Sana Sessions

In this episode, Sienna sits down with occupational therapist Alex Kearney to unpack one of the most misunderstood and stigmatised topics in health: overeating and binge eating. What starts as a well-intentioned effort to "eat healthier" can quietly evolve into something far more complex, and most of us would never even realise it.
Alex brings a unique occupational therapy lens to the conversation, exploring how our relationship with food impacts every area of daily life- from our energy and cognition, to our social connections and sense of self.
In this episode we cover:
What occupational therapy actually is and why OTs work in mental health
The difference between disordered eating and a diagnosed eating disorder
Why dieting is considered one of the biggest risk factors for binge eating
Set point theory and why your body may be fighting you harder than you realise
The role of social media and diet culture in driving disordered eating rates
The very real physical and psychological consequences of undereating
Signs that your relationship with food may be worth talking to someone about
This is part one of a two-part conversation. Part two will cover practical first steps for breaking the binge-restrict cycle and how to access support.
Resources and Support
If anything in today's episode resonated with you, the following are free, evidence-based Australian resources:
Crisis and Helpline Support Butterfly Foundation National Helpline — free, confidential support 7 days a week, 8am–midnight AEST Call 1800 334 673 or visit butterfly.org.au
Free Online Programs (No Referral Required) InsideOut eClinic: free, evidence-based self-help programs available anytime, no referral and no cost Inside Out Institute, including a Binge Eating eTherapy (BEeT) program for those 16+ Visit eclinic.insideoutinstitute.org.au
Information and Education National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) — evidence-based information, fact sheets, and resources on eating disorders for individuals, families, and health professionals NEDC Visit nedc.com.au
Eating Disorders Victoria — state-wide support, information, and referral pathways for Victorians Call 1300 550 236 or visit eatingdisorders.org.au
For Families and Carers Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) — free online counselling for carers, educational resources, and peer-led support groups available nationwide and online ReachOut Australia Visit edfa.org.au
 
Work with us: 
Book a FREE discovery call with our Naturopaths → [BOOK HERE]
Follow us on Instagram → [@thesanaco]
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are concerned about your relationship with food or your mental health, please speak with your GP or a qualified health professional.

In this episode of Sana Sessions, Karah sits down with Dr. Hannah Watson- founder of Acupuncture Wellness Co., BaZi practitioner, and Chinese medicine expert with over 12 years in practice, to unpack what the Year of the Horse really means, and why it's anything but simple.
Hannah breaks down BaZi (the Four Pillars of Destiny), how it differs from Western astrology, and why this particular year... a rare double Yang Fire which only comes around once every sixty years.
In this episode, we cover:
What BaZi is and how your birth date maps your energetic blueprint
Why double Yang Fire means there are literally "two suns in the sky" , and what that means for secrets, truth, and transformation
How 2025 compares to 2020 (they're exact opposites on the BaZi calendar 
The burnout risk hiding in all this momentum, and how to protect your energy
Why June is the month to watch this year
Three practical things you can do right now to work with the year's energy
A BaZi reading of Mariah Carey's chart (and what it reveals about her voice, her mother, and her hidden children)
How companies in China have historically used BaZi Masters instead of CVs to hire staff
Practical takeaways from Hannah:
Prioritise sleep and a consistent bedtime routine.  Nourishing yin is essential when yang fire is this high
Load up on green leafy vegetables to support the wood element that feeds fire
Reconnect with whatever brings you genuine joy, walking, gardening, meditation, journaling. Heart connection is the theme of the year.
Connect with Hannah Watson:
Website: www.acupuncturewellnessco.com.au Bookings for acupuncture, cosmetic acupuncture, cupping, and online BaZi readings available via her website.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acupuncturewellness_co/
 
Resources & Links:
Book a FREE discovery call with our Naturopaths → [BOOK HERE]
Follow us on Instagram → [@thesanaco]
This podcast is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplement routine. 

