In this episode of Microbiome Medics, Dr. Siobhan McCormack is joined by Professor Egija Zaura from the Academic Centre of Dentistry in Amsterdam to explore the significance of the oral microbiome. They discuss why the oral microbiome warrants attention alongside the gut microbiome, emphasizing its role as the body’s first defense against pathogens.

The conversation highlights the complex interactions within the oral cavity and the consequences of dysbiosis on oral health, linking it to systemic issues like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. As practical applications are discussed, Professor Zahra shares the importance of saliva, dietary choices, and the implications of oral hygiene products on microbial diversity. The hosts encourage proactive oral health practices, translating intricate research into actionable insights for listeners.

Professor Egija Zaura has a degree in dentistry. She is University Research Chair Professor in Oral Microbial Ecology at ACTA. Her research topics span from biofilm models and clinical studies to advanced molecular technologies in oral microbial diagnostics and complex sequencing data analyses. Her current principal interests lay on oral microbial ecology at health and disease, and translating this fundamental knowledge to the clinical practice.

This podcast is presented in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode of Microbiome Medics, host Sheena welcomes microbiome science celebrity Dr. Jack Gilbert about his journey from butterfly ecologist to a leading figure in microbiome research. They explore the American Gut Project's goal of understanding microbiome diversity, the Nutrition Precision Health Program’s focus on linking nutrition to health outcomes, and the clinical implications of microbiome data in patient care. Jack highlights the potential of pharmacomicrobiomics and discusses advancements in linking the microbiome to mental health. He also introduces his co-authored book, “Dirt is Good,” aimed at helping parents support their children's microbiomes. This conversation offers a compelling look at the future of microbiome science and its impact on health.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Don't miss the first of two episodes on the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) in chronic pain.

30% of the UK population suffer from chronic pain and pharmacological options have proved disappointing and even downright dangerous . Could harnessing the gut microbiome be part of new approaches for this prevalent condition? Our tireless Microbiome Medics cover the MGBA basics, marvel at brain microglia and astrocytes, and identify chronic inflammation as a major player in chronic pain. They discuss a 2023 pilot study by Sala-Climent et al. looking at the effect of an anti-inflammatory diet on measures of chronic pain. 

Part two of this podcast will include UK Pain Specialist and author Dr Deepak Ravindran, who will be talking about his Lifestyle Medicine approach to chronic pain which includes optimising the gut microbiome and nutrition.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode we explore the fascinating vaginal microbiome. With the expertise of Professor Sarah LeBeer, a leading scientist in the field , we unravel  the complexities of this unique microbial ecosystem and its crucial role in women's health. Listen in as we discuss the dominance of lactobacilli in maintaining vaginal health and their potential influence  on other aspects of  health and well-being. Professor Lebeer explains the  dynamic shifts the vaginal microbiome undergoes across the lifespan, and the  implications these changes may have on both maternal and newborn health.

This  conversation celebrates citizen science through the Isala project. This initiative not only uncovered pivotal insights into vaginal microbiome variations but also empowered women to engage in open dialogues about their vaginal health. We address the impacts of personal habits on this intriguing microbial ecosystem  and how the knowledge gained may help shape diagnostics and treatments in women's health.

To wrap up, we explore the potential of probiotics tailored for the vaginal microbiome and the challenges they present. As we sift through the confusion surrounding probiotic products, we share practical advice for healthcare professionals and patients alike on nurturing a healthy vaginal ecosystem. From diet to lifestyle choices, we offer resources and insights that encourage proactive stewardship of one's microbiome. So, whether you're a healthcare professional or simply someone interested in the wonders of the human body, this episode is packed with intriguing discoveries and actionable knowledge.

To find out more about Professor Lebeer's work:
https://lebeerlab.com/
https://isala.be/

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Hello, fellow gut-health enthusiasts.

In this episode Dr. Siobhan McCormack and Dr. Sheena Fraser welcome you to a conversation about the popular fermented beverage that's sweeping the health world: kombucha. They explain what it is, how it’s made and what it might do for your gut health.

Learn about the celebrated SCOBY(symbiotic culture of bacteria& yeast) and how to brew your own kombucha before hearing from Emma & Kenny , founders of HIP POP beverages and fellow microbiome enthusiasts who tell us how they have turned a passion  for kombucha  into a thriving and rapidly expanding business.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

As 2023 draws to a close, it is time for Microbiome Medics to pause and reflect on
12 months of podcasts, conferences, talks, and courses. All with the aim of raising
awareness of the importance of the gut microbiome (and other human microbiomes) to all aspects of healthcare.

Thankfully, they are not just stuffing your stocking with knowledge, but also
adding some holiday cheer. Tune in for a festive exchange of microbiome-related
gifts and book recommendations. Perfect for the curious minds in your life.
Plus, find out what microbiome nerds gift each other for Christmas at the
Microbiome Medics ‘not so secret Santa’ office party.

