The gut-brain connection: How can it help us achieve gut and brain health? With Dr. Chelsea Matisz

There is a wealth of evidence highlighting the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain. This communication highway, facilitated by many pathways, forms the cornerstone of what we now recognize as the gut-brain axis. But why should we care about this intricate web of connections? The answer lies in the profound implications it holds for our overall health and wellness. Research has shown that disruptions in the delicate balance of the gut-brain axis can contribute to a wide array of health issues, ranging from gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to neurological conditions such as anxiety and depression. However, amidst the challenges lie immense opportunities. By understanding how the gut and brain communicate, we can optimize the functioning of this axis, paving the way for improved gut health, enhanced cognitive function, and greater overall well-being. Speaker: Dr. Chelsea Matisz Chelsea Matisz obtained a MSc in Parasitology at the University of Lethbridge, and her PhD in Gastrointestinal Sciences at the University of Calgary (2016). She is an NSERC postdoctoral scholar at the Canadian Center for Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge, where her research seeks to understand how gut health affects brain health and mental health. She has received national awards, including an Alice E Wilson Award from the Royal Society of Canada (2022), and L’Oreal Wilson Women in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship.