In this Part 1 of the conversation, we explore the powerful connection between trauma, body image, and eating behaviors with Tracy Brown, a Registered Dietitian who specializes in trauma-informed care. Tracy shares how unresolved trauma can shape the way individuals relate to food, their bodies, and their sense of safety, often in ways that go far beyond surface-level habits.
Through both clinical insight and real client experiences, she introduces the concept of nervous system regulation, highlighting how responses such as fight, flight, or shutdown can directly impact hunger cues, digestion, and the ability to make nourishing choices.
Keywords: trauma-informed care, nutrition, disordered eating, body image, healing, dietetics, trauma, neurobiology, recovery, somatic therapy
In this episode, you’ll hear about…
Trauma's impact on digestion and hunger cues
Neurobiological effects of trauma on the body
Trauma-informed care principles for dietitians
Relationship between early attachment and eating behaviors
Practical steps for trauma healing in nutrition
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tracy Brown and Trauma-Informed Care
02:43 What Led Tracy to Specialize in Trauma-Informed Nutrition
05:13 Understanding Trauma: Definitions and Core Concepts
09:24 Physiology of Trauma and Its Impact on Digestion
14:28 Neural Pathways and Stress Responses in Trauma
20:15 Trauma, Dissociation, and Eating Behaviors
26:12 Trauma and Disordered Eating: The Connection
32:20 Restrictions, Dieting, and Re-triggering Trauma
41:54 Key Takeaways for Trauma-Informed Practice in Nutrition
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Work with a Christian food freedom dietitian + use your health insurance: https://maddoxnutrition.co/
Heal with food at your own pace: Purchase the Truth Based Nutrition Self-Paced Course https://maddoxnutrition.co/course
Sources/links:
To get started with Attuned Eating, get your free guide at www.tracybrownrd.com/free-gifts
To set up a free clarity call now schedule at www.tracybrownrd.com/get-started