A Christmas message from Microbiome Medics
Thank you to all the listeners for your support, constructive feedback, and great
ideas and most of all, thank you for listening! Thank you also for the incredible
feedback we have had for our Gut Microbiome for Clinicians course, which endeavours
to provide an in-depth understanding of the gut microbiome for fellow HealthCare
Professionals.

Remember to take care of your microbiomes over the festive season, and we look
forward to another year of exploring, learning, and improving our health through
understanding the fascinating world of microbiomes.

Book Recommendations:

• There's a Zoo in my Poo by Felice Jacka & Rob Craw
• Dark Matter by Dr James Kinross
• Animal Moves by Darryl Edwards
• The Plant-based Diet Revolution by Dr Alan Desmond

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

'When I found myself teetering on the edge of prediabetes, I knew I needed to make a change. I chose movement, and it changed my life.' - On our latest episode, we discuss this journey with Darryl Edwards, a movement coach and author, who made this transformation. From a fascinating conversation about the Primal Play Method to an enlightening discussion on the transformative power of exercise on the gut microbiome, this episode is full of insights and inspiration.

We also delve into fascinating research on the effects of exercise on our gut health. Darryl and I explore interesting animal studies that show how physical activity can boost the presence of beneficial bacteria and reduce the number of harmful ones. We discuss how diet and other factors associated with athleticism can enhance these benefits. We also touch on the importance of nutrition for athletes, especially in relation to energy expenditure, mitochondrial function, and the production of short-chain fatty acids.

Finally, we explore the implications of modern sedentary lifestyles on our health and gut microbiomes. From the evolution of furniture to the advancement of technology, we discuss how our environments encourage inactivity. But it's never too late to make a change. Whether it's introducing exercise early in life, opting for outdoor activities like gardening, or just learning to move more, every step towards a more active lifestyle can have profound impacts on our health and gut microbiomes. So, join us on this journey of discovery and learn how to reclaim the joy of movement!

https://www.primalplay.com/blog/unlock-the-power-of-play-how-active-play-boosts-adult-health-happiness

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this podcast episode, Dr Sheena Fraser and Dr Siobhan Mccormack (aka Microbiome Medics) discuss the significant impact of antibiotics on the gut microbiome. They are joined by an expert in this area Dr Anastasia Theodosiou, who is both a Microbiome Scientist and a  Registar in Microbiology & Infectious Disease.

Dr Anastasia introduces her novel term Microbiotoxicity which can be used to  explain and  predict the effects of antibiotics on human  microbiomes. The discussion also covers other drugs like proton pump inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which can also perturb the gut microbiome. Listeners will gain insights into the recovery timeline of the gut microbiome after antibiotic exposure and the implications of gut microbiome disruptors like Caesarian section delivery and neonatal formula feeding on both gut health and other health outcomes across the lifespan. This episode highlights the importance considering the impact of medications on the gut microbiome and how we might start to bridge the gap between microbiome research and clinical practice.

Dr Theodosiou is an MRC Clinical Research Training Fellow (University of Southampton) and an Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology Registrar. Her research involves the use of controlled human infection to study microbiome development in early life, including the world’s first respiratory human challenge study in pregnancy.

https://idiotspodcasting.buzzsprout.com/1782416/13193172-56-antibiotics-breastfeeding-and-infant-health

Theodosiou AA, Jones CE, Read RC, Bogaert D. Microbiotoxicity: antibiotic usage and its unintended harm to the microbiome. Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2023;36(5):371-378. doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000000945 https://www.hellomicro.org/post/microbiome-microbiotoxicity https://www.nbmedical.com/blog/microbiotoxicity

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this 3rd & final episode Dr Sheena & Dr Shiv get to chat to Professor Robert Thomas , a full time NHS Consultant Oncologist, Sorts and Nutrition scientist and active medical researcher who explains why he thinks the gut microbiome and gut health are key to cancer prevention, response cancer therapies and survivorship.

They discuss diet, research and patient empowerment. It seems that small, simple , achievable dietary and behaviour changes really can improve outcomes , overall wellbeing and survivorship. 

Professor Robert Thomas is a full time NHS Consultant Oncologist at Bedford and Addenbrooke's Hospitals, a teacher at Cambridge University and visiting Professor of Sports and nutritional science at the University of Bedfordshire. He trained at the Royal Marsden Hospital had period of full-time laboratory and clinical research at the Institute of Cancer and Duke University, North Carolina. He now manages patients with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormones and biological targeted treatments but incorporates nutritional and lifestyle strategies to enhance their effect, reduce side effects and improve overall wellbeing.

