The gut-brain axis plays a major role in mood, brain fog, inflammation, digestion, metabolism, and long-term health. In this episode, Dr. Greg Jones sits down with naturopathic physician Dr. Jennifer Stagg to explain the gut-brain connection, why the microbiome matters, and how gut health can influence anxiety, cravings, energy, and overall wellness.
Dr. Stagg explains how stress can disrupt the gut microbiome and how the vagus nerve helps connect the digestive system with the nervous system. The conversation also explores leaky gut, butyrate, probiotics, digestive symptoms, and why gut problems do not always show up in obvious ways.
If you are dealing with digestive issues, brain fog, anxiety, low energy, chronic inflammation, food cravings, or simply want to better understand the gut-brain connection, this episode offers science-based insight into how to support a healthier microbiome and improve resilience.
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📌 About Dr. Jennifer Stagg
Dr. Jennifer Stagg is a naturopathic physician, clinical researcher, author, and founder of Whole Health Wellness Center in Connecticut. She holds degrees in biochemistry and nutrition from Memorial University of Newfoundland and earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University.
Dr. Stagg is the author of The Bitter Prescription and Unzip Your Genes, and she co-hosts The Natural Doctors. Her work focuses on gut health, the microbiome, precision lifestyle medicine, inflammation, metabolic health, and helping patients address the root causes of chronic disease.
📌 Learn More About Dr. Jennifer Stagg
Website: https://www.drstagg.com/
Whole Health Wellness Center: https://www.wholehealthllc.com/providers/dr-jennifer-j-stagg/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNaturalDoctors
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drjenniferstagg/
The Bitter Prescription: https://www.drstagg.com/the-bitter-prescription/
Unzip Your Genes: https://www.drstagg.com/unzipyourgenes/
📌 Connect with Dr. Greg Jones
Book Dr. Jones to speak at your next event: https://www.drjonesnmd.com/
Enovative Wellness Center: https://enovativewellness.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorjones_doctorjones/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GregJonesNMD
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrGregJonesNMD
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2QrMGwCIGo1kjdezfCyYDK
📌 Featured Event
Dr. Jennifer Stagg and Dr. Greg Jones are both featured speakers at the EPIC Functional Medicine Conference 2026, sponsored by Biotics Research.
Register here: https://www.bioticsresearch.com/epic2026
🔗 Authoritative Resources & Further Reading
- Harvard Health – The Gut-Brain Connection: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection
- NIH/NCCIH – Probiotics: What You Need To Know: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know
🔬 Timestamps
How Dr. Jennifer Stagg found functional medicine (00:00 – 04:41)
Why so many health problems start in the gut (04:41 – 07:37)
What is the gut-brain axis? (07:37 – 11:46)
How the vagus nerve connects your gut and brain (11:46 – 15:24)
What dysbiosis really means (15:24 – 19:12)
How stress changes your gut (19:12 – 25:12)
How to choose the right probiotic (25:12 – 29:12)
What causes leaky gut? (29:12 – 31:44)
Why butyrate is important for gut health (31:44 – 36:37)
Why your gut is called the second brain (36:37 – 42:25)
Can probiotics improve mood? (42:25 – 45:51)
Simple ways to improve your gut health (45:51 – 51:37)
Gut health problems you should not ignore (51:37 – 52:48)
Final thoughts on protecting your gut (52:48 – 53:17)
Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Jones Optimization Podcast and its associated YouTube channel is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast or viewing its content does not create a doctor–patient relationship, and nothing shared should be interpreted as individualized medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen or managing a medical condition. The opinions expressed by Dr. Jones and his guests are their own and do not reflect official medical advice or recommendations.
