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 Hawrelak

Dr 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:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Website and The Course

Disclaimer: 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.

In this solo mini-episode, Sandra breaks down what food intolerance really is, why most tests are a waste of money, and how proper diagnosis works. This episode covers:

• Allergy vs intolerance: why mixing them up leads to confusion and why IgG “intolerance tests” are a scam.
• The main types of intolerances: enzymatic (like lactose), food chemical sensitivities, and FODMAP-related symptoms.
• How diagnosis really happens
• Where to start & who to see

Food intolerance isn’t a quick test. It’s a structured process best done with expert guidance to avoid unnecessary restriction, fear of food, and malnutrition. With the right support, you can get clarity without the chaos.

If you’re suspecting a food intolerance, connect with a Nutrition A-Z specialist today here.

Connect with your hosts on Instagram

Sandra Mikhail

Wagdy Mikhail

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 Instagram

Sandra Mikhail

Wagdy Mikhail

For more information visit 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.