He is also head of a Lifestyle and Cancer Research Unit which designs and conducts government backed studies evaluating the impact of exercise, diet and natural therapies on cancer, other chronic diseases and more recently recovery from Covid-19. In collaboration with Universities in Southern California, Cambridge and Glasgow, this unit has published over 100 peer reviewed scientific papers and regularly presents studies across the World. He is a patron of two cancer support charities and advises Macmillan and other support groups on their informal materials for patients.

He previously led the UK Polybalm and Pomi-T randomised studies and currently leads the UK's covid-19 nutritional intervention study (The Phyto-V study) assessing whether prebiotic polyphenol rich foods plus a probiotic could lower the severity and duration of symptoms.

He is author of the UK bestseller "How to Live" and has been awarded The British Oncology Association “Oncologist of the Year” and The Royal College of Radiologist Research Medal.

Twitter: @cancernetUK

Facebook: @cancernetUK

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this 2nd episode on cancer and the gut microbiome , our Microbiome Medics duo continue their exploration of the impact of the gut microbiome on all aspects of cancer biology focusing on responses to cancer therapies and the potential effects of medications such as antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors on the resident microbes.

Dr Sheena discusses practical advice to improve gut health that she discusses with her NHS patients diagnosed with cancer and Dr Shiv introduces a few new concepts including the Oestrobolome and its importance to breast cancer and discusses a paper describing microbiomes within several different types of human cancers which may help further understanding of the impact of microorganisms on the hallmarks of cancer.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In the UK someone is diagnosed with cancer every two minutes. Every 4 minutes, someone dies of cancer. Startling statistics indeed, but did you know that human microbiomes, and the gut microbiome in particular, is pivotal to every aspect of cancer prevention, treatment response ,recovery and survivorship?

Given the importance of the subject, your loyal microbiome nerds, Dr Sheena and Dr Shiv, have chosen to allocate not one , not two, but three episodes of Microbiome Medics Podcast to this rapidly evolving and complex area of research.

In this first episode they get down and dirty with a cancer cell to figure out exactly how and why your resident gut micro-organisms might just be one of the most important resources you can utilise to harness the mighty power of your body’s remarkable and extensive anti-cancer systems. Dr Shiv thinks she can get you to fall in love with her favourite gut microbiome research paper and Dr Sheena gets all hot under the collar about the effect of sweeteners on gut microbiome function. Enjoy.

The paper discussed in this episode is:

O'Keefe SJ et al. Fat, fibre and cancer risk in African Americans and rural Africans. Nat Commun. 2015 Apr 28;6:6342. doi: 10.1038/ncomms7342.

Chakalaka recipe link: https://www.wikihow.life/Make-Chakalaka

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Have you ever considered what difference infant feeding choice makes to long-term infant health? 

In this episode our two microbiome medics compare the impact of breast milk and formula milk on the developing infant gut microbiome. They  consider the rates of breast feeding in the UK and potential barriers to breast feeding, drawing on  their own experiences. Dr Shiv discusses a research paper from the USA  which looks at ‘re-wilding’ the infant gut microbiome with Bifidobacterium Infantis. 

The research paper discussed this episode:

O’Brien CE, Meier AK, Cernioglo K, Mitchell RD, Casaburi G, Frese SA, et al. Early probiotic supplementation with B. infantis in breastfed infants leads to persistent colonization at 1 year. Pediatr Res. 2022 Feb;91(3):627–36.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode of the Microbiome Medics Podcast, Dr. Sheena Fraser is joined by citizen scientist Martha Carlin, who shares her personal journey into the world of Parkinson’s disease research. After her husband John was diagnosed in 2002, Martha utilized her background in accounting and systems analysis to investigate the complex connections between the gut microbiome and Parkinson’s symptoms. She emphasizes the role of dietary changes, including organic foods, and discusses the innovative probiotic formula, “Sugar Shift,” developed by her team that showed promise in enhancing gut health and alleviating symptoms.

The conversation explores the gut-brain axis, detailing how gut health affects neurotransmitter production, notably dopamine. Martha advocates for a holistic approach to treatment that includes lifestyle modifications such as exercise, which greatly benefited John. Reflecting on her husband’s fight against the disease and their quest for awareness, Martha encourages listeners to advocate for further research into Parkinson’s and consider the microbiome’s role in chronic disease management.

Links:
www.biotiquest.com 
www.marthasquest.com
www.thebiocollective.com

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

You are 50% microbial by cell count, and your gut microbiome is central to all aspects of your physiology and health. The Microbiome Medics think you should know where the trillions of bacteria living in your intestines come from.

In this episode of Microbiome Medics, our microbiome obsessed duo discuss the importance of birth mode on gut microbiome acquisition. They highlight the massive increases in Caesarean section rates, and even chat about their own birth experiences. (Spoiler alert...it hurt)

Not to be missed by anyone born by vaginal delivery or caesarian section (or both).

That means you, by the way.  Get listening!

