence anxiety, depression, and mood • Why 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut • The role of micronutrient deficiencies in mental health • What psychobiotics are and how they may support mood • Why Meg always says “Test, don’t guess” when it comes to supplements and nutrition Meg also answers listener questions about winter fatigue, emotional…

People in this episode

Host: Meg Marie O’Rourke

Topics covered

• gut-brain connection
• seasonal depression
• emotional eating
• winter fatigue
• nutrition
• mental health

Keywords

• seasonal affective disorder
• cravings
• serotonin
• psychobiotics
• micronutrient deficiencies
• winter blues
• digestive health

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Harmony With Food Show

Places: New England

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