Doctor Verena

Doctor Verena Dr Verena Raschke-Cheema PhD, MSc. Nutritional Sciences, Kinesiologist, Author

is a highly accomplished academic and clinician in the field of nutritional science. Verena is also a neuro-training kinesiologist, holistic health consultant, author, keynote speaker and mentor. After a decade of clinical practice, Verena's dedication to delivering holistic, evidence-based solutions has seen her become an influential figure in her area of expertise. With credentials including a PhD and a Masters in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Vienna, Austria, Verena’s internationally-published works, including The Health Benefits of Traditional Food Habits and The Colonial and Neo-colonial Forces Underpinning the 'Nutrition Transition’ are frequently presented at major conferences. Her innovative conceptualisation of the ‘Nutrition Transition’ is now included in the curriculum of leading universities worldwide. Extending her knowledge far beyond the realm of traditional science, Verena is qualified in Neuro-Training Kinesiology, remains a registered professional member of the Australian Institute of Kinesiologists and is committed to ongoing professional development with 'Resolve, beyond Neurology'. Verena has a deep understanding of Ayurvedic medicine, studying with Dr Lilardha Gupta of Vrindaban, India. Doctor Verena's career has allowed her to specialise and gain invaluable experiences in the field of nutritional sciences across various cultures and continents, including Austria, Germany, Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. Today, she shares her profound understanding of the Nutrition Transition, gut health, and the path to radiant health with clients in her practice, delivers engaging workshops and seminars, and is a sought-after keynote speaker.

24/08/2025

Ice baths might be messing with your hormones 🥶

Women respond differently to cold, especially in the lead-up to your period.

Intense plunges can spike cortisol ⬆️ and disrupt hormonal balance.

How do you feel after cold exposure?

Let me know in the comments 🧡

Source: Broatch et al., 2019; Meeusen & De Meirleir, 1995

24/08/2025

If your hair is thinning or shedding more than usual, it could be your body’s way of saying it's missing something 🧐

And here’s the thing: “normal” lab results might not be enough. Just because you're “within range” doesn’t always mean your levels are optimal for hair growth.

Here’s what to test and look out for:

👉 Ferritin: 70–100 µg/L (below 50 = shedding!)
👉 Zinc: 14–18 µmol/L — needed for follicle repair
👉 Vitamin D: 100–150 nmol/L — crucial for scalp immunity
👉 B12: 500–800 pmol/L — fuels cell turnover
👉 Folate: >20 nmol/L — supports DNA & growth
👉 Protein (total): 70–80 g/L — hair is made of it!

Test + correct = give your follicles the fuel to regrow 🌱

Hair loss is often your body’s SOS for support. Get to the root before reaching for another shampoo 🧡

24/08/2025

Fizzy drinks with meals might be doing more harm than you realise 🫣

Think bloating, reflux and sluggish digestion.

👉 Instead, try enjoying them 30–60 mins away from meals.

Such a simple shift that can make a big difference.

Ever noticed how your body feels after a fizzy drink? Let’s chat in the comments 🧡

24/08/2025

Think twice before choosing farmed salmon 🐟

Although it's often marketed as a healthy choice, the truth is farmed salmon is one of the MOST contaminated foods on the planet.

💥 It can contain up to 10 times more pollutants than wild salmon, including PCBs, dioxins, antibiotics, synthetic dyes and pesticide laced feed, all of which can build up in your body over time and disrupt hormones, gut health and more.

If you’re eating salmon for the health benefits, make it count:

Always choose wild-caught ✅
Prioritise quality over convenience ✅

Your food should nourish you, not burden your body.

Tag someone who needs to know this or save it for your next shop 🧡

Your Brain Is Your Superpower — Feed It WellI had the absolute pleasure of joining on the Epic Vision Zone podcast to t...
24/08/2025

Your Brain Is Your Superpower — Feed It Well

I had the absolute pleasure of joining on the Epic Vision Zone podcast to talk all things brain brilliance — from the foods that fuel memory, focus, and creativity, to the surprising ways diet shapes your mood, sleep, and resilience to stress. 🧠💡

In this episode, we dive into:
🥦 The top brain-boosting foods & herbs for mental sharpness
😌 How your daily meals impact mood & emotional balance
🌙 Eating for deeper, more restorative sleep
⚡ The truth about energy drinks & caffeine overload
🍽️ A day-in-the-life of brain-supportive eating

If you’ve ever wanted to think clearer, remember more, and feel emotionally stronger — this is your sign to start with your plate.

🎧Tune in on Epic Vision Zone — link in bio.

24/08/2025

You can spend time in the sun, take your supplements and still be deficient in vitamin D.

👉 Why? Because it’s not just about getting sunshine, it’s about what your body can actually absorb and use.

Vitamin D is fat-soluble, meaning it needs healthy bile production and proper fat digestion for absorption in the small intestine.

