Exploring the Gut's Role in Autoimmune Disease: A Conversation with Dr. Laura Craven

n episode 18 we chat with Dr Laura Craven, lead Research & Development Scientist at EnteroBiotix. Dr Craven’s studies include research into the gut's role in auto-immune diseases like MS. In this episode, Dr Craven joins James to discuss her journey from completing her PhD in Canada and the impact the NEMJ’s paper on Duodenal Infusion of Donor Feces for Recurrent Clostridium difficile” had on her science career, along with her own personal health diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. They chat about the difference between FMT and IMT, leaky gut syndrome and the factors, including stress, which plays a part in us developing this challenging condition. And they broach the topics of probiotics, improving gut permeability, and whether having a morning coffee is actually a good idea. Dr Craven’s journey from completing here PhD in Canada and eventually moving to Scotland to take up her role at EnterBiotix is also covered, along with how she handles the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes she received. 00:00:00 intro 00:00:29 getting into the field of the microbiome? 00:01:45 impact of the NEMJ  paper 00:03:10 what was Dr Craven’s PhD on? 00:05:33 what’s the difference between “FMT” & “IMT”? 00:08:51 treating NAFLD with FMT 00:14:23 Enterobiotix and staff dietary provisions 00:16:18 Dr Craven discusses leaky gut syndrome 00:18:06 Wim Hof being injected with bacterial endotoxins 00:20:35 more discussion on leaky gut 00:21:22 getting a strong gut rather than a leaky one 00:22:26 How do doctors diagnose leaky gut? 00:24:06 how does FMT/IMT have an impact on leaky gut? 00:26:22 Dr Craven's study findings in relation to treating NAFLD 00:27:32 discussion around endogenous alcohol production 00:31:12 how has the public’s perception of FMT/IMT changed 00:34:14 gut permeability can be improved via FMT 00:37:41 treating MS with FMT/IMT 00:38:51 what factors cause leaky guy and what's the role of stress? 00:41:48 the connection between leaky guy and autoimmune diseases 00:44:10 what is a probiotic? 00:47:15 Dr Craven's move from Canada to Scotland 00:54:45 living with Type 1 diabetes 00:57:58 how do I improve my gut health? 01:10:32 hopes for diabetes and the role of FMT/IMT 01:20:04 is having a morning coffee a good idea? 01:21:18 where is the microbiome field heading in the future? 01:25:57 interaction between the microbiome and the host 01:26:54 what is engraftment? 01:32:13 what's FMT/IMT going to be used for next? 01:35:08 dietary challenges upon moving to Scotland 01:37:38 other scientific interests outside of the microbiome 01:39:14 the potential role of AI for health management