Discussed in this episode:

Korpela K, de Vos WM. Infant gut microbiota restoration: state of the art. Gut Microbes. 2022;14(1):2118811.
Shao Y et al. Stunted microbiota, and opportunistic pathogen colonization in caesarean section birth. Nature. 2019;574(7776):117–121.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

This week on the Microbiome Medics Podcast, Sheena and Siobhan are joined by fermentation expert - Janice Clyne. The team discuss the impact of fermented foods on the gut microbiome. Siobhan brings some interesting research comparing a fermented food diet to a high fibre diet and Janice shares a recipe with the listeners for a delicious and easy to make carrot kraut.
 
This week's paper is:
Wastyk HC, Fragiadakis GK, Perelman D, Dahan D, Merrill BD, Yu FB, et al. Gut-microbiota-targeted diets modulate human immune status. Cell [Internet]. 2021 Aug 5;184(16):4137-4153.e14. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2021.06.019

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this month's episode of Microbiome Medics - Siobhan and Sheena discuss "leaky gut". The controversy around this condition and the evidence of its existence and link with disease. A paper on emulsifiers is discussed in the research section. 

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode Siobhan and Sheena introduce you to the gut microbiome and discuss how it influences our health. They also consider how this knowledge has changed their own clinical practice. A recent research article on pain and the gut microbiome is discussed followed by a question and answer section. 

Reference

Nociceptor neurones direct goblet cells via a CGRP-RAMP1 axis to drive mucous production and gut barrier protection. Draping Yung et Al; Cell Oct 27 2022; article 1, Vol 185, ISS 22, p 4190-4205

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

This special episode of the Microbiome Medics podcast discusses the impact of the festive period on our gut microbiome. Sheena and Siobhan consider the positive and negative impacts of lifestyle and relationships and give tips on enhancing and protecting your gut microbiome over this period. Includes a festive research article and question and answer section. 

References

"The effect of having christmas dinner with inlaws on the gut microbiota composition" Nicolieu C De Clercy et al; Human Microbiome Journal; Vol13; Aug 2019

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode of Microbiome Medics, we sit down with Toni Harman, the filmmaker behind the award-winning documentary Microbirth and co-author of The Microbiome Effect. Toni shares how her personal childbirth experience, including an emergency cesarean and challenges with breastfeeding, sparked her mission to explore the critical role of the infant microbiome. We discuss the insights from Microbirth, which features leading scientists on how birthing methods and infant nutrition shape a child’s microbiome and immune system. Toni also highlights her vision for empowering expectant parents through an antenatal class focused on microbiome science, advocating for informed, compassionate birthing practices to support long-term health.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode of the Microbiomedics podcast, Dr. Sheena Fraser and Dr. Siobhan McCormack share insights from the BSLM conference in Newcastle. They highlight the vibrant discussions on community health initiatives and the role of young advocates, like those from "Bite Back," in combating ultra-processed foods. The doctors emphasize the urgent need to address adolescent mental health and the impact of diet on well-being, advocating for holistic health education in schools. They encourage listeners to advocate for these essential changes in their communities.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode of Microbiome Medics Podcast, Dr. Sheena Fraser speaks with Dr. Holly Wilkinson, a microbiome scientist at Hull York Medical School, about the vital role of the skin microbiome in health and disease. We discuss how the skin microbiome’s unique characteristics, influenced by factors like body location and hygiene, are crucial for maintaining skin health. Dr. Wilkinson explains the relationship between the skin barrier and microbiota and the implications for conditions like acne and eczema.

We also explore natural skincare options, the research on probiotics for wound healing, and her current studies on chronic wounds, emphasising microbiome composition as a predictor for healing outcomes. This engaging conversation underscores the importance of a holistic approach to skincare and the need for more awareness of microbiome science in clinical practice.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Dr. Siobhan McCormack interviews James Kinross, a colorectal surgeon and microbiome researcher. James discusses the potential of robotic surgery and its precision, the link between the microbiome and colorectal cancer, and the importance of preserving gut health. They explore probiotics, evidence-based treatments, and the role of Fusobacterium nucleatum in colorectal cancer. James emphasizes the need for microbial conservation for disease prevention and offers practical advice from his book "Dark Matter" on diet and nutrition for a healthier gut microbiome. This conversation highlights the critical impact of microbiome research on the future of healthcare.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Dr. Siobhan McCormack, Dr. Sheena Fraser, and guest Lucy Kerrison (aka The GutNut Dietician) discuss the role of diet in managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), focusing on Crohn's disease. Lucy emphasizes personalized nutrition, debunks dietary myths during flare-ups, and addresses challenges accessing dietitians in the NHS. The conversation covers low fiber diets, the Crohn's disease exclusion diet, essential nutrients in IBD management, fermented foods, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), and the low FODMAP diet. They advocate for tailored dietary advice, highlight the scarcity of dietitians for effective gut health management, and stress the importance of updated guidelines and holistic approaches in tackling gut-related conditions.

