Welcome to this episode of The Tonic, terrestrially broadcast on April 25 and 26, 2026 on AM740 and FM 96.7 in Toronto. Topics covered on the show track the lifestyle articles and themes published in The Tonic Newsletter and on the Tonic Website. This week we’ll discuss what it’s like to live with IBD with Rachel Meehan, how to overcome mirror anxiety with naturopath Dr. Natalya Borakowski, the benefits of chakra psychology with psychologist and author Julie Merriman and preventative nutrition by eating a plant based diet with researcher Dr. John Lewis.
We specifically discuss:
What It’s Like to Live with IBD
- Rachel’s journey with Crohn’s Disease
- Symptoms
- Rachel’s diagnosis
- Crohn’s impact on Rachel’s education
- AbbVie IBD scholarship
- What it’s like living with Crohn’s Disease
- Biologic treatment
- Resources available for those with IBD
- The psychological impact of IBD
- Advice for those who’ve been diagnosed with IBD
How to Overcome Mirror Anxiety
- What is “mirror anxiety”?
- Healthy rituals with the mirror
- Body dysmorphia
- What drives mirror anxiety?
- Mirror hygiene
- The role of our internal self image
- When does our persona crystalize?
- Men are different
- Addressing skin health
The Benefits of Chakra Psychology
- Questioning the narrative regarding hormonal changes associated with perimenopause
- What do women in perimenopause and menopause want professionally?
- What is chakra psychology?
- Full body chakra scan
- Heart chakra
- Root chakra
- How do you know if the nervous system is out of alignment?
- First assignments for vagus nerve reset
Preventative Nutrition Through a Plant Based Diet
- New American nutrition recommendations
- Recommendations to consume more red meat and dairy
- Trust and credibility
- The plant based diet
- Why are the guidelines practically problematic
- The problem with eating red meat and dairy
- What are the changes when you eat whole food, plant based diet?
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To learn more about Rachel Meehan go here
To learn more about Dr. Natalya Borakowski ND go here
To learn more about Dr. Julie Merriman PhD go here
To learn about Dr. John Lewis PhD go here
