Dietitian Course: The Vagus Nerve, Gut–Brain Axis, and Nutritional Interventions

THE VAGUS NERVE, GUT–BRAIN AXIS, AND NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTIONS

Clients with digestive distress, emotional fluctuations, and lingering fatigue are too often told their symptoms are "just stress." As dietitians, we know the story is more complex. The vagus nerve is a master regulator of the gut–brain axis, influencing digestion, inflammation, and resilience through its impact on microbiome diversity, neuroplasticity, and autonomic balance. By modulating the parasympathetic "rest-and-digest" system and counterbalancing sympathetic overdrive, it links GI function, mood, and stress recovery.

This course dives into the science of vagal tone and the microbiota–gut–brain connection, highlighting how diet shapes GI regulation, stress recovery, resilience, and mood. You’ll learn how to translate the latest research on psychobiotics, diet quality, and HRV-informed practices into food-first protocols that support nervous system balance and recovery—without restriction or hype.

If you work with clients facing stress, GI dysregulation, or mental health concerns, you need this course in your toolkit.

Upon successful completion of this course, the participant should be able to:

Understand the bidirectional vagus–gut–brain pathways and the role of vagal tone (HRV) in regulating GI function, inflammation, and stress resilience.

Apply recent evidence on diet quality, fiber, fermented foods, and psychobiotics in supporting microbiome diversity, GI regulation, and mood regulation.

Differentiate between device-based vagus nerve stimulation and dietitian-appropriate, non-invasive strategies such as HRV biofeedback, breathing, and meal timing.

Utilize mind–body nutrition frameworks to case scenarios involving digestive dysregulation, fatigue, and stress-related symptoms.

Evaluate ethical and safety considerations (e.g., supplement quality, device claims) when integrating gut–brain nutrition strategies into practice.

Live Webinar Date: Oct 16, 2025 (04:00 PM - 05:00 PM Eastern Time) (US and Canada)

Expiration Date: Oct 23, 2028

Performance Indicators/Learning Objectives: 5.1.2, 10.6.2, 11.2.9, 11.3.4

Target Audience: RDs, DTRs, Health Professionals

Number of Credits: 1.0

Level(s): 1, 2

Total Cost: 1 Site Credit

About the Presenter: Kimberly Evans, MS, RD, LDN

Kimberly Evans, MS, RD, LDN, is a Registered Dietitian with 30+ years of experience in clinical practice, higher education, and functional wellness. She holds a master’s in Health Care Administration and a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard. Kimberly specializes in women’s health, thyroid and metabolic conditions, autoimmune fatigue, and midlife transitions—using a systems-based lens to help dietitians elevate care through real-world, client-centered strategies.

As founder of the Nourish Radiance Method, she offers CEU courses and mentoring that translate lab data and physiology into meaningful, compassionate care. Her teaching bridges evidence-based practice with integrative insight—empowering RDs to lead with clarity, confidence, and impact.