Irah King shares the early data from a promising study about the microbiome and chronic pain.
(Time on Podcast: 20:25). Dr. Irah King describes the microbiome as a collection of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites) that live on or in us. Surprisingly, our bodies harbor more microbial cells than actual human cells. It is becoming clear that the microbiome is absolutely essential to how we function. Our microbiomes can be found on our skin, in our mouths, in our nose, and particularly in our intestines. The intestine is an area of intense investigation since this is where most of our microbiome resides. One interesting study going on at the McGill Centre for Microbiome Research touches upon the microbiome and chronic pain. Chronic pain, or fibromyalgia, is a medical problem that is often stigmatized. The research group sought to find out if there was a biological reason for this disease. There is now compelling data that the microbiome is an essential player for pain sensitivity and we can hopefully eventually treat these patients with microbiomes from health patients to treat their chronic pain. This is just one example of the many innovative projects looking at the link between the microbiome and disease.
Listen to the Podcast
Is there a biological reason that people experience chronic pain? MUHC Foundation Health Matters Podcast. April 30, 2023
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