Patient resources

• https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk 
• https://gutscharity.org.uk 
• https://www.bda.uk.com
• https://www.alandesmond.com/revolution

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode of the Microbiome Medics Podcast, we are joined by Lee Holdstock from the Soil Association, UK's biggest organic certifier, to explore the vital connection between soil health and human microbiomes. Our discussion highlights the benefits of organic farming practices for soil health, biodiversity, and ultimately, human well-being. We delve into the efficiencies of nature in organic farming, emphasizing the need to transition towards sustainable practices for healthier soil and more nutritious food choices. The conversation also addresses the impact of intensive farming on animal welfare, the nutritional advantages of organic food, and the challenges of promoting organic farming to consumers. We underscore the importance of upholding organic farming standards, certification processes, and the role of healthy soils in supporting human health. Ultimately, we advocate for supporting organic and sustainable farming methods, improving agricultural policies, and making informed food choices for a healthier future.

https://www.soilassociation.org/
https://www.foodforlife.org.uk/
https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Join Dr. Siobhan McCormack and Dr. Sheena Fraser on the Microbiome Medics Podcast as they host pain management consultant Dr. Deepak Ravindran. Dr. Deepak  discusses the importance of a holistic approach to pain management, incorporating factors like exercise, diet, sleep, and mind-body techniques. The conversation dives into different types of pain, chronic pain's connection to the immune system, and the potential impact of microbiome and dietary interventions. Dr. Deepak  emphasises patient-centered care, individualized treatment plans, and the significance of considering mood, anxiety, and past trauma experiences. Recommendations on nutrition, probiotics, and a holistic approach to chronic pain management are explored, promoting a patient-centered healthcare model. 

Dr Deepak explains the evidence behind his approach which he has made available to patients and clinicians alike in the form of his excellent book The Pain-Free Mindset. Dr  Deepak is particularly fascinated by the way in which the gut microbiome influences all aspects of pain through the gut-brain-axis  and how we can harness this knowledge to better understand and manage chronic pain using non-drug modalities including nutrition, sleep and mindfulness.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode of Microbiome Medics, Dr. Sheena Fraser sits down with Professor Tim Spector, a leading expert in microbiome research and co-founder of Zoe. They explore how gut microbes influence health, from metabolism to mental well-being, and discuss the latest insights from personalized nutrition studies. Tim shares his journey from genetic epidemiology to microbiome science, revealing how diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in shaping our gut health. The conversation also tackles the impact of ultra-processed foods, the future of microbiome research, and practical steps for optimizing gut diversity. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on the science behind the microbiome revolution!

This podcast is presented in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Buckle up for a fascinating journey through microbiome history! Dr. Siobhan McCormack welcomes the esteemed Professor Martin Blaser for an episode that travels through pivotal moments in microbiome science using a "Back to the Future"-inspired lens. Hear their engaging discussion, complete with time-traveling sound effects, as they explore Professor Blaser's career, the impact of antibiotics, and the critical importance of our microbial partners.

This podcast is presented in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode of Microbiome Medics, Dr. Siobhan McCormack and Dr. Sheena Fraser are reunited. They share their recent experiences presenting at major conferences and underscore the importance of integrating microbiome science into mainstream medicine, particularly concerning pre- and post-operative care; they delve into how lifestyle interventions, especially diet, significantly impact surgical outcomes, immune response, and recovery by influencing the gut microbiome, also discussing the detrimental effects of the hospital environment and common medical interventions on gut health, and advocating for a holistic, patient-centered approach that prioritizes gut health to improve overall well-being and reduce complications like post-operative pain and cognitive dysfunction, while teasing an upcoming interview with a leading expert in the field.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

For this episode of Microbiome Medics, Dr Sheena Fraser is joined by Dr Aslı Devrim Lanpir, an expert in nutrition and dietetics, with a focus on sports nutrition and exercise physiology. This episode delves into the fascinating link between the gut microbiome and athletic performance. They explore the effect of demanding training regimens on gut health, and what specific changes athletes can make to mitigate these challenges and enhance recovery.

Resources:

• https://isappscience.org/

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode of Microbiome Medics, Dr. Sheena Fraser welcomes Dr. Nihan Maron, a veterinary doctor and microbiologist, to discuss the essential connections between pet and human microbiomes. Dr. Nihan highlights how pets, especially dogs, enhance our microbial diversity and health, while emphasizing the importance of mindful antibiotic use and the role of probiotics. The conversation also addresses pet nutrition, advocating for diets that reflect natural eating habits, and the risks of processed foods. They conclude with the "One Health Approach," reinforcing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This episode encourages pet owners to take an integrated approach to health through nurturing their pets’ microbiomes.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode, Dr Siobhan McCormack is in conversation with Professor John Alverdy from the University of Chicago, a Professor of Surgery and a pioneer in microbiome research. They explore the crucial link between gut health and surgical outcomes, particularly in addressing post-operative infections and complications.

