The Gastroenterologist And His Daughter

The longevity industry is booming, but how much of what's being sold actually has the science to back it up? In this solo episode, Sandra cuts through the noise to explore what the research really says about ageing well, and why your gut microbiome may be one of the most powerful and most overlooked tools in the longevity conversation.This episode covers:Why the longevity and biohacking industry often overpromises and underdeliversWhat the gut microbiome actually has to do with how we ageThe concept of inflammaging and why it matters for long-term healthThe female microbiome & the estrobolome: its role in oestrogen metabolism across a woman's lifespanHow menopause shifts the microbiome and what that means for women's healthThe evidence-based dietary and lifestyle habits that genuinely support a healthy microbiomeWhy the most powerful longevity tool is already sitting in your kitchenThis episode cuts through the expensive, overhyped world of biohacking to make the case that the fundamentals fibre, fermented foods, movement, sleep, and stress management are where the real evidence lies.Connect with your hosts on InstagramSandra MikhailWagdy Mikhail For more information visit nutritition-az.comGet Sandra’s book: The Gut Chronicles: An uncensored journey into the world of digestive health and illness.

Sandra and Wagdy are back with another episode, this time joined by Dr Jason Hawrelak all the way from Australia, to unpack the confusing world of probiotics: what they are, when they’re useful, and how to separate real evidence from clever marketing. This episode covers:Probiotics 101: what probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics actually are, why they all matter, and whether everyone really needs a probiotic supplement.Strain-specific science: which probiotic strains have evidence for IBS, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, mood support, and more plus the biggest myths Jason wants people to stop believing.Women’s health and probiotics: what we know (and don’t yet know)Prebiotics explained: why prebiotics often have a bigger impact on the microbiome than probiotics themselves and much more!This was a practical, myth-busting conversation to help you choose probiotics with confidence and understand when they’re worth it, and when they’re not.About Dr. Jason HawrelakDr Jason Hawrelak is a researcher, educator, Western herbalist, and naturopathic physician with 25 years’ clinical experience. He did his PhD examining the capacity of probiotics, prebiotics and herbal medicines to modify the gastrointestinal tract microbiota and teaches worldwide on the topics of microbiota modification, clinical application of probiotics and prebiotics, and gut health. He has published extensively in these areas, including 20 textbook chapters. Dr Hawrelak is on the Medical Nutrition Council of the American Society for Nutrition and is a Fellow of both the American College of Nutrition and the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia. Dr Hawrelak maintains a busy telehealth clinical practice as lead clinician in the Hawrelak Gut and Microbiome Clinic. Dr Hawrelak is Chief Research Officer at ProbioticAdvisor.com, which offers a searchable database that enables easy, evidence-based prescribing of probiotic products. He also established, and is Lead Educator at the Microbiome Restoration Center, an online educational centre devoted to training health professionals to become microbiome clinicians, through his key courses – Naturopathic and Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders and Advanced Microbiome Manipulation. Connect with Dr. Hawrelak:InstagramLinkedInWebsite and The CourseDisclaimer: This podcast is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised medical advice. The content shared is for educational purposes only.

Sandra and Wagdy are back with another season and in this episode, they break down the awkward but common world of haemorrhoids: what they actually are, why they happen, and when bleeding isn’t “just haemorrhoids.” This episode covers: What haemorrhoids actually are and why they’re normal structures (not a disease), plus the most common causes and risk factors.Key symptoms vs. red flags , when bleeding is typical, and when it signals something more serious.Management 101: Sandra’s 6 step tool kit including fibre, fluids, toilet habits, OTC options, and when doctors escalate to banding, injections, or surgery.It’s time to drop the embarrassment. Haemorrhoids are common, treatable, and nothing to hide. The more we talk about them, the faster people get the help they need.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 InstagramSandra MikhailWagdy Mikhail For more information visit nutritition-az.comA resource mentioned in this episode is Sandra’s book: The Gut Chronicles: An uncensored journey into the world of digestive health and illness.

Misinformation around ‘leaky gut’ continues to rage so this episode will never get old! If you’ve struggled with your gut then you would’ve come across the term “leaky gut” or may have even been diagnosed with it at some point. Leaky gut syndrome has gained significant attention in recent years, with claims that it may be the root cause of a wide range of health issues, from digestive problems to autoimmune diseases and even mental health conditions. But what exactly is leaky gut, and is it a valid medical diagnosis?In this episode, Sandra is joined by gastroenterology specialist dietitian, Kirsten Jackson, where they chatted about all things leaky! They discussed why this term has gained attention in alternative and complementary medicine communities, but its recognition and acceptance within the conventional medical community are somewhat divided. What is our intestinal barrier? Are the tests to diagnose leaky gut even valid? If it’s not leaky gut then what? Sandra and Kirsten answered the most frequently asked questions about leaky gut syndrome and how they managed their own clients suspecting it. About Kirsten JacksonKirsten Jackson BSc Hons PGCert is a UK consultant dietitian specialising in gut health and the author of ‘Take Control of your IBS’. Kirsten graduated from The University of Hertfordshire in 2012 before joining the UK national health service where she specialised in gastroenterology. She later went on to complete her post-graduate certificate in Advanced Dietetics at The University of Nottingham. In 2018 Kirsten moved to the UAE as the lead dietitian for Kings College Hospital in Dubai. In this role she was part of the team which developed and opened the first British healthcare facility in the Middle East. Kirsten now runs an online IBS clinic called The Food Treatment Clinic to help those who suffer with the condition. Outside of clinical work, Kirsten is an official media spokesperson for The British Dietetic Association where she has worked on TV and with media outlets such as Cosmopolitan and The Guardian. She is also an expert advisor for the charity, The IBS Network. Connect with Kirsten:www.thefoodtreatmentclinic.comInstagramGet the book: Take Control of Your IBS

