S03E011 | Microbes and Minds: Unravelling the Gut-Brain Axis with Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas

This is an exceptional, not-to-miss episode because Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas is on the pod! Known affectionately as "The Creative Scientist," Miguel is a clinical neuroscientist and nutrition researcher in the UK. His expertise centers on the intricate gut-brain connection, drawing on a rich, real-world scientific foundation rather than purely academic pursuits. In today’s episode, your hosts take a deep dive into the world of the gut-brain connection with Miguel, exploring the role of our gut microbes and how they communicate with the brain, how changes in their composition can impact mental health and if lifestyle factors such as diet can influence this connection. This episode covers:

• How a resilient microbiome can be both good and bad
• Which microbes are detrimental to the gut
• Neurotransmitters 101: Serotonin, GABA, Dopamine & Acetylcholine
• Misconceptions about neurotransmitters produced in the gut
• When would microbiome testing be appropriate
• Current associations between the gut microbiome and mental health conditions
• How difficult it is to define mental health
• Mental health vs Mental Illness
• If diet and lifestyle truly have a impact on this connection
• How ADHD is a type of brain without the need to pathologise it
• And much more!

Your hosts tried their best not to keep Miguel for hours but he has been a wealth of knowledge, breaking down what the science is currently telling us about the gut-brain axis and the changes you need to make to look after that connection.

More About Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas

Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas, known affectionately as "The Creative Scientist," is a clinical neuroscientist and nutrition researcher in the UK. His expertise centres on the intricate gut-brain connection, drawing on a rich, real-world scientific foundation rather than purely academic pursuits. Dr. Miguel's academic journey includes degrees in Nutritional Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience, culminating in a Doctorate focused on Mental Health and the Gut Microbiome. His doctoral studies coincided with a five-year Research Innovation Fellowship funded by the European Regional Development Fund, where he explored the profound effects of gut health on mood, cognition, and overall wellbeing. Today, he continues this important work as a Research Fellow at Cardiff University's School of Psychology.

Navigating life with ADHD and autism, Dr Miguel possesses a deep, personal understanding of the specific dietary needs of neurodivergent individuals. He

emphasises the critical role of dietary choices in enhancing executive functioning, sensory processing, and emotional regulation. His philosophy is captured in his words: “By understanding and addressing the nuanced relationships between what

we eat and how our brains operate, we empower ourselves to make choices that not only nourish our bodies but also support our neurodivergent minds in navigating daily tasks and interactions more smoothly.”

Dr Miguel offers personalised clinical consultations and has crafted a comprehensive course titled "Thrive with ADHD," available at drmiguelmateas.com/

thrive-with-adhd-course. He is also the author of a forthcoming book by the same name, set to be published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers in late 2024/early 2025. To discover more about his transformative work and offerings, visit drmiguelmateas.com or connect with him through social media @drmiguelmateas for further insights.