#204: The Impact of Chronic Stress on Digestion, Psychological Restriction in Autoimmune Disease, and Feeling Safe with Food Again with Meg Bowman
Abbie sits down with Meg Bowman, a nutritionist who works at the intersection of mental health, trauma, and nutrition, to explore how our lived experiences—especially chronic illness and trauma—shape our relationship with food and our bodies.
Meg shares her own story of being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, how it led her to a career change from PR to nutrition, and what she’s learned from working with clients who live with trauma, mental health conditions, and digestive issues. This is a conversation that unpacks the deeply human side of nourishment—why it’s not just about what we eat, but about how safe we feel while eating.
More of what you’ll hear:
How trauma and chronic stress affect digestion and inflammation
Why nervous system regulation is an essential (and underrated) part of nutrition
The difference between physical and psychological restriction
How self-blame and shame can trigger survival responses in the body
The illusion of control that dieting and food rules can offer—and why it’s really about safety
What “messages of safety” look like in real life (hint: regular, balanced meals count!)
Why so many primary care visits are actually related to stress and trauma
How to approach food when living with chronic illness without falling into restriction
Meg also shares her refreshing, realistic take on healing—one that doesn’t romanticize “perfect eating,” but instead honors the nervous system, lived experience, and the body’s need for both nourishment and compassion.
About Meg:
Meg Bowman is a licensed nutritionist who helps people with conditions that make life tough. As an integrative clinical nutritionist specializing in mental health issues and the physical conditions that go with them, Meg works with clients to nourish their mind, body, and nervous system.
More about Meg and her book: https://www.megbowmannutrition.com/body-on-trauma-book
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Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy
Podcast Administrative Support by Alexis Glaubach
Podcast Editing by Brian Walters
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