We all know how important gut health is yet sometimes we forget the most important part: how much our mind affects our gut. Today's guest, Rachel Straining, knows all too well the importance of proper gut functions as she's lived with Crohn's disease since her junior year of high school. She shares her journey through the years from the symptoms and years of wrong diagnoses; to the long process of getting an actual diagnosis; the knowledge she's learned along the way; and how living with Crohn's has changed her life. As a new addition to the gut health issues, Rachel was recently diagnosed with SIBO and shares her journey with discovering and healing that as well. The topic of gut-mind connection is a major part of the conversation as Rachel and I dive deep to evaluate what mental/emotional triggers can actually do to our health. Rachel also shares practical tips for how to handle social interactions with gut issues; how to travel while maintaining health; the struggles to let go of toxic relationships all while embracing new ones; finding support systems; and her lifestyle of maintaining Crohn's disease. To find Rachel, check instagram @thenoglutengirl and you can find me @emilyfeikls