The Gut-Skin Connection: Why Your Skin Issues Start From Within
If you've been battling acne, eczema, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis and feel like nothing is working, this episode is for you. Karah and Teresa break down the science behind the gut-skin axis and explain why treating skin conditions topically is often just a band-aid solution.
In this episode we cover:
What the gut-skin axis is and how your gut and skin communicate with each other
The role of the microbiome and how gut dysbiosis shows up on your skin
Intestinal permeability (leaky gut) — what it is and how it drives skin inflammation
The estrobolome and why your bowel habits directly affect hormonal acne
How blood sugar instability and insulin resistance worsen breakouts
The liver-skin connection and what it means when your elimination pathways are overloaded
Why stress is one of the biggest skin triggers (and what's happening physiologically when it is)
Practical naturopathic strategies to support clearer skin from the inside out
Supplements that can help...and why getting the dose, form, and timing right really matters
Realistic timelines for skin healing (spoiler: it takes patience!)
Practical strategies mentioned:
Protein at breakfast, fiber with every meal, and plenty of healthy fats
Removing trigger foods (alcohol, NSAIDs, ultra-processed foods)
Prebiotic-rich foods: asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, onion, and kiwi fruit
Staying well hydrated, especially when increasing fiber intake
Anti-inflammatory foods: omega-3s, colourful polyphenols, turmeric
Stress modulation: sleep, gentle movement, reducing caffeine, breathwork
 
Resources & Links:
Book a FREE discovery call with our Naturopaths → [BOOK HERE]
Follow us on Instagram → [@thesanaco]
Download the FREE
Clear Skin Naturally: Understanding & Managing Acne
 Ebook → [DOWNLOAD HERE]
Share the Episode
If you loved this conversation, share it with a friend. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review to help more people discover Sana Sessions.
 
This episode is general in nature and not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or supplement routine. To work with the team at The Sana Co., visit thesanaco.com.au

In this episode of Sana Sessions, Brianna and Sienna tackle one of the most commonly dismissed yet deeply disruptive health experiences for women- PMS and PMDD. Spoiler: it's not just part of being a woman, and there is so much you can do about it.
They break down the difference between PMS and PMDD, including why PMDD is less about your hormone levels and more about how your brain and nervous system respond to normal hormonal fluctuations-  and why that distinction matters enormously for treatment.
You'll learn how your hormones shift across each phase of your cycle, what oestrogen dominance really means (and the surprising role your gut and liver play in it), and why blood sugar crashes might be making your luteal phase so much harder than it needs to be. They also dive into the histamine-hormone connection that's blowing up on TikTok... and whether the antihistamine trend actually has science behind it.
In this episode:
PMS vs PMDD: what's the difference and how are they diagnosed
The four phases of your cycle and how each one affects how you feel
Why your nervous system and neurotransmitters are central to PMDD
The estrogen-histamine connection and "period flu"
Blood sugar, stress, and nutrient deficiencies as key drivers of symptoms
The physiological sigh technique for nervous system regulation
Practical tips: what to eat, how to manage stress, and why planning ahead is everything
Recommendations this episode:
The Metabolism Reset by Lara Bryden
Vibration plates for lymphatic support
Electrolytes: Sodii & Hyrdomumma
Resources & Links:
Book a FREE discovery call with our Naturopaths → [BOOK HERE]
Follow us on Instagram → [@thesanaco]
Download the FREE Understanding PMS Ebook → [DOWNLOAD HERE]
Spice mix mentioned in recs: https://www.spicify.com.au/
Share the Episode
If you loved this conversation, share it with a friend. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review to help more people discover Sana Sessions.
 
This episode is general in nature and not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or supplement routine. To work with the team at The Sana Co., visit thesanaco.com.au

Struggling with bloating, reflux, constipation, loose stools or persistent gut symptoms despite eating well and taking supplements? In this episode of Sana Sessions, Clinical Nutritionist Sienna and Naturopath Karah break down the often overlooked drivers of poor gut health that go far beyond food choices. Instead of focusing on restrictive diets or quick fixes, they explore how stress, undereating, poor sleep, fast eating, overuse of “health” products and irregular bowel habits can quietly disrupt digestion, gut motility, nutrient absorption and the gut microbiome.
You’ll learn how chronic stress impacts stomach acid and enzyme production, why restrictive eating can worsen bloating and inflammation, how ultra-processed health foods and supplements may aggravate symptoms, and why chewing, slowing down and nervous system regulation matter more than most people realise. The episode also covers the link between sleep, blood sugar regulation and gut function, plus practical strategies to support regular bowel movements and reduce gut inflammation.
If you feel like you’re doing everything right but still don’t feel well, this episode offers a refreshing, evidence-informed perspective on digestive health. Tune in for realistic, compassionate strategies to support your gut naturally and sustainably without unnecessary restriction.
 
Resources & Links:
Book a FREE discovery call with our Naturopaths → [BOOK HERE]
Follow us on Instagram → [@thesanaco]
Download the FREE IBS Made Simple Ebook → [DOWNLOAD HERE]
Spice mix mentioned in recs: https://www.spicify.com.au/
Share the Episode
If you loved this conversation, share it with a friend. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review to help more people discover Sana Sessions.
 

