In this episode, your hosts sit down with Dr. Hasini Perera, a seasoned GP based in Dubai, to explore gut health through the lens of primary care.
From the most common gut complaints in clinic to when it’s time to refer to a specialist, Dr. Hasini shares how GPs approach gut-related concerns and what patients can do to feel heard and supported. We also dive into often-overlooked conditions, the role of nutrition in general practice, and why some popular trends might be doing more harm than good.
We shine a spotlight on women’s health and how to prepare for that all-important GP appointment. Today’s episode covers:
Whether you’ve felt dismissed in a consult or want a grounded take on gut health, this episode brings clarity and real talk from a trusted frontline expert.
Connect with Hasini
Instagram: @douknowmedicine
LinkedIn: Dr. Hasini Perera
About Dr. Perera
Dr. Hasini Perera is a dedicated General Practitioner with over 11 years of clinical experience out of which 5th year working in Dubai. She is currently based at Emirates Specialty Hospital, Dubai Healthcare city, Dubai, where she blends compassionate care with evidence-based medicine.Dr. Hasini holds ECFMG certification, has completed all of the USMLE steps, and completed MRCP (UK) Part 1 and 2, reflecting her commitment to continuous medical excellence.
Her special interests lie in internal medicine, endocrinology, musculoskeletal conditions, chronic disease management, and above all patient education and prevention of diseases. With a passion for making healthcare accessible and understandable, she actively creates educational content for global audiences on LinkedIn/ Instagram and through engaging videos.
Born with a name that means “laughter,” Dr. Hasini brings joy, empathy, and clarity into her practice. She believes in treating the person, not just the disease, and is known for her relatable explanations, deep listening skills, and holistic care approach.
Outside of medicine, she loves drawing, storytelling, and crafting meaningful connections through humor and humanity. Dr. Hasini envisions a world where healthcare isn’t intimidating but empowering and she’s working every day to make that vision a reality.
From rural clinics to high-end hospitals, from managing chronic diseases to creating viral awareness videos online, Dr. Hasini’s mission is simple: make healthcare human again.
She’s funny, fearless, and deeply compassionate and today, she’s here to talk not just as a doctor, but as someone who understands what it means to fight, fall, and rise with a smile.
Today’s episode dives into the gut-hormone connection during one of the most misunderstood (and under-discussed) phases in a woman’s life: perimenopause. Sanda is joined by the brilliant dietitian and gut health expert, Nicole Dynan, to explore what’s really going on when your digestion goes off track in your 40s and beyond. Today’s episode covers:
Whether you’re noticing more bloating, bathroom drama, or just feeling out of sync with your body, this conversation is packed with insights and evidence-based tips to help you feel more in control.
About Nicole Dynan: Accredited Practising Dietitian, gut health expert, and founder of The Gut Health Dietitian.
Before retraining in nutrition, Nicole worked in the corporate world and it was there she saw firsthand how many women around her were struggling with gut issues, stress, low energy, and hormonal changes, especially as they moved into their 40s. After healing her own gut and making sense of the overwhelm through science, she made it her mission to help others do the same.
Nicole and her team have now supported over 40,000 women to improve their gut health through evidence-based nutrition and she’s soon to launch the Peri Gut Plan, a 3-week program designed to support the gut-brain-hormone connection during perimenopause.
When she’s not helping women feel lighter, more comfortable, and more like themselves again, Nicole is a regular media contributor, a guest lecturer at The University of Sydney, and a passionate runner, yogi, and edible garden enthusiast.
Connect with Nicole
https://www.guthealthdietitian.com/
Instagram: @the.guthealthdietitian
It's our 2-YEAR PODIVERSARY and IBS Awareness Month and what better way to celebrate than diving into one of the most requested and misunderstood topics in gut health.
In this candid (and slightly chaotic) episode, your hosts talk through the latest science, some cringey myths floating around online, and the supplements worth knowing about, plus a few bloopers we decided to keep in. Because real talk is how they roll. Today’s episode covers:
Thank you for sticking with us for TWO YEARS of gut talk, myth-busting, and bringing science to the people, one bowel movement at a time.
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review if you loved it, and tag us when you're tuning in on IG at @nutritionaz_by_sandramikhail
Connect with your hosts on LinkedIn
For more information visit instagram.com/nutritionaz_by_sandramikhail OR nutritition-az.com
Chapter 9 of Sandra’s book cover all you need to know about IBS: The Gut Chronicles: An uncensored journey into the world of digestive health and illness.
Is there a place for yoga when it comes to gut health?