The conversation highlights the significance of the gut microbiome in healing, revealing that many infections may stem from the patient's own flora. The episode also tackles the implications of widespread antibiotic use and the need for prudent stewardship to protect beneficial gut microbes.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Sheena Fraser is joined by Dr. Olga Morton, a GP and lifestyle medic specializing in women's health, to explore the intricate link between menopause and the gut microbiome.

Looking beyond Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), they discuss how powerful lifestyle changes can soothe symptoms and promote long-term health. The conversation dives into the benefits of a plant-based diet, the role of phytoestrogens, and the importance of the estrobolome, the gut bacteria that help regulate your hormones.

Tune in to learn practical strategies for managing stress, sleep, and exercise, and discover how to embrace menopause as a journey of empowerment and self-care.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Sheena Fraser is joined by Monica 'Mo' Wilde, an expert forager, research herbalist, and award-winning author of The Wilderness Cure. Mo discusses her remarkable year-long experiment, detailed in her 'Wildbiome Project', where she lived exclusively on wild, foraged foods to explore its effects on her gut microbiome.

The conversation covers the rules of her challenge, the incredible biodiversity of her diet, which included over 300 plant species, and the significant health changes she experienced, such as effortless weight loss and shifts in key gut bacteria. Analyzing her microbiome results throughout the seasons, they explore the profound impact of a biodiverse, ancestral diet on gut health, inflammation, and overall well-being, highlighting a stark contrast to modern eating habits and underscoring the benefits of reconnecting with nature's pantry.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Join us in this enlightening episode as we explore the intricate relationship between herbalism and gut health with returning expert herbalist Mo Wilde. Discover how the gut microbiome influences the effectiveness of herbal treatments and the holistic approach to healing. Dive into the historical context of herbal medicine and its integration with modern practices, offering a fresh perspective on personalized health care.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

From the viral moment on The Traitors to the biology of the "silent but deadly," this episode is an unashamed deep dive into flatulence. Drs Siobhan and Sheena are joined by Julie Thompson, Lead Dietitian at Guts UK Charity, to break the stigma around passing wind. We discuss what normal gas looks like, why fiber makes us farty (and why that's a good thing!), and the truth about the Low FODMAP diet for IBS sufferers. Plus, we answer the important questions: Do spiders fart? And do charcoal underpants actually work?

Featured Guest:

Julie Thompson is a Gastroenterology Specialist Dietitian with over 16 years of experience supporting people with digestive diseases. She has a particular interest in disorders of gut-brain interaction, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

A leading voice in her field, Julie contributed to the British Dietetic Association’s (BDA) dietary guidelines for IBS and has delivered the BDA’s Low FODMAP diet training to dietitians across the UK. She currently serves as the Information Manager at the charity Guts UK and sits on the BSG Gut Microbiota for Health Expert Panel.

References and resources:

• Guts UK Charity: https://gutscharity.org.uk/
• Book: Fartology by Stefan Gates
• Book: Does It Fart? by Nick Caruso & Dani Rabaiotti
• The Physics of Farts: Ancalle, D., et al. (2021). "Physics of flatulence." The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.
• What is a "Normal" Amount of Gas? Modesto, A., et al. (2021). "Meta-Analysis of the Composition of Human Intestinal Gases." Digestive Diseases and Sciences.
• Microbes & Metabolism: Rowland, I., et al. (2018). "Gut microbiota functions: metabolism of nutrients and other food components." European Journal of Nutrition. (See the excellent section on intestinal gas & microbes!)
• Carb Intolerance: Fernández-Bañares, F. (2022). "Carbohydrate Maldigestion and Intolerance." Nutrients.
• The "Bean Study": Winham, D., & Hutchins, A. (2011). "Perceptions of flatulence from bean consumption among adults in 3 feeding studies." Nutrition Journal. (Evidence that the gas often goes away after a few weeks!)
• Symptoms in the UK: Thomson, C., Garcia, A., & Edwards, C. (2021). "Digestive symptoms, diet and demographics in UK adults." Proceedings of the Nutrition Society.
• Global Gas Survey: Palsson, O.S., et al. (2025). "Gas-Related Symptoms in the General Population: Prevalence, Impact and Associated Factors." Neurogastroenterology & Motility.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Sheena Fraser speaks with her lifelong friend, Katherine Saville, about her transformative journey through breast cancer recurrence and holistic healing. From high-stress corporate life to finding stillness, Katherine shares how she used lifestyle medicine, specifically diet, exercise, and microbiome health, to support her treatment and recovery.

