At KAILO, we believe that true wellness starts from within - and often, the journey to feeling lighter, calmer, and more energised begins in the gut. To explore this powerful connection between mind and body, we sat down with Georgia Ray, an esteemed Psychologist, gut–health advocate, and proud new member of our KAILO Kommunity.
In this conversation, Georgia shares practical, science-backed insights into how your gut health influences your mood, energy, and mental clarity, plus simple, achievable tips to help you restore balance this Spring. Whether you’re curious about supporting your microbiome, managing stress, or simply feeling your best from the inside out, Georgia’s wisdom will leave you inspired to take small, meaningful steps toward better health.
1. We’re so glad you’re here as part of our KAILO Kommunity! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself – your work as a psychologist, your move to Brisbane, and what sparked your interest in the gut–mind connection?
Thank you! I’m so excited to be joining the KAILO Kommunity. I'm a Psychologist with two decades of clinical experience, and I recently made the move from Noosa to Brisbane as a busy mum of two, looking for a fresh start and some new adventures.
My professional journey has been broad and deeply enriching. I’ve worked in maximum security correctional centres in Sydney, gaining first-hand experience of mental ill-health at its most severe and complex. Alongside this, I’ve also worked with high-profile athletes and celebrities who have “crashed and burned”. What stood out across all these experiences was how addressing trauma, nourishing gut health and rebalancing lifestyle factors helped restore wellbeing and mental health.
All of this has emphasized for me the vital importance of an integrative, holistic approach to health and wellness, because it’s never just one thing. The mind, body, and gut are all connected, and we need to honour that complex interplay to truly heal and thrive.
My passion for the gut–mind connection became deeply personal at home. My son Oscar was diagnosed with coeliac disease when he was very young, and that kicked off a journey of learning, healing, and a healthy obsession with gut microbiome research. I’ve spent the past eight years supporting his gut health, and in the process, it transformed how I view mental and physical health; for myself, my clients, and my family.
Professionally, I had the incredible opportunity to work as the Senior Psychologist at Noosa Confidential for six years - Australia’s only exclusive gut-health-based luxury drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. There, I supported clients with extremely complex psychological and physical conditions. It was intense, rewarding, and taught me that you simply cannot separate mental wellbeing from physical health. And yes, some of you might know me from my season on Australian Survivor (Brains vs Brawn). What you didn’t see behind the scenes was the health fallout afterward. I ended up needing emergency surgery and spent 12 months fully rehabilitating my physical health. That experience reminded me that even as a health professional, I’m not immune; and that gut healing is not just a science, but an art of patience and deep self-care.
2. What is the gut–brain connection, and why is it so important?
Ah, the gut–brain connection – it is one of my favourite topics! Simply put, our gut and brain are in constant conversation via what’s called the gut–brain axis. Think of it like a two-way radio system between your digestive system and your central nervous system. The vagus nerve plays a big role here, but so do neurotransmitters like serotonin – in fact, around 90% of your body’s serotonin is produced in the gut!
Why does this matter? Because your mental state can influence your digestion, and your gut health can directly impact your mood, energy, and mental clarity. When your gut is out of balance, it’s not just tummy troubles you might notice – anxiety, brain fog, and even depression can creep in. It’s all connected.
3. Does stress or anxiety cause gut issues, or can gut issues cause anxiety?
Yes and yes – it goes both ways, which is what makes it so fascinating and complex.
When you're stressed or anxious, your body enters “fight or flight” mode. Blood flow moves away from the digestive system, your stomach acid can drop, and everything from bloating to constipation can show up.
On the flip side, an imbalanced gut can lead to inflammation and disrupted production of moodregulating neurotransmitters, making you feel anxious or low – even if you don’t have a “mental health” issue. So, whether the chicken or the egg came first doesn’t matter as much as recognising that both need care. That’s where a truly holistic approach comes in.
4. What are some early warning signs that stress might be impacting your digestive system?
Oh, the gut is such a drama queen when it comes to stress. Stress activates your sympathetic nervous system ("fight or flight"), which pulls energy away from digestion, altering gut function, hormone levels, and even your microbiome.
Early signs might include:
• Bloating after meals
• An irritable bowel and changes in bowel habits
• Loss of appetite (or sudden intense cravings, especially sugar)
• Nausea or “butterflies” that don’t go away
• A heavy or unsettled feeling in your tummy after a stressful event
If your gut starts “talking” during or after stressful moments, it’s probably trying to tell you something. Listening early can help you avoid more serious imbalances down the track. I often remind clients (and myself) that our body and mind is always sending us signals, if we slow down and take the time to listen, we can address it before bigger problems manifest.
5. Spring is here! If someone wanted to “spring clean” their gut this month, what are three small, achievable changes they could make?
Love this question – spring is such a great time for a reset. Here are three small, gutloving tweaks:
• Add fermented foods – Think sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi, or even a good-quality yogurt. A tablespoon or two daily can help feed your gut’s good bugs.
• Hydrate like it’s your job – Our guts need water to keep things moving. Bonus points if you start the day with warm water and lemon.
• Ditch (or dial down) the ultra-processed stuff – You don’t need to be perfect, but try trading some packaged snacks for whole food alternatives. Your gut flora (and mood) will thank you.
6. As the gut–brain connection is so prevalent, what mindful activities or tactics can someone add into their daily routine?
Mindfulness is magic for the gut–brain axis. Here are a few of my favourite, simple tools:
• Box breathing – Four seconds in, hold for four, out for four, hold for four. It instantly calms your nervous system which in turn sends signals to your mind
and body that you are safe and in control.
• Chew your food (yes, really) – This one might sound basic, but it’s incredibly important. When we chew slowly and mindfully, we activate our parasympathetic nervous system — often called the “rest and digest” system. Rushing through meals or eating on the go keeps you stuck in stress mode, which compromises digestion and can lead to gut discomfort. So, slowing down, savouring each bite, and really chewing your food signals to your body that it’s safe to relax and get to work on nourishing you.
• 5-minute grounding practice – Bare feet on grass, sun on your skin, a few deep breaths. It sounds basic, but the body loves simple rhythms. Just 5-minute check-ins with yourself can help regulate both your mood and your digestion.
7. What’s one habit you’ve dropped that your gut has thanked you for?
Honestly? Multitasking while eating. I used to eat on-the-go between client sessions or while wrangling kids, emails, and writing reports. Now, I try (not always perfectly!) to sit, eat slowly, and savour each mouthful of my food. It’s made a huge difference – less bloating, better energy, and I feel more satisfied with less.
8. Anything else you’d like to share with our audience?
Just this: gut health doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s not about strict diets or unrealistic goals – it’s about daily choices, done consistently, with compassion for where you're at. Whether you’re dealing with chronic symptoms or just want to feel a little lighter and brighter this Spring, know that small changes add up or time.
And if your gut’s been a bit grumpy lately – don’t stress (literally). With the right support, it can heal. I’ve seen it time and time again – in my clients, in my kids, and in myself.
Thanks for having me – I can’t wait to connect more with this incredible KAILO kommunity!
By Georgia Ray - Psychologist
BPsych(Hons), MPsych(For), MAPS
With over two decades of clinical experience, Georgia has worked everywhere from high-pressure environments like maximum security correctional centres to Australia’s only gut-health-based luxury rehabilitation facility. Her passion for holistic health deepened after her son’s coeliac diagnosis, sparking a personal and professional commitment to understanding the gut–mind connection and how it shapes our overall wellbeing.
