#221 ADHD and diet with Dr Miguel Toribio-Mateas DProf

Episode guests

Dr Miguel is a clinical neuroscientist and applied microbiologist with a longstanding background in human nutrition, whose experience spans over two decades of work in both clinical and non-clinical roles in healthcare, science, and technology. He’s a specialist in the art of translation of gut health and mental health science into plain English, democratising access to complex concepts so that people from all walks of life can benefit from his knowledge. Born in Madrid in 1970s but based in the UK since the mid-90s, Dr Miguel represents a rare intersection of science and creativity. His work is emblematic of the spirit of Generation X, blending traditional methodologies with innovative approaches.

Dr Miguel’s work focuses on approaching the connection between the human gut microbiome and brain / mental health from a transdisciplinary perspective. This was the theme of his doctoral degree, for which he received the prestigious Santander Bank’s “Work-Based Learning Award” in 2016. His commitment to this emerging field of study has resulted in an extensive contribution through published works, conference talks and public speaking appearances, all of which make him one of the indisputable leading voices in gut-brain health in the UK and beyond.  

In 2020, Dr Miguel burned out. In the middle of a terrifying nervous system meltdown, he had the most wonderful “a-ha!” moment. As a scientist, he was able to match what the literature says about stored trauma with his own personal experience, realising the far-reaching consequences of adverse childhood events on and beyond the gut. This time in Dr Miguel’s life - leading to his late diagnosis with ADHD and autism - provided him with the opportunity to layer a trauma- and lived-experience-informed approach over the evidence-based practice approach that he’d been used to for years. He will discuss this in this podcast episode, alongside why he firmly believes science should now be focusing on the “brain to gut” downstream communication branch of the gut-brain axis, rather than on the “gut / microbes to brain” branch, about which we know a fair amount already. 

According to Dr Miguel, the top healthy habits for a fulfilling life include eating fermented foods daily, connecting with people who bring you joy and ditching those who are toxic, walking in nature, and giving back to the communities one belongs to. As part of his giving back, Dr Miguel is the Neurodiversity Lead of the Primary Care & Community Neurology Society (also known as the Person-Centred Neurosciences Society), and he supports youth mental health programmes at the London-based Body & Soul charity. He also holds an honorary research fellow position at the School of Psychology, Cardiff University.