Mental health is a combination of many different factors, such as genetics, environmental factors, and behavioural considerations. One area which is often overlooked, but plays a role in one’s mood is the gut. The enteric nervous system, which regulates the digestive system, is conveniently known as the ‘second brain’.

Things that can influence the gut and potentially impact one’s emotions are food sensitivities, mold, heavy metals, gut bacteria, parasites and food consumption patterns. Many of these components play a role in inflammation, brain fog, lack of focus, stress and insomnia. When considering patient care, it is important that prevention and management include assessment and treatment options for gut health optimization.

Dr. Khamba will discuss methods of promoting gut health, detoxification and improving gut bacteria health with the goal of improving the gut-brain connection. She employs a strategic evidence-based approach to patient care which involves empowering her patients and focusing on nutrition, botanicals, homeopathics, traditional Asian medicine and lifestyle counselling.

Learning Points:

• • • Assessing gut-brain connection
    • Considering the impact of nutrition to mental health
    • Discussing food sensitivities and how it plays a role in mood
    • Addressing heavy metals and mold with gut health and its role in mental health
    • Intestinal parasites and their contribution to neuro-inflammation
    • Developing a detox protocol to benefit mental health
    • Creating a food, micronutrient and supplement plan to influence mental health

Speaker biography: Baljit Khamba, ND, M.PH is a graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and is currently completing her Doctorate in Education at the University of Western Ontario.  She is a board member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) and , an alumni of York University (H.BSc) and Lakehead University (M.PH).

Dr. Khamba is the Chair of Clinical Sciences, Clinical Supervisor and an Assistant Professor at Bastyr University.  She has been successfully instructing and mentoring students for the past 5 years in a variety of different programs, such as Naturopathic Medicine, Master of Counselling Psychology and Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.  Integrative medicine, clinical research and motivational based teaching are factors that Dr. Khamba holds in high regard.  She has published in a number of journals, newsletters and disseminated research findings in conferences globally.

Dr. Khamba has practiced in clinics in Toronto, Edmonton and San Diego.  She approaches care using a holistic perspective and integrates the philosophies of naturopathic medicine to empower patients through their health goals.  Dr. Khamba is also an active member of the community, speaking at conferences, and various media often discussing her own journey through breast cancer and her use of integrative medicine.