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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

'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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.  Co-hosts Dr Siobhan McCormack MBChB MRCGP Dip BSLM & Dr Sheena Fraser MBChB MRCGP (2003) Dip BSLM This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, The UK's fastest growing medical speciality. Our...

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...

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...