Pass the poo

Faecal transplants are already used in hospital settings to treat certain cases of C difficile, and some say the procedure could help treat a wide range of conditions.

“There is increasing evidence it [also] works for ulcerative colitis – we just need to do bigger studies,” said Spector, noting that bureaucracy around the procedure is slowing research down.

With access to faecal transplants limited, there has been a growing trend for individuals to take matters into their own hands, and a plethora of YouTube videos have sprung up involving home blenders. But experts have warned that attempting a transplant at home is dangerous.

“You are at risk of transmitting really serious blood-borne and stool-borne diseases if you are exposing yourself to someone else’s stool,” said Knight. “Just because you can do something at home doesn’t mean you should.”