Key Topics:

1. Navigating the isolation and fear of a cancer diagnosis.
2. The hidden dangers of chronic stress and "soldiering on."
3. Practical tips for gut-friendly nutrition during chemotherapy.
4. Finding new purpose and building community after illness.

You can find out more about Cancer Support Netherlands at https://cancersupportnetherlands.nl/

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Join Dr. Siobhan McCormack and the "fibre-fabulous" Dr. Emily Leeming, a former superyacht chef turned King's College London microbiome scientist and registered dietitian. Discover why fibre is the overlooked "Cinderella nutrient," how it fuels your gut microbiome, and practical, delicious ways to hit your 30-gram daily target without the bloat.

What We Cover:

1. The Chef-to-Scientist Pipeline: Dr. Leeming's journey from the high seas to gut health research.
2. The "Blue Poo" Study: What transit time actually is and what it reveals about your digestion.
3. Disease Prevention: How feeding your gut microbiome protects against colorectal cancer and heart disease.
4. Simple Food Combos: Chef-approved tips to easily sneak more whole grains, nuts, and beans into your busy day.

About

Dr. Leeming is a scientist at King's College London, a dietitian, and part of the Harvard-led PROSPECT team investigating early colorectal cancer. She is the bestselling author and writes the popular Second Brain newsletter for over 30,000 subscribers.

Resources Mentioned:

1. Genius Gut: The Life-Changing Science of Eating for Your Second Brain by Dr. Emily Leeming
2. Fiber Power by Dr. Emily Leeming (Releasing May 21st)
3. Gut by Giulia Enders
4. The Psychobiotic Revolution by Scott C. Anderson, John F. Cryan, and Ted Dinan

Scientific References Discussed:

1. O’Keefe SJD, et al. (2015). Fat, fibre and cancer risk in African Americans and rural Africans. Nature Communications.
2. Asnicar F, Leeming ER, et al. (2021). "Blue Poo: Impact of Gut Transit Time on the Gut Microbiome Using a Novel Marker." Gut.
3. Burkitt D, Trowell H. (1975). Refined Carbohydrate Foods and Disease.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this insightful episode, Dr. Sheena Fraser welcomes back Dr. Anastasia Theodosiou and introduces Baroness Natalie Bennett to discuss the Consumer Products (Control of Biocides) Bill. They unpack the hidden dangers of unregulated antimicrobial chemicals found in everyday items, from toothpaste to treated textiles, and the urgent need to protect our microbiomes from this "chemical cocktail". The trio discusses the critical distinction between medical antibiotics and consumer biocides, advocating for a shift from a "war on microbes" to a system that prioritizes planetary and human health.

Key Topics:

1. Defining biocides and distinguishing them from regulated medical antibiotics
2. The concept of "microbiotoxicity" and the impact of disinfectants on oral and gut health
3. The environmental consequences of biocide runoff and the rise of antimicrobial resistance
4. Why we need systemic regulation rather than relying solely on individual consumer choices

You can find out more about the Women's Environmental Network at https://www.wen.org.uk/

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Join Dr. Siobhan McCormack as she welcomes one of the top early-life microbiome scientists in the field, Professor Chris Stewart. Discover the origins of your gut microbiome, the biological superpowers of breast milk, and how lab-grown "organoids" are uncovering surprising ways to protect preterm babies.

What We Cover:

• The Genesis of You: How birth mode and early feeding shape our microbial foundations.
• Inside the Stewart Lab: Using lab-grown human "organoids" to study host-microbe interactions in real-time.
• The Magic of HMOs: Why mothers produce complex sugars (Human Milk Oligosaccharides) that feed gut microbes instead of the baby.
• The "Good" Clostridium: Groundbreaking research on a specific Clostridium perfringens strain that thrives on HMOs to protect preterm infants from gut diseases.
• Probiotics & Preemies: Navigating FDA regulations and the future of personalized medicine in neonatal care.

About

Professor Stewart leads human microbiome research at Newcastle University. His lab combines computational biology with innovative wet-lab human organoid models to study global health issues, focusing primarily on the early-life gut microbiome and protecting vulnerable infants.

Connect with the Stewart Lab:

• Newcastle University Profile
• Google Scholar
• Twitter
• Newcastle Neonatal Nutrition and NEC Research (N4)

• Stewart CJ, et al. (2018). Temporal development of the gut microbiome in early childhood from the TEDDY study. Nature, 562(7728):583–8.
• Chapman JA, et al. (2026). Clostridia from preterm infants metabolize human milk oligosaccharides to suppress pathobionts and modulate intestinal function in organoids. Nat Microbiol, 1–20.
• Masi AC, et al. (2021). Human milk oligosaccharide DSLNT and gut microbiome in preterm infants predicts necrotising enterocolitis. Gut, 70(12):2273–82.
• Beck LC, et al. (2022). Strain-specific impacts of probiotics are a significant driver of gut microbiome development in very preterm infants. Nat Microbiol, 7(10):1525–35.
• UNICEF UK: Breastfeeding in the UK

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

While the gut microbiome often steals the spotlight, the microorganisms residing in our respiratory tract play a vital role in our health and immunity. In this episode, Dr. Sheena Fraser sits down with microbial ecologist Dr. Michael Cox to explore the fascinating, complex, and relatively uncharted territory of the lung microbiome.

