No Guts, No Glory: Mystery of the Microbiome

Several recent studies have found intriguing links between gut microbes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases. Additional studies have shown the interactions between the central nervous system, enteric nervous system, and the gastrointestinal tract, suggestive that gut microbiota appears to influence the development of emotional behavior, and stress- and pain-modulation systems.

In the age of modern medicine, it is easy to forget that we change our body chemistry every time we eat. The quality and composition of our food has the power to increase or decrease body wide inflammation and modulate pain. Our relationship to food and the way we eat is also cultural and influenced by stress and our environment. The research evidence is robust for dietary interventions and improved health.

The changes needed are simple, but not necessarily easy. This lecture will focus on the role that modulation of the microbiome plays in pain, and the ways to optimize the health of the individuals’ gut microbes for pain management and overall well-being.