

Microbiome Medics
British Society of Lifestyle Medicine
Dr Siobhan McCormack and Dr Sheena Fraser are the Microbiome Medics, two GPs who believe that the rapidly emerging science of Human Microbiomes presents a paradigm shift in the way medicine is perceived, researched, and practiced.
The Microbiome Medics Podcast is the place where clinicians, scientists and anyone else can learn about Human Microbiomes, Lifestyle Medicine, how they connect and how they can be harnessed to improve health outcomes.
Join our two intrepid Microbiome explorers as they unearth the evidence and present the multiple ways in which the trillions of microbes living in and on you can impact your physiology and health.
This podcast will escort you through the basics, explain the research, introduce you to the experts and package the latest evidence into actionable, bite-sized chunks that you can use today to improve your own health and the health of your patients.
Our only declaration of interest is that we have co-created "the gut microbiome for clinicians", an online course for busy health professionals with over 30 hours of learning available at http://bslm.org.uk/
The Microbiome Medics Podcast is the place where clinicians, scientists and anyone else can learn about Human Microbiomes, Lifestyle Medicine, how they connect and how they can be harnessed to improve health outcomes.
Join our two intrepid Microbiome explorers as they unearth the evidence and present the multiple ways in which the trillions of microbes living in and on you can impact your physiology and health.
This podcast will escort you through the basics, explain the research, introduce you to the experts and package the latest evidence into actionable, bite-sized chunks that you can use today to improve your own health and the health of your patients.
Our only declaration of interest is that we have co-created "the gut microbiome for clinicians", an online course for busy health professionals with over 30 hours of learning available at http://bslm.org.uk/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 16, 2023 • 51min
Cancer and the Gut Microbiome Part 2: The Hidden Influence of Gut Microbiome on Cancer Treatment
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.

Jul 12, 2023 • 41min
Cancer and the Gut Microbiome Part 1: Exploring the Relationship between Gut Microbiome and Cancer
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-ChakalakaThis 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.

9 snips
May 19, 2023 • 46min
Where Does the Gut Microbiome Come From? Pt 2: Breastfeeding vs Formula Feeding
Explore the significant impact of infant feeding choices on long-term health. Discover how breast milk enriches gut microbiomes with beneficial bacteria while formula's nutritional gaps pose challenges. Learn about the barriers mothers face in breastfeeding and the importance of support. Delve into research on Bifidobacteria infantis and its crucial role in gut health. This discussion highlights modern feeding practices and their implications for both maternal diets and infant wellbeing.

21 snips
Apr 12, 2023 • 41min
Where Does the Gut Microbiome Come From?
Discover how your gut is a bustling metropolis of microbes, where every birth method plays a crucial role. The hosts explore the dramatic rise in cesarean sections and its impact on infant gut health. They dive into the fascinating world of microbial transfer during birth and discuss innovative methods like vaginal seeding for C-section babies. Plus, hear personal stories that reveal the deep connection between birth experiences and microbiome development. It’s a must-listen for anyone curious about their internal ecosystem!

37 snips
Mar 15, 2023 • 56min
Are Fermented Foods Worth The Hype?
In this enlightening conversation, fermentation expert Janice Clyne shares her journey from processed foods to championing the benefits of fermented delights. She reveals how fermented foods impact gut health and discusses a fascinating study comparing fiber-rich and fermented diets. Listeners will love her simple recipe for Indian-inspired carrot kraut, showcasing how easy it is to incorporate these foods into daily life. Janice emphasizes the joy and health advantages of various fermented products, making a compelling case for their place in a balanced diet.

41 snips
Feb 15, 2023 • 43min
Does Leaky Gut Exist and How Can We Treat It?
Dive into the intriguing world of gut health as experts tackle the hotly debated concept of leaky gut. They discuss its potential connection to chronic diseases and the skepticism surrounding its diagnosis. Learn how a high-fiber, plant-based diet can support gut integrity and the unexpected roles of archaea in digestion. The impact of emulsifiers on gut microbiota is also explored, revealing their potential to increase permeability and inflammation. Unpack the complexities of the gut barrier and its significance to overall health.

33 snips
Jan 12, 2023 • 47min
What is the Gut Microbiome and Why Should I Care?
Delve into the fascinating world of the gut microbiome and learn how it impacts overall health. Discover the shift from traditional medication to a more lifestyle-based approach in managing chronic diseases. Uncover the connection between gut health and pain, and the surprising role of nociceptor neurons in mucus production. Recent research reveals how dietary choices shape microbial diversity. The conversation encourages embracing probiotics and nurturing gut health for a happier, healthier life.

Dec 18, 2022 • 38min
Merry Microbiome Christmas from Microbiome Medics
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 2019This 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.


