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:

• Why gut issues are often overlooked in general practice
• When a GP decides it’s time to refer
• The impact of lifestyle and nutrition on gut health
• What’s missing in the conversation about women’s health and gut health
• Myths and social media trends and more!

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:

• What perimenopause actually is and how it differs from menopause
• How hormonal shifts affect gut motility, microbiome balance, and digestion
• The most common gut symptoms women report and why they happen
• Why fibre is your friend (even if social media says otherwise)
• How stress and sleep can make or break your gut function
• Practical strategies to improve gut health and when to seek professional help

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

The Peri-Gut Plan

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:

• Why IBS is still such a hot topic in the gut world
• The latest research, including the ATLANTIS trial on low-dose amitriptyline
• What we now know about the gut-brain connection and mental health in IBS
• The truth behind common myths like: “Probiotics are the magic cure” or “Just go carnivore” 🙄
• Supplements worth your attention
• And of course… a few laughs, real moments, and a bit of blooper magic

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

Sandra Mikhail

Wagdy Mikhail

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.