Dr Miguel is a remarkable scientist in that he gracefully bridges the worlds of research, education, clinical practice, public outreach and compassion in his work. This interview explores topics relevant to the translation of science to real world relevance in an authentic, compassionate and humanistic way. We also explore his new book ADHD Body and Mind: A Compassionate Guide to Rewilding Your Nervous System with Neuroscience, Nutrition, and Gut-Brain Health.

Guest:

Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas

About our guest:

Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas is a clinical neuroscientist, applied microbiologist, and nutritionist with over 25 years of experience in healthcare, science, and technology. His research explores the microbiota-gut-brain axis, investigating how diet and lifestyle influence mood, cognition, and behaviour. With a doctorate in gut microbiome and mental health, his work has earned recognition, including the prestigious Santander Universities Work-Based Learning Award in 2016 and publication in peer-reviewed journals like the BMJ.

Dr. Miguel has led transdisciplinary research projects, designing and overseeing clinical trials that examine the role of nutrition in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions. He previously held a five-year research fellowship at London South Bank University, focusing on gut health's impact on cognitive function and mental wellbeing. Currently, he is part of a multi-centre team evaluating natural approaches to ADHD management and holds an Honorary Research Fellowship at Cardiff University's School of Psychology. Alongside his research, he is a lecturer in nutrition at the University of West London, where his work focuses on quality improvement in public health interventions and their interface with gut and brain health.

He is has a self-compassionate guide to the neuroscience of ADHD, which will be published in April 2026 by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Through his research, teaching, and writing, Dr. Miguel empowers individuals to make informed, evidence-based dietary choices that nurture both body and mind—always with the understanding that self-care is not about perfection, but about kindness and adaptability.

Guest websites and links:

• https://drmiguelmateas.com
• https://www.instagram.com/drmiguelmateas

Selection of our guest's publications:

• Toribio-Mateas M. ADHD Body and Mind: A Compassionate Guide to Rewilding Your Nervous System with Neuroscience, Nutrition, and Gut-Brain Health. ‎Jessica Kingsley Publishers. 2026.
• Lawrence K, Fibert P, Toribio-Mateas M, Gregory AM, Hobbs J, Quadt F, Wright S, Cotter PD, Patel S, Myrissa K. Effects of kefir on symptoms, sleep, and gut microbiota in children with ADHD: a randomised controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry. 2025 Nov 24;25(1):1117.
• Toribio-Mateas M, Noble G. Making Room for Every Voice: Reimagining Person-Centred Care in the Neurosciences. Health Expect. 2025 Aug;28(4):e70350.
• Lawrence K, Fibert P, Hobbs J, Myrissa K, Toribio-Mateas MA, Quadt F, Cotter PD, Gregory AM. Randomised controlled trial of the effects of kefir on behaviour, sleep and the microbiome in children with ADHD: a study protocol. BMJ Open. 2023 Dec 7;13(12):e071063.
• Toribio-Mateas MA, Bester A, Klimenko N. Impact of Plant-Based Meat Alternatives on the Gut Microbiota of Consumers: A Real-World Study. Foods. 2021 Aug 30;10(9):2040.
• Shevlyakov A, Nikogosov D, Stewart LA, Toribio-Mateas M. Reference values for intake of six types of soluble and insoluble fibre in healthy UK inhabitants based on the UK Biobank data. Public Health Nutr. 2021 Jun 9:1-15.
• Toribio-Mateas M. Harnessing the Power of Microbiome Assessment Tools as Part of Neuroprotective Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine Interventions. Microorganisms. 2018 Apr 25;6(2):35.