The gut and brain talk constantly
The gut and the brain are linked through the vagus nerve, hormones, immune signals and compounds produced by gut bacteria. That is why stress can upset your stomach within minutes, and why digestive problems so often travel with anxiety, low mood and brain fog. When both are happening, treating them together tends to work better than treating either alone.
Signs the gut-brain connection may be involved
- Bloating, reflux, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea alongside anxiety or low mood
- Digestive flares that follow stressful periods
- Food-related anxiety or a narrowing diet
- Fatigue and brain fog with ongoing gut symptoms
- In children, especially autistic children, constipation or stomach pain linked with behavior changes
Red-flag symptoms such as blood in the stool, unintended weight loss, persistent vomiting, trouble swallowing or severe pain need prompt medical evaluation.
How we approach gut-brain problems
Assessment
We take a detailed history of digestive symptoms, diet, stress, sleep and medications, and coordinate with your primary care provider or gastroenterologist on any medical workup. Targeted labs can check for problems such as anemia, celiac disease screening, thyroid issues or nutrient deficiencies when your history suggests them. See lab testing for mental health.
Nutrition
We build a varied, fiber-rich eating pattern that suits your digestion, introduce changes gradually, and avoid unnecessary restriction. Where a short, structured elimination approach makes sense, we plan it carefully and reintroduce foods. See nutritional psychiatry.
Calming the stress response
Breathing techniques, relaxation training and gut-directed therapy approaches can reduce both anxiety and digestive symptoms. See anxiety and panic.
Sleep and routine
Regular sleep and meal timing support both gut function and mood. See sleep and insomnia.
Our providers are licensed naturopathic physicians and mental health counselors led by Dr. Koichi Tanji, ND, LMHC. In Washington, controlled substances such as ADHD stimulants and benzodiazepines are outside naturopathic prescribing scope, so when one is part of the right plan we coordinate with your prescribing physician or nurse practitioner.
Read more: the gut-brain connection and mental health.
Getting started
We see patients in person at 2135 112th Ave NE, Suite 201, Bellevue, and by secure telehealth anywhere in Washington. We are in-network with Premera, Regence, BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Cigna and Kaiser PPO. Most people begin with our Biopsych Assessment. Book online or call (425) 278-6166.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.