This episode aims to answer that question with Kaitlin Colucci aka The Mission Dietitian. Whether you're new to yoga or looking to deepen your gut-health toolkit, this episode uncovers how the power of movement and breathwork can transform the way your gut feels. Today’s episode covers:
Tune in to discover how reconnecting with your body might just be the missing piece in your gut healing journey.
About Kaitlin Colucci RD MNutr
Kaitlin is one of the leading gut health dietitians in the UK and founder of The Mission Dietitian, combining nearly a decade of experience in dietetics with her passion for yoga teaching. Renowned for her innovative approach, Kaitlin specialises in integrating science-backed nutrition with the healing practices of yoga, meditation, and breathwork to address the complexities of IBS and other gut health disorders through a holistic lens. She is also a British Dietetic Association media spokesperson with her expertise prominently featured on BBC Countryfile, BBC Food Truth or Scare, and Channel 4's Food Unwrapped. More recently, Kaitlin has offered her wealth of experience and expert consultancy for the UK launch of the Belly Balance App.
Connect with Kaitlin
Instagram @themissiondietitian
https://www.kaitlincolucci.com/retreats
Episode What’s new with IBS?
Episode The Perimenopause Gut with Nicole Dynan
Episode Gut Health and GPs: Bridging the Gap
Could your IBS symptoms actually be something else? In this easy-to-digest episode, your hosts break down what BAM really is, the different types, and the key symptoms to watch out for. Before they get into it, they take a tricky question from a listener about H.pylori.
BAM can be difficult to diagnose as its symptoms generally overlap with IBS. Wagdy breaks down how BAM is diagnosed and some very distinct features that make BAM a condition not to dismiss when consulting patients. Today’s episode covers:
If you’re struggling with chronic diarrhoea, make sure to pay your GP or specialist a visit as the consequences if left untreated can be serious.
Want to ask your hosts a question? Send them through to info@nutrition-az.com, and they’ll get back to you during one of the episodes.
Disclaimer: No personalised medical or nutritional advice can be provided, as this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional consultation. Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider for your individual needs.
Connect with your hosts on LinkedIn
For more information visit instagram.com/nutritionaz_by_sandramikhail OR nutritition-az.com
A resource mentioned in this episode is Sandra’s book: The Gut Chronicles: An uncensored journey into the world of digestive health and illness.
In today’s episode, your hosts are sharing another gut story. This time, it’s all about a possible gut-thyroid connection. Joyce was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid, leading to inflammation and reduced thyroid hormone production. In addition, she has been navigating the challenges of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), a condition where excessive bacteria in the small intestine cause uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, and digestive distress.
Join us as we take a journey with Joyce to hear her story of living with a thyroid condition, how it has impacted her gut health, and the ups and downs of managing SIBO along the way. This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of these two conditions, shedding light on how interconnected the gut and thyroid really are.
About Joyce
Joyce is a Dubai-based Choreographer, Fashion Stylist, and Content Creator with over 20 years of experience in dance and the performing arts. She trained and performed extensively with the renowned Sharmila Dance company, appearing at major events, concerts, and opening ceremonies.
Throughout her career, Joyce has collaborated with global brands like Nike, Adidas, Swarovski, Sephora, and Harper’s Bazaar, as well as celebrities such as Shaggy, Nancy Ajram, Sean Paul, and Maya Diab. She has choreographed for music videos, concerts, and photoshoots, blending her expertise in dance and fashion to create dynamic, engaging content.
Joyce also teaches weekly dance classes, inspiring aspiring dancers to pursue their passion, and has a strong background in the fashion industry, from PR for high-end brands to co-founding an e-commerce fashion platform and beauty salon.
Connect with Joyce:
In this mini, solo episode, Sandra tackles a frequently asked question: Are gut health supplements really worth it? With so much buzz around gut health in the wellness world, it’s time to separate fact from fiction and explore whether these products live up to their promises.
Disclaimer
This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional, dietitian, or gastroenterologist before starting any new supplement to ensure it aligns with your unique needs.
Today’s episode covers:
Gut health is personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Supplements can be beneficial for specific conditions, but they’re not a cure-all. Understanding your body’s needs and consulting with professionals is key to making informed decisions.
Connect with your hosts on LinkedIn
For more information visit instagram.com/nutritionaz_by_sandramikhail OR nutritition-az.com
A resource mentioned in this episode is Sandra’s book: The Gut Chronicles: An uncensored journey into the world of digestive health and illness.
