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.

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 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:

• What BAM actually is and its types
• Common symptoms to watch out for
• If IBS and BAM can co-exist & how Sandra’s clients have been misdiagnosed
• How to get a diagnosis of BAM including
• Sandra’s main dietary goals for clients she consults
• The type of fibre you should include

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

Sandra Mikhail

Wagdy Mikhail

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:

Instagram

TikTok

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:

• The boom of gut health supplements and how marketing is shaping perceptions
• A deep dive into popular supplements starting with probiotics
• How to choose a fibre supplements
• Gut health aides like peppermint oil capsules and magnesium
• What to avoid in the supplement aisle including anti-bloat supplements and random probiotic blends
• How to choose the right supplement and questions to ask before purchasing

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

Sandra Mikhail

Wagdy Mikhail

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:

• What the principles of Ayurveda are and an introduction to the three doshas
• The role of the gut in Ayurveda, and how it compares to modern medicine
• Common Ayurvedic remedies that can benefit gut issues
• Key Ayurvedic herbs and spices and their impact on gut health
• How to combine Ayurvedic approaches with conventional treatments for digestive disorders
• Dr. Janna’s advice on how to start integrating Ayurvedic practices into our modern lives

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:

Instagram

Website

Podcast