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 anxiety physically affect gut function
• The science behind the brain–gut communication loop
• Why CBT is increasingly used in digestive disorders
• Common psychological triggers for bloating, pain and IBS flares
• How gut symptoms and anxiety can reinforce each other
• Practical CBT tools for managing gut-related anxiety
• Why “it’s in your head” is a misleading and harmful myth

This conversation bridges the gap between gut health and mental health, tackles stigma head-on, and offers practical tools for anyone living with IBS, bloating, chronic pain or stress-related digestive symptoms.

About Dr. Kelly Watkins

Dr Kelly Watkins, BSc (Hons), MSc, PG Dip, PgD, is a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, EMDR Therapist, and HCPC-registered Practitioner Psychologist. With over a decade of experience working with clients across the NHS, HM Prison Service, private healthcare, and community settings, Kelly brings a unique blend of psychological expertise and mind-body understanding to her work.

Kelly supports clients worldwide through 1:1 work, online workshops and retreats designed to help individuals rebuild their relationship with food, understand the mind-gut connection, and heal the emotional patterns that contribute to digestive distress. Her integrative approach combines evidence-based psychological therapies with practical, holistic strategies that empower people to transform their wellbeing from the inside out.

Alongside her clinical work, Kelly lectures and supervises the next generation of CBT therapists and conducts research into personality disorders, staff training, and therapeutic engagement. She has also built a successful online platform, creating accessible education, digital resources, and mental wellness products for a global audience. Her content and expertise have led to regular media interviews and collaborations focusing on forensic psychology, mental health and whole-body wellbeing.

Passionate about demystifying therapy and reducing stigma around mental health, she is committed to supporting people to make meaningful, sustainable changes and live fuller, healthier lives.

Connect with Dr. Kelly Watkins:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Website

Join “The Live Gut Chat: A Night with The Gastro & His Daughter” on the 26.01.2026 at 5:00pm CET / 8:00pm Gulf Standard Time. You’ve listened to us in your ears, now join us in the room for a live recording of the pod. For more information and registration, click here.

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