Why do we overeat even when we’re not hungry? And why does it feel so hard to stop?
In this episode of Sana Sessions, Clinical Nutritionist Sienna unpacks the real reasons behind overeating and emotional eating and explains why it’s not a willpower issue. Instead, overeating is often a nervous system response to stress, restriction, emotional overwhelm, and depletion.
We cover the key biological and psychological drivers of overeating, including chronic dieting, under-eating, poor interoceptive awareness, and living in a constant state of stress. You’ll also learn how the nervous system uses food for comfort, regulation, stimulation, and safety, and why overeating commonly shows up in the afternoon or evening.
Sienna also shares practical, evidence-informed strategies to help break the cycle of overeating without shame or restriction. These include eating consistently throughout the day, building nervous system regulation tools outside of food, removing the morality from eating, and developing greater awareness of hunger, fullness, and emotional needs.
If you struggle with emotional eating, binge eating patterns, or feeling out of control around food, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening in your body and give you supportive, realistic tools to move forward.
Resources & Links:
Book a FREE discovery call with our Naturopaths → [BOOK HERE]
Follow us on Instagram → [@thesanaco]
Download the FREE Building Healthier Relationships with food Ebook → [DOWNLOAD HERE]
Share the Episode
If you loved this conversation, share it with a friend. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review to help more people discover Sana Sessions.

In this episode of Sana Sessions, Teresa dives deep into one of her favourite and most underestimated nutrients, vitamin D. Often dismissed as just a “bone health vitamin,” vitamin D is actually a hormone that influences immunity, mood, energy, fertility, hormones, skin health and gut function.
This episode explores:
• Why vitamin D behaves like a hormone• The connection between vitamin D, PMS, PCOS and fertility• How low vitamin D can impact mood, fatigue and immune resilience• Why gut issues can impair vitamin D absorption• The role of D3 and K2 in supplementation• Who is most at risk of deficiency• Common myths about vitamin D
If you experience low energy, frequent colds, low mood, worsened PMS or slow recovery, this episode will help you understand whether vitamin D could be playing a role.
Resources & Links:
Book a FREE discovery call with our Naturopaths → [BOOK HERE]
Follow us on Instagram → [@thesanaco]
Download the Reducing Anxiety Ebook → [DOWNLOAD HERE]
Share the Episode
If you loved this conversation, share it with a friend. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review to help more people discover Sana Sessions.

Histamine isn’t just about hay fever.
If you’re dealing with bloating, migraines, anxiety, PMS, PMDD, endometriosis, brain fog, reflux, skin flares, or “random” symptoms that don’t seem connected... this episode might change everything.
In this episode of Sana Sessions, Sienna and Brianna break down what histamine actually is, why it accumulates, how it impacts your gut, hormones and nervous system, and what you can start doing today to “drain your histamine bucket.”
You’ll learn:
Why histamine intolerance isn’t an allergy
The connection between histamine and estrogen
How SIBO and gut dysbiosis increase histamine
Why your symptoms may flare before your period
The nutrients that support DAO and histamine clearance
Practical steps to reduce your histamine load without restrictive dieting forever
Histamine intolerance is not a life sentence. It’s a signal.
 
Work with us:https://thesanaco.com.au
Follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thesanaco
Get our low histamine meal plan: HERE

In this episode of Sana Sessions, Karah and Teresa share an honest conversation about their experience with preconception, pregnancy and postpartum, from prenatal, to breastfeeding and everything in between. 
 
Resources & Links:
Book a FREE discovery call with our Naturopaths → [BOOK HERE]
Follow us on Instagram → [@thesanaco]
Download the Reducing Anxiety Ebook → [DOWNLOAD HERE]
Share the Episode
If you loved this conversation, share it with a friend. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review to help more people discover Sana Sessions.

In this episode, we dive into what the naturopathy course really entails and how to thrive, not just survive, while studying. We unpack the structure of the course, clinic expectations, assignments and student clinic hours, and the reality of balancing life, study and self-growth.
But we don’t stop there, we also share our best strategies to help you get the most out of your student years through smart study habits and intentional self-care.
Resources & Links:
Book a FREE discovery call with our Naturopaths → [BOOK HERE]
Follow us on Instagram → [@thesanaco]
Download the Reducing Anxiety Ebook → [DOWNLOAD HERE]
Share the Episode
If you loved this conversation, share it with a friend. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review to help more people discover Sana Sessions.