Microbiome Medics

Killing 99.9% of the Wrong Things: The Hidden Cost of Disinfectants

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.

From High-Stress Law to Holistic Healing: Katherine Saville’s Cancer Journey

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.

The Fart That Changed the World: From TV to Science with Julie Thompson

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.

Herbalism Meets the Microbiome: Unlocking Plant Potency with Mo Wilde

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.

A Year Without Supermarkets: Mo Wilde's Foraging Microbiome Journey

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.