As preparations for season 5 are in full swing, we thought we’d take a trip down memory lane and share the most listened-to episodes, starting with this one! Dr. Sophie Bostock joined Sandra on the pod to uncover the mysteries of sleep and its profound impact on our health. Starting with the essential functions of sleep, Dr. Bostock explained why it’s vital for both physical and mental well-being. They explored how sleep connects to our circadian rhythms, the body’s natural clock, and how disruptions can lead to health issues.Dr. Bostock also delved into the effects of stress and hormonal changes on sleep, particularly for women, and weighed in on the safety of sleep aids like melatonin. Finally, she shared her favourite sleep hacks, common mistakes to avoid, and strategies to get better rest. This episode covered: Why do we sleep?Circadian rhythms and the impact of sleep disruption on our healthStress and hormonal influences on sleepShould we use melatonin if we’re struggling with sleep?The top 3 mistakes people do that negatively impact their sleepSophie’s sleep hacks for a good night’s sleepSandra and Wagdy tie it all together through the lens of gut healthAbout 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 clients in business, the media, the military and elite sport.Connect with Sophie:www.thesleepscientist.comInstagramYoutube

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:What perimenopause actually is and how it differs from menopauseHow hormonal shifts affect gut motility, microbiome balance, and digestionThe most common gut symptoms women report and why they happenWhy fibre is your friend (even if social media says otherwise)How stress and sleep can make or break your gut functionPractical strategies to improve gut health and when to seek professional helpWhether 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 Nicolehttps://www.guthealthdietitian.com/Instagram: @the.guthealthdietitianThe Peri-Gut Plan

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:What is gut-directed yoga and how it differs from general yoga and its role in digestive health.The gut-brain connection: How yoga influences the gut-brain axis to support digestion.Managing gut issues with yoga including targeted poses and techniques for IBS, bloating, and reflux.What the research says: Evidence-backed benefits of yoga for gut health.Yoga, nutrition & lifestyle: Best practices for integrating yoga with diet and daily habits.Tune in to discover how reconnecting with your body might just be the missing piece in your gut healing journey.About Kaitlin Colucci RD MNutrKaitlin 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 KaitlinInstagram @themissiondietitianhttps://www.kaitlincolucci.com/retreatsEpisode What’s new with IBS?Episode The Perimenopause Gut with Nicole DynanEpisode Gut Health and GPs: Bridging the Gap

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 JoyceJoyce 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:InstagramTikTok

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:What the principles of Ayurveda are and an introduction to the three doshasThe role of the gut in Ayurveda, and how it compares to modern medicineCommon Ayurvedic remedies that can benefit gut issuesKey Ayurvedic herbs and spices and their impact on gut healthHow to combine Ayurvedic approaches with conventional treatments for digestive disordersDr. Janna’s advice on how to start integrating Ayurvedic practices into our modern livesWhile 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:InstagramWebsite Podcast

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: Why do we sleep?Circadian rhythms and the impact of sleep disruption on our healthStress and hormonal influences on sleepShould we use melatonin if we’re struggling with sleep?The top 3 mistakes people do that negatively impact their sleepSophie’s sleep hacks for a good night’s sleepSandra and Wagdy tie it all together through the lens of gut healthAbout 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:InstagramLinked InYoutube

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:How a resilient microbiome can be both good and badWhich microbes are detrimental to the gutNeurotransmitters 101: Serotonin, GABA, Dopamine & AcetylcholineMisconceptions about neurotransmitters produced in the gutWhen would microbiome testing be appropriateCurrent associations between the gut microbiome and mental health conditionsHow difficult it is to define mental healthMental health vs Mental Illness If diet and lifestyle truly have a impact on this connectionHow ADHD is a type of brain without the need to pathologise itAnd much more! 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. Heemphasises 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 whatwe 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.

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:Ariadna’s gut story and her journey from symptoms to being diagnosed with a chronic gut conditionThe birth of SANNO to address healthcare gapsHow SANNO is changing patient progress and research in the fields of gut health, women’s health and metabolic healthWhat balance looks like when you’re living with a chronic gut condition and are running a fast-growing businessAriadna’s lifestyle non-negotiables and habitsHer message to young entrepreneursWe 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.healthConnect with Ariadna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariadnamaso/Connect with your hosts on LinkedInSandra MikhailWagdy Mikhail 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.

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:The 3 fear mongering messages you should ignoreThe benefits of phytic acid especially when it comes to gut healthWho should pay more attention to phytic acid and when does it matter?Smart approaches to reduce phytic acidMeal combinations to balance phytic acid contentStop 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.comGrab your copy of The Gut Chronicles: An uncensored journey into the world of digestive health and illness.