S04E04 | Ancient Ayurveda for Modern Gut Health with Dr. Janna Scharfenberg

01/06/25 • 47 min

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

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

About Dr. Janna Scharfenberg:

Connect with Janna:

Instagram

Website

Podcast

Previous Episode

S04E03 | Gut Stories: Endometriosis & Coeliac Disease with Jennifer Walter

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 unique point of view.

On today’s episode, you’ll meet Jennifer. She shares her story and journey living with two chronic conditions, endometriosis and coeliac disease. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, leading to pain, infertility, and other complications. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten damages the small intestine, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies. The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet.

Could there be a connection? Listen to this raw discussion of one person’s difficult journey, her struggles within the healthcare system and where she is now.

About Jennifer

Jennifer Walter is a sociologist, pathfinder, and certified NLP and EFT practitioner who supports too-brilliant-to-not- shine humans on their scenic route from surviving to thriving. With an MA in Sociology, 20+ years of working in branding, design and communication, and a wealth of personal experience, Jennifer brings academic expertise and down- to-earth relatability. Jennifer is also the host of the Scenic Route podcast, which Sandra had the pleasure of previously being on.

Connect with Jennifer:

Instagram

Website

Next Episode

S04E05 | Are gut health supplements worth it?

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.