Roadshow 2018

Following the completion of the first phase of the Human Microbiome Project, a multimillion-dollar effort to catalogue and understand the microbes that inhabit our bodies, scientists started to realise how the microbes that live in our guts, skin, eyes and even our noses vary dramatically from person to person. Not only that, the communities of microbes that live in our bodies – including bacteria, yeasts, and even parasites – can change quickly over time as a result of the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe or the company we keep, including whether we have pets or not. The great majority of these microbes live in the gut, which is why we will be focusing particularly on this area as part of our roadshow.

Scientists are still in the early stages of exploring the gut microbiome, but the body of research documenting how this complex microbial ecosystem is closely linked with our immune, cardiovascular, and even brain function grows daily. The sheer amount of science that’s published can be confusing, particularly because not all of it translates to clinical applications in human health. With a 15-year background in scientific publishing, and half way through a doctors research looking at the interaction between the gut microbiome and brain function in humans, experienced nutrition practitioner Miguel Toribio-Mateas will help you figure out what aspects of science are clinically relevant as opposed to just interesting.

Following an evidence-informed approach, Miguel will cover the following areas in the friendly, workshop / participatory-style he’s known for:

• The gut microbiota and the gastrointestinal microbiome in health and disease: links with irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s, and other idiopathic gut issues.
• Functional testing of the gut microbiota/microbiome: different types. Pros and cons.
• The links between the gut microbiota/microbiome and: the cardiovacular system metabolic disorders, e.g. metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus (diabetes type 2)
• The brain, particularly the links between the gut microbiota/microbiome and cognition, anxiety, stress, as well as brain ageing / neurodegeneration.
• The immune system and autoimmunity

So much of the science that’s churned out daily on the microbiome is interesting but can’t be translated to simple interventions that make sense in human health. Nutrition practitioner Helen Drake, with a background in biological science and research, will help you understand how to make clinical decisions that implement the use of diet (mostly) and some selected nutrients that have been shown to have a positive effect in human health. Helen will lead a workshop covering these areas during the afternoon, with a focus on the gut microbiome and how to work with it clinically to achieve optimal health.

Dr John Briffa is a practising medical doctor, author and international speaker, prize-winning graduate of University College London School of Medicine, where he also gained a BSc degree in Biomedical Sciences. Dr Briffa is a leading authority on the impact of nutrition and other lifestyle factors on health and illness. He is dedicated to providing individuals with information and advice they can use to take control of their health and optimise their energy and vitality. Dr Briffa will be covering the subject of “the ‘art’ of practice”, ways of approaching clients and communicating with them that allow both parties to get the best out of the clinical interaction.