What a pleasure it is having Dr. Janna Scharfenberg as the next guest on the pod! Dr. Scharfenberg is a medical doctor and Ayurveda expert and joins your hosts for an insightful conversation on how ancient Ayurvedic principles can transform modern gut health practices.
Ayurveda is an ancient system of natural medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Its name translates to "the science of life" (Ayur meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge). Rooted in the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit, Ayurveda focuses on prevention and holistic healing. This episode covers:
While Ayurveda offers some truly profound insights, achieving true wellness often requires balancing these ancient practices with evidence-based conventional medicine to ensure safe and effective outcomes.
About Dr. Janna Scharfenberg:
Dr. Janna Scharfenberg is a holistic physician, certified yoga instructor, and author based in Zurich, Switzerland. She specialises in integrating conventional medicine with Ayurveda. Through her Modern Ayurveda Institute, Dr. Scharfenberg offers comprehensive training programs, empowering individuals to incorporate Ayurvedic principles into their personal and professional lives. She is also the author of "Ayurveda for Life," a practical guide that adapts ancient Ayurvedic wisdom for modern lifestyles.
Connect with Janna:
This season, your hosts are introducing a series called Gut Stories - bringing the "patient or client" perspective to the show.
Up until now, they’ve focused on professionals and how they manage various gut conditions but it’s time to explore and share the challenges people face within the medical and healthcare systems. This will help raise awareness about different gut conditions from their unique point of view.
On today’s episode, you’ll meet Jennifer. She shares her story and journey living with two chronic conditions, endometriosis and coeliac disease. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, leading to pain, infertility, and other complications. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten damages the small intestine, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies. The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet.
Could there be a connection? Listen to this raw discussion of one person’s difficult journey, her struggles within the healthcare system and where she is now.
About Jennifer
Jennifer Walter is a sociologist, pathfinder, and certified NLP and EFT practitioner who supports too-brilliant-to-not- shine humans on their scenic route from surviving to thriving. With an MA in Sociology, 20+ years of working in branding, design and communication, and a wealth of personal experience, Jennifer brings academic expertise and down- to-earth relatability. Jennifer is also the host of the Scenic Route podcast, which Sandra had the pleasure of previously being on.
Connect with Jennifer:
Dr. Sophie Bostock joins Sandra on the pod today to uncover the mysteries of sleep and its profound impact on our health. Starting with the essential functions of sleep, Dr. Bostock explains why it’s vital for both physical and mental well-being. They explore how sleep connects to our circadian rhythms, the body’s natural clock, and how disruptions can lead to health issues.
Dr. Bostock also delves into the effects of stress and hormonal changes on sleep, particularly for women, and weighs in on the safety of sleep aids like melatonin. Finally, she shares her favourite sleep hacks, common mistakes to avoid, and strategies to get better rest. This episode covers:
About Dr. Sophie Bostock:
Dr Sophie Bostock is a Sleep Evangelist on a mission: to help millions of people to improve their lives by unlocking the science of sleep and performance. With a background in medicine, Sophie became fascinated by the role of sleep and circadian rhythms for protecting health. After working on the award-winning sleep improvement programme, Sleepio, Sophie launched TheSleepScientist.com to provide sleep training and consultancy for for clients in business, the media, the military and elite sport.
Connect with Sophie:
In the latest episode of The Gastroenterologist and His Daughter, your hosts are back and dive into a condition that impacts millions worldwide: gastritis. Kicking off this new season, they discuss what gastritis is, the common symptoms, and key causes—ranging from bacterial infections and NSAID use to alcohol, smoking, and stress.
While diet alone doesn’t cause gastritis, it can aggravate symptoms, so they explore how foods like fatty, spicy, or acidic items can influence discomfort. Sandra & Wagdy also cover lifestyle tips and soothing foods that support healing, helping listeners manage and prevent gastritis through smart, everyday choices. This episode covers:
Disclaimer: This podcast is not meant to be used, nor should it be used, to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician or healthcare provider. The podcast is for education purposes only and it is advised that you exercise your own judgement before using the information provided. Always consult your healthcare team for medical advice before taking any action.
Connect with your hosts on LinkedIn
For more information visit instagram.com/nutritionaz_by_sandramikhail OR nutritition-az.com
The Gut Chronicles: An uncensored journey into the world of digestive health and illness is out now worldwide where books are sold.