❌ If you’re dealing with gut inflammation, dysbiosis or poor fat digestion, your body might be blocking it without you even realising.

Research also shows that certain gut microbes, such as Lactobacillus species, can enhance vitamin D receptor (VDR) activity, helping your body use vitamin D more efficiently ✅

And for some, genetics play a role too. If you have a VDR mutation, your body may struggle to activate vitamin D, even at higher doses.

In these cases, supplementing with a specialised form of vitamin D: Calcifediol (25-hydroxyvitamin D3) can be especially helpful, as it bypasses the liver and is more bioavailable. It’s particularly beneficial for those with liver conditions, methylation gene mutations or fat malabsorption issues.

Curious if your gut could be affecting your vitamin D?

Book in for a consultation. Link in bio 🧡

24/08/2025

It's time to ditch Yakult 🙌

Yakult might be cute in its tiny bottle, but here’s the truth:

❌ Yakult contains only one strain (Lactobacillus casei Shirota), added after pasteurisation, meaning no natural fermentation. Plus it’s loaded with sugar (12g in one tiny bottle!).

✅ Kefir is the OG probiotic powerhouse—fermented with 30–50+ diverse strains of beneficial bacteria and yeasts. It’s naturally low in sugar, richer in bioavailable nutrients like B12 + K2, and actually colonises your gut, not just passes through.

So here are 3 of the best kefir brands available in Australia.

🔸 Guty Kefir - Organic, traditional fermentation, zero added sugar
🔸 Babushka’s Kefir – Creamy, authentic and full of gut-loving cultures
🔸 Blue Bay Kefir – Made with 100% grass fed and certified organic milk, probiotic-rich

Start with ¼ cup daily and build up to support digestion, immunity and mental clarity.

Real kefir > Yakult. Every. Single. Time 🧡

24/08/2025

Just spotted a new oat milk on the shelf that contains oats and sunflower oil. Sounds simple, but it's not ideal 🙅‍♀️

Sunflower oil, along with other industrially processed oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can throw off your omega-3 to omega-6 balance, contributing to inflammation in the body.

So when it comes to oat milk, these are the two brands I trust and recommend:

Oatly Organic ✅
OMG Oat Milk ✅

Both are free from unnecessary oils, additives and gums. Just clean, simple ingredients that your body can can actually recognise and use.

So this is your reminder to always read the label, even on the “healthy” stuff.

Save this for your next grocery shop or send it to someone who’s oat milk obsessed 🧡

24/08/2025

Ever wondered why slow-cooked meats feel so nourishing?

Science has an answer 💡 they help increase Bacteroides, a key genus of gut bacteria that supports digestion, reduces inflammation, and strengthens your gut lining.⁠
⁠
Here’s why it matters:⁠

👉 Bacteroides thrive on amino acids + collagen-rich proteins — exactly what you get from long, slow cooks like bone broths, stews or pulled meats.

👉 These bacteria regulate immune function, help with fat metabolism and produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids (like propionate) that reduce gut and systemic inflammation.

👉 A healthy Bacteroides balance is linked to sharper cognition, less anxiety, and improved stress resilience.

Unlike highly processed meats, slow-cooked, grass-fed cuts retain minerals, gelatin and connective tissue that literally seal and heal a leaky gut.⁠
⁠
💥 Pro tip: Cook with herbs, add bone-in cuts, and include fibrous veg (think carrots, leeks, turnips) for a prebiotic + protein gut-loving combo.⁠
⁠
This is slow food for microbiome mastery 🧡

Your Brain Is Your Superpower — Feed It Well ✨I had the absolute pleasure of joining Jane Applegath on the Epic Vision Z...
10/08/2025

Your Brain Is Your Superpower — Feed It Well ✨

I had the absolute pleasure of joining Jane Applegath on the Epic Vision Zone podcast to talk all things brain brilliance — from the foods that fuel memory, focus, and creativity, to the surprising ways diet shapes your mood, sleep, and resilience to stress. 🧠💡

In this episode, we dive into:
🥦 The top brain-boosting foods & herbs for mental sharpness
😌 How your daily meals impact mood & emotional balance
🌙 Eating for deeper, more restorative sleep
⚡ The truth about energy drinks & caffeine overload
🍽️ A day-in-the-life of brain-supportive eating

If you’ve ever wanted to think clearer, remember more, and feel emotionally stronger — this is your sign to start with your plate. 🥗

🎧 Tune in on Epic Vision Zone with Jane Applegath - Coach

https://youtu.be/1rtFVstbKKg

Address

Suite 1, 24 Young Street Novello Building, Young Street Medical
Wollongong, NSW
2500

Opening Hours

Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6am
Friday 8am - 6am

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Doctor Verena posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Doctor Verena:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category