They discuss how the lung microbiome fundamentally differs from the gut, the daily flux of bacteria entering and leaving our airways, and the profound impacts of environmental factors like air pollution, smoking, vaping, and household cleaning products. Plus, Dr. Cox shares the massive challenges scientists face when studying these deep-tissue microbes and what the future of respiratory medicine might look like.

What We Cover:

• From Seawater to Sputum: Using marine ecology techniques to decode human respiratory biology.
• Exploring the lungs' dynamic balance of microaspiration and mucociliary clearance.
• Meet the core lung bacteria (Streptococcus, Prevotella, Veillonella) and the puzzle of anaerobes in an oxygen-rich space.
• Environmental Disruptors: How pollution, smoking, and vaping inflame and alter the lung microbiome.
• Hidden Dangers of VOCs: The silent impact of everyday cleaning sprays and aerosols on respiratory health.
• Diet, Exercise, & Epigenetics: The systemic benefits of a high-fiber diet and fitness for chronic lung conditions like COPD and asthma.

About

Dr. Michael Cox is a microbial ecologist and the PGR Lead for the Institute of Microbiology and Infection at the University of Birmingham. His research focuses on the bacteria that reside in the respiratory tract in the context of respiratory diseases (such as COPD and Cystic Fibrosis). His lab works to understand the function of the respiratory microbiome, translate these findings for clinical benefit, and expand our understanding of the respiratory ecosystem beyond just bacteria.

Connect with Dr Michael Cox:

• University of Birmingham

• Cumming, K. J. (2018). "Long term effects of cleaning on the lungs." American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 197(9):1099-1101.
• Hussain, S., et al. (2024). "Unlocking the secrets: VOCs and their devastating effects on lung cancer." Pathology - Research and Practice, 255:155157.
• Welsh, H. A., et al. (2026). "The effect of vaping on the human lung microbiota." Inhalation Toxicology, Vol 38, Iss 1.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

While we often think of sleep and diet as separate pillars of health, our internal biological clocks and gut microbiome intricately connect them both. In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Siobhan McCormack and Dr. Sheena Fraser dive into the fascinating, bidirectional relationship between circadian rhythms, sleep quality, and gut health.

They discuss how our physiology adapts to 24-hour light and dark cycles, the metabolic havoc caused by social jet lag and shift work, and how our gut microbes actually operate on their own daily schedules. Plus, Siobhan and Sheena share practical, evidence-based chrononutrition strategies and explore how targeted dietary patterns, probiotics, and fermented foods can significantly boost your mood and sleep architecture.

What We Cover:

The Circadian Symphony: How light, dark, and our body's internal peripheral clocks orchestrate everything from hormone release (like cortisol and melatonin) to digestion.

Sleep Architecture & Mental Health: The critical role of REM and deep sleep, and how just one night of sleep deprivation increases impulsivity and degrades mood.

Chrononutrition: Why when you eat is just as important as what you eat, and how meal timing acts as a major environmental cue for your gut microbes.

Social Jet Lag & Shift Work: The metabolic consequences of disrupted sleep cycles, including increased risks for Type 2 Diabetes, and actionable strategies to regain circadian balance.

Nutrients & Microbes for Sleep: Exploring the science behind specific dietary protocols, the power of Lactobacillus, and how fermented foods support restorative rest.

• Conti, F. (2025). ‘Dietary protocols to promote and improve restful sleep: A narrative review’. Nutrition Reviews
• Dobielska, M. et al. (2025). ‘Association between fermented food consumption and sleep quality under psychological stress: Prospective cohort study’. Food Science & Nutrition.
• Scott, A.J., Webb, T.L., Martyn-St James, M., Rowse, G., & Weich, S. (2021). 'Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials'. Sleep Medicine Reviews
• Hepsomali, P., & Groeger, J.A. (2021). 'Diet, sleep and mental health: Insights from the Uk Biobank Study'. Nutrients
• Reid, M., Omlin, X., Espie, C., Sharman, R., Tamm, S., & Kyle, S. (2022). 'The effect of sleep continuity disruption on multimodal emotion processing and regulation'. Journal of Sleep Research
• Marx, W., Manger, S.H., et al. (2023). 'Clinical guidelines for the use of lifestyle-based mental health care in major depressive disorder'. World Journal of Biological Psychiatry
• Vetter, C. et al. (2018). 'Night Shift Work, Genetic Risk, and Type 2 Diabetes in the UK Biobank'. Diabetes Care

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:

The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.