This is an exceptional, not-to-miss episode because Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas is on the pod! Known affectionately as "The Creative Scientist," Miguel is a clinical neuroscientist and nutrition researcher in the UK. His expertise centers on the intricate gut-brain connection, drawing on a rich, real-world scientific foundation rather than purely academic pursuits. In today’s episode, your hosts take a deep dive into the world of the gut-brain connection with Miguel, exploring the role of our gut microbes and how they communicate with the brain, how changes in their composition can impact mental health and if lifestyle factors such as diet can influence this connection. This episode covers:
Your hosts tried their best not to keep Miguel for hours but he has been a wealth of knowledge, breaking down what the science is currently telling us about the gut-brain axis and the changes you need to make to look after that connection.
More About Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas
Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas, known affectionately as "The Creative Scientist," is a clinical neuroscientist and nutrition researcher in the UK. His expertise centres on the intricate gut-brain connection, drawing on a rich, real-world scientific foundation rather than purely academic pursuits. Dr. Miguel's academic journey includes degrees in Nutritional Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience, culminating in a Doctorate focused on Mental Health and the Gut Microbiome. His doctoral studies coincided with a five-year Research Innovation Fellowship funded by the European Regional Development Fund, where he explored the profound effects of gut health on mood, cognition, and overall wellbeing. Today, he continues this important work as a Research Fellow at Cardiff University's School of Psychology.
Navigating life with ADHD and autism, Dr Miguel possesses a deep, personal understanding of the specific dietary needs of neurodivergent individuals. He
emphasises the critical role of dietary choices in enhancing executive functioning, sensory processing, and emotional regulation. His philosophy is captured in his words: “By understanding and addressing the nuanced relationships between what
we eat and how our brains operate, we empower ourselves to make choices that not only nourish our bodies but also support our neurodivergent minds in navigating daily tasks and interactions more smoothly.”
Dr Miguel offers personalised clinical consultations and has crafted a comprehensive course titled "Thrive with ADHD," available at drmiguelmateas.com/
thrive-with-adhd-course. He is also the author of a forthcoming book by the same name, set to be published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers in late 2024/early 2025. To discover more about his transformative work and offerings, visit drmiguelmateas.com or connect with him through social media @drmiguelmateas for further insights.
Another solo episode with Sandra shedding light on trendy topics within the realm of gut health, and today, it’s all about gut detoxes and cleanses.
The concept of detox and cleanses has gained significant traction in recent years and it’s just not wanting to die! We're constantly bombarded with advertisements for detox teas, juice cleanses, colonics, and a variety of supplements promising to flush out toxins and rejuvenate our bodies. But are these so-called cleanses and detoxes causing more harm than good? Today’s episode covers:
If someone comes to you with a gut detox or cleanse, RUN!
Remember to subscribe to the pod for more gut journeys and poo talk! If you have any gut-related questions you’d like your hosts to answer live on the pod, send your questions to info@nutrition-az.com.
Connect with your hosts on LinkedIn
For more information visit instagram.com/nutritionaz_by_sandramikhail OR nutritition-az.com
Grab your copy of The Gut Chronicles: An uncensored journey into the world of digestive health and illness.
A very special guest is on the pod today! In this episode, Sandra takes a deep dive into the personal and professional journey of Ariadna Masó, an innovator whose path to revolutionising patient care began with her own struggles. You’ll be listening to her story from the initial symptoms to the creation of Sanno, a groundbreaking platform in health management. This episode covers:
We are fairly certain that you’ll be inspired by Ariadna’s story. Remember, balancing health and ambition is a journey, not a destination. You can connect with our guest and learn more about her work at:
Website: https://www.sanno.health
Connect with Ariadna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariadnamaso/
Connect with your hosts on LinkedIn
Remember to subscribe to the pod for more gut journeys and poo talk! If you have any gut-related questions you’d like your hosts to answer live on the pod, send your questions to info@nutrition-az.com.
Before listening to this episode, please note that your hosts do discuss the topic of weight so if you do find this triggering, please prioritise your mental wellbeing and skip this one!
There has been a lot of talk about “obesity” recently, its definition and the flaws associated with that including how stigmatising this term can be. In this episode, your hosts have an honest discussion about what the current research says about gut-weight connection specifically looking at the role of the gut microbiome in relation to weight as well as certain gut conditions linked to obesity. This episode covers:
We hope this episode sheds light on the complex relationship between the gut microbiome and weight, challenging common perceptions and encouraging a more informed and compassionate discussion around this topic. Remember, your hosts’ aim is to provide you with valuable insights and foster a supportive environment. If you have any gut-related questions you’d like them to answer live on the pod, send your to info@nutrition-az.com!
Connect with your hosts on LinkedIn
For more information visit instagram.com/nutritionaz_by_sandramikhail OR nutritition-az.com
Grab your copy of The Gut Chronicles: An uncensored journey into the world of digestive health and illness.
