Jen Donovan is a gut-brain axis specialist who completely rebuilt her life and career as a result of her experience with severe chronic illness. Jen has diverse and comprehensive training including a master’s of science in family therapy, a Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises certification, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner certification, and a Gut and Psychology Syndrome certification. She is also the author of Rebuild Yourself: Whole Body Practices to Heal Your Brain and Your Nervous System. Through her personal and professional journey, Jen has developed Six Support Protocols to provide a clear, structured, evidence-based, and all-encompassing approach to addressing gut-brain axis neurological issues and finding a thriving life again.

 

In our conversation, we explore Jen’s healing journey from Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, her work with clients on trauma release and nervous system regulation, and how she works with clients with complex chronic illnesses.  She shares the series of chronic health challenges that led her to change careers and subsequently prove herself wrong about mental health challenges.  She highlights effective nervous system regulation practices, nutrients and supplements that can manage histamine symptoms and nervous system regulation, effective somatic experiencing and shaking exercises, and tactics for practitioners to set realistic timelines that will help patients find success in their healing journey.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Jen Donovan - https://wholebodyhealingwithjen.com/

Jen’s Book - https://www.amazon.com/Rebuild-Yourself-Practices-Nervous-System/dp/B0BRZ1R49C/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Research Blog: Stinging Nettle: A Potent Herb to Support Immune Health - https://www.casi.org/stinging-nettle-support-immune-health

Nutrition Blog: Clinical Studies Investigate the Role of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in Mood Health - https://www.casi.org/role-of-lactobacillus-and-bifidobacterium-in-mood-health

Research Blog: Spotlight on Benfotiamine - https://www.casi.org/node/640

Science Blog: How the Gut-Brain Axis May Play a Role in Certain Neuropsychiatric Disorders - https://www.casi.org/node/1495

Research Blog: The Relationship Between Histamine Intolerance and Gastrointestinal Health - https://www.casi.org/relationship-between-histamine-intolerance-and-gastrointestinal-health

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

03:44 A series of chronic health challenges led Jen to change careers and prove herself wrong about mental health challenges.

05:21 The symptoms that led Jen to a diagnosis and a root cause approach to healing chronic health issues.

09:17 Seeking answers for herself led Jen to the world of natural health options.

12:54 The incorrect association between the physical and mental symptoms of the gut-brain axis and mast cell disorders.

14:32 Although Jen was finding answers, she didn’t immediately start implementing new information into her practice.

15:55 Two years of healing included several aspects of natural healing and advanced somatic nervous system regulation techniques.

19:30 Nervous system regulation practices that Jen has implemented into her work with patients, including allowing shaking when the body demands it.

25:47 Shaking exercises for stress management and stimulation of the neurogenic tremor response from the brain stem.

28:55 Somatic experiencing includes much more than simply noticing sounds and colors.

35:32 Jen’s dietary recommendations and tactics for empowering patients to stick with a restricted GAPS diet.

42:33 Dietary timelines for adding new foods while balancing the gut microbiome.

47:17 Setting realistic patient expectations for a years-long timeline for healing.

51:19 Jen recommends nutrients and supplements that help manage histamine symptoms and nervous system regulation.

57:50 The importance of building muscle mass and addressing posture in healing.

1:00:00 The structure of Jen’s business is designed to meet the needs of every type of patient.

1:02:40 Jen’s favorite supplements, top personal well-being practices, and the fad-following ideas she has changed her mind about in her years of practice.