#079: How your gut microbiome could influence Multiple Sclerosis with Prof. Dr. Natalia Szejko

MS-Perspektive - The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast

Dr. Natalia Szejko reveals latest research on gut microbiome for MS, MOGAD, and NMOSD, offering new hope for managing these conditions.

You can read all the questions and answers in the corresponding blog article: https://ms-perspektive.com/079-natalia-szejko

Welcome to today’s episode. Whether you have MS, MOGAD (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease), or NMOSD (neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder), I’m excited to share some fascinating insights into the gut microbiome with you today. My guest today is Dr. Natalia Szejko, a dedicated neurologist and researcher specializing in these disorders. Dr. Szejko’s work focuses not only on better treatments but also on exploring innovative areas such as the role of the gut microbiome in disease progression. In our conversation today, we will explore the latest research and discuss how lifestyle changes such as diet can potentially impact our health. As someone who has first-hand experience with the challenges of these conditions, I am excited to offer you practical insights that can make a real difference in the treatment of MS, MOGAD, and NMOSD. So, stay tuned – there is a lot to be hopeful about!

Table of Contents

• Introduction – Who is Dr. Natalia Szejko?
• Understanding the Gut Microbiome and Its Role in MS
• The Interaction Between Diet, Gut Microbiome, and MS
• Gut Microbiome as a Therapeutic Target
• Diagnostic and Predictive Potential
• Future Directions and Research
• Quickfire Q&A Session
• Farewell

Introduction – Who is Dr. Natalia Szejko?

My name is Natalia and um I’m a neurologist trained neurologist and I’ve done my studies and later my specialty in adult neurology in Poland and also I did my PhD there and during my training I had an opportunity to work with patients with MS and related disorders and it was like a year-long experience with a great team of researchers and clinicians who really taught me a lot about this disease and it was very inspiring.

Now I’m completing a clinical and research fellowship in Calgary in Canada. And I’m a member of European Charcot Foundation. We have like a junior membership where we are fellows and I’m trying to be very active. I’m a member of the steering committee and also a member of TSF, The Sumaira Foundation, which is related to NMOSD and I’m the ambassador for Poland.

In terms of my research and clinical interests, they are related to, for example, treatment of MS with alternative and complementary medicine, one of them is the gut microbiome. And now I have also conducted clinical trials on MS and related disorders.

Finally, what message of hope or encouragement would you like to share with the listeners?

First of all, I think it’s important to recognize that the field is developing very quickly. There are so many investigators and companies investing in this area, so don’t lose hope—even for those with more challenging forms of the disease, like primary progressive MS, that may not be responding well to current treatments. I believe we will have more treatment options soon.

Another piece of advice is to join forces with other patients. There are many inspiring stories and organizations that can offer support. Getting involved can make a real difference. I’ve seen firsthand how supportive groups, not just for patients but also for caregivers, can be incredibly beneficial. Hearing these stories and sharing experiences can really help.

Finally, I’m hopeful that patients will be more involved in research going forward. Your input is crucial—what you think makes a good intervention, what you’d like to see investigated. This is a message of hope: I hope you no longer feel excluded from the process.

Overall, I believe there is real reason for optimism.

How and where can interested people follow your research activities?

You can find some of my studies on PubMed, and I’m also listed on the European Charcot Foundation website under the steering committee, where updates will be published. We’ve been quite active, and with Sarah, we’ve created a LinkedIn page for the European Charcot Foundation, where we’ll share more updates and information.

Additionally, you can follow my work during conferences where I’ll present my research. I was really happy to be here today!

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Thank you, Dr. Natalia Szejko, for your incredible dedication to advancing research in MS, MOGAD, and NMOSD. Your work brings hope to so many of us living with these conditions, and we’re truly grateful for your passion and commitment to improving patient care and outcomes.

See you soon and try to make the best out of your life, Nele

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