Life lately: Gut and Mental Health Magic with Dr Verena
24 February 2026

Life lately: Gut and Mental Health Magic with Dr Verena

Life Academy

About
Okay besties we are SO excited for this one!!! ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’œ

Dr Verena Raschke-Cheema flew all the way from Sydney to sit with us and honestly, this woman changed Dena's life (Like actually changed it). She helped her through the darkest time โ€“ addiction recovery, gut health chaos, mental health stuff, everything.

Dr. Verena's a nutritional scientist, a PhD, a kinesiologist which means she can literally muscle test what your body needs?! We go deep about kids immunity (Alicia needs help with Isla!), the gut-brain connection, hormones, and she even does a breathing exercise with us. Plus her cookbook is a staple in Dena's kitchen!!!

If you've ever felt like you've tried everything and nothing works โ€“ this episode is for you. So much wisdom, so much hope, so much goodness in this one. ๐Ÿ’•

0:00 โ€” Dana's raw origin story: addiction, benzos & hitting rock bottom
3:09 โ€” What Dr Verena actually does (and why people come to her as a last resort)
7:34 โ€” How kinesiology muscle testing works โ€” and the science behind it
15:15 โ€” The full protocol: blood tests, microbiome mapping, genetic testing + kinesiology
17:05 โ€” Why kids keep getting sick โ€” spleen, zinc deficiency & emotional stress
21:30 โ€” #1 reason people see Dr Verena: gut health and everything connected to it
28:44 โ€” Treating gut health AND the mind simultaneously โ€” why one without the other fails
33:46 โ€” NAD, longevity genes & what Kim Kardashian is actually onto
35:19 โ€” Dr Verena's 30-day homework: the 2-minute breathing technique that switches off fight-or-flight

Follow us at:
https://www.instagram.com/denaamy
https://www.instagram.com/aliciabanit
https://www.instagram.com/doctorverena
https://www.instagram.com/lifeacademythepodcast
https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeacademythepodcast

Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/957273649851434/

Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeAcademyThePodcast

Recs/Homework:
2-Minute Breathing: Inhale for 4, exhale for 6 โ€“ do it for 30 days and watch your nervous system reset!
Dr Verena's Cookbook: "Dr Verena's Kitchen" โ€“ sugar free, paleo, keto, low FODMAP recipes that actually taste amazing: https://doctorverena.com/
Taylor Swift Eras Tour Doco: Even if you're not a Swiftie, this will convert you. She's a phenomenon.
Bared Footwear: Comfy AND stylish โ€“ Dena wore them to the AACTAs!
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