Microbiome Medics

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:The Chef-to-Scientist Pipeline: Dr. Leeming's journey from the high seas to gut health research.The "Blue Poo" Study: What transit time actually is and what it reveals about your digestion.Disease Prevention: How feeding your gut microbiome protects against colorectal cancer and heart disease.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:Genius Gut: The Life-Changing Science of Eating for Your Second Brain by Dr. Emily LeemingFiber Power by Dr. Emily Leeming (Releasing May 21st)Gut by Giulia EndersThe Psychobiotic Revolution by Scott C. Anderson, John F. Cryan, and Ted DinanScientific References Discussed:O’Keefe SJD, et al. (2015). Fat, fibre and cancer risk in African Americans and rural Africans. Nature Communications.Asnicar F, Leeming ER, et al. (2021). "Blue Poo: Impact of Gut Transit Time on the Gut Microbiome Using a Novel Marker." Gut.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:Defining biocides and distinguishing them from regulated medical antibioticsThe concept of "microbiotoxicity" and the impact of disinfectants on oral and gut healthThe environmental consequences of biocide runoff and the rise of antimicrobial resistanceWhy we need systemic regulation rather than relying solely on individual consumer choicesYou 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.

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:Navigating the isolation and fear of a cancer diagnosis.The hidden dangers of chronic stress and "soldiering on."Practical tips for gut-friendly nutrition during chemotherapy.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.

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 GatesBook: Does It Fart? by Nick Caruso & Dani RabaiottiThe 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.