Phytic acid has gained a controversial reputation in recent years, with various health enthusiasts and dietary gurus and unqualified health coaches labelling it as an "anti-nutrient" to be avoided. This has led to misguided advice to steer clear of legumes, nuts, and seeds, which are staples in many healthy diets and are crucial for gut health.
In this mini episode, Sandra debunks the top 3 fear-mongering messages that you’ve probably come across and talks about why you should not be fearful of phytic acid. This episode covers:
Stop listening to unqualified quacks with online degrees and zero nutritional training! Social media has been one of the biggest sources of harmful pseudoscience. When in doubt, ask a registered nutritionist or dietitian and if you have any gut-related questions you’d like us to answer live on the pod? Send us your questions via info@nutrition-az.com!
For more information visit instagram.com/nutritionaz_by_sandramikhail OR nutritition-az.com
Grab your copy of The Gut Chronicles: An uncensored journey into the world of digestive health and illness.
If you made it through the last episode on gut health diagnostics, then good on you! It was a jam packed episode and today, it’s time to close the very brief chapter on diagnostic tests related to the gut. The episode starts with them answering a listener’s question whether over-investigating is better than under-investigating. Then, Wagdy will walk you through all the imaging techniques, which include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasound, while Sandra will walk you through breath testing.
This episode covers:
And with this, your hosts’s aim with this specific topic was to equip you with the confidence in understanding why your health care practitioner might request a specific test, what these tests mean and what to expect.
Do you have any gut-related questions you’d like us to answer live on the pod? Send us your questions via info@nutrition-az.com
Connect with your hosts on LinkedIn
This topic is worth a 2-part series as there is so much to cover! Your hosts explore the spectrum of diagnostic tools available to assess gut health and decipher the most common tests, debunk myths, and shed light on the reliability of various diagnostic methods. From stool tests to endoscopy, Sandra and Wagdy aim to equip you with the knowledge you need to know about gut health diagnostics and what they all mean. This episode covers:
This episode is packed with information so we do suggest keeping some notes! Part 2 will cover the next set of diagnostics such as breath tests and imaging (CT, MRI and Ultrasounds) so make sure you hit the follow button not to miss an episode!
If you have any questions about gut health tests and diagnostics, don’t forget to send your questions through to info@nutrition-az.com
Previous episodes to listen to that have been mentioned today:
S01E04 | All about poo Part 1: Understanding Constipation
S01E05 | All about poo Part 2: Understanding Diarrhoea
S01E08 | Debunking Leaky Gut with guest dietitian, Kirsten Jackson
In today’s mini episode, Sandra’s flying solo and explores how IBS affects men and women differently. She uncovers the various factors contributing to these sex differences, from hormones and immune responses to psychosocial influences. Learn why women often experience more pronounced symptoms and how understanding these nuances can lead to more personalised approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Whether you're living with IBS or simply curious about the science behind it, this episode offers valuable insights into a common yet often misunderstood condition. Today’s episode covers:
We hope you’ve been enjoying our episodes and please don’t forget to follow, rate and review our pod not to miss an episode and for us to keep working hard to bring you more!
Resources and support:
Chapter 9 of The Gut Chronicles:
Season 1 Episode 2: Cracking the IBS code
Nutrition A-Z Rebalance Programs: The Gut Edition
Free Workshop 30.04.2024
The GUTSMART Workshop: A proven blueprint to master your gut health and IBS
Connect with your hosts on LinkedIn
For more information visit instagram.com/nutritionaz_by_sandramikhail OR nutritition-az.com
The Gut Chronicles: An uncensored journey into the world of digestive health and illness. Sandra Mikhail’s upcoming book out May 2023.
It’s hard to believe that the pod is a year old! This IBS awareness month, your hosts cover advances and developments that impact how IBS is being managed. Before listening to this episode, please revisit this episode here that talks about cracking the IBS code covering everything you need to know about irritable bowel syndrome. Today’s episode covers:
Breaking the stigma around a diagnosis of IBS should be part of every gut specialist’s mission. IBS is a chronic, relapsing disorder that extends beyond gut motility issues and includes intestinal dysbiosis and a disordered gut–brain interaction. For this reason, a multidisciplinary approach is crucial to work towards living with a more blissful gut.
Resources and support:
Chapter 9 of The Gut Chronicles:
Season 1 Episode 2: Cracking the IBS code
Nutrition A-Z Rebalance Programs: The Gut Edition
Free Workshop: The GUTSMART Method workshop 30.04.2024
