The Gastroenterologist And His Daughter

We talk a lot about gut health for adults on this podcast, but what about children? The foundations of a healthy gut are laid earlier than most parents realise, and the decisions made in those first years can have a lasting impact. In this episode, Sandra is joined by paediatric dietitian Aisling Oslizlok, to talk about what's really going on in children's guts, what parents are getting wrong and...

AI is everywhere and health is no exception. In this episode, Sandra and Wagdy get into one of the most timely conversations in medicine right now. What is AI actually getting right and wrong when it comes to gut health, what's happening when patients consult AI before, or instead of, their doctor, and where is this all heading? You can even listen to a live demo with ChatGPT!  This episode covers...

We're surrounded by so much health and wellness information unlike any other generation but how much of it actually holds up to scrutiny? In this episode, Sandra is joined by consultant dietitian Kirsten Jackson and internal medicine physician Dr. Ramy Khalil to call out pseudoscience, explore why misinformation is so persuasive and examine whether mainstream medicine is partly to blame for the va...

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...

We’re often told that stress “affects the gut,” but rarely are we given a clear explanation of how or what to actually do about it. In this episode, Dr. Kelly Watkins joins Sandra to unpack the science and psychology behind the mind–gut connection and why approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are becoming an essential part of digestive care. This episode covers: How stress and anxiet...

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 nee...

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 diagn...

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 b...

This was another popular episode looking at fertility from within. Stefanie Valakas joined Sandra to uncover the gut-fertility connection better. Stefanie and Sandra covered three main areas looking at the relationship between the gut microbiome and fertility, nutrition for reproductive health as well as the gut-hormone connection. This episode covered: How the gut microbiome impacts reproductive...

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...

This episode was a popular one! Bloating is one of the most common digestive complaints in people of all ages and despite being one of the most frequent and bothersome complaints, we still don’t fully understand the exact cause of bloating since it’s not that straight forward! In Sandra’s solo episode, she offered a snapshot into the world of bloat, what is normal and goes through the 2 most commo...

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....

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 ro...

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 diffe...

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...

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 genera...

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 ver...

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 Ove...

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 qual...

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 scien...

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 un...

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 delve...

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 sympt...

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 tak...

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 flu...