Join Dr. Siobhan McCormack and Dr. Sheena Fraser on the Microbiome Medics Podcast as they host pain management consultant Dr. Deepak Ravindran. Dr. Deepak discusses the importance of a holistic approach to pain management, incorporating factors like exercise, diet, sleep, and mind-body techniques. The conversation dives into different types of pain, chronic pain's connection to the immune system, and the potential impact of microbiome and dietary interventions. Dr. Deepak emphasises patient-centered care, individualized treatment plans, and the significance of considering mood, anxiety, and past trauma experiences. Recommendations on nutrition, probiotics, and a holistic approach to chronic pain management are explored, promoting a patient-centered healthcare model.

Dr Deepak explains the evidence behind his approach which he has made available to patients and clinicians alike in the form of his excellent book The Pain-Free Mindset. Dr Deepak is particularly fascinated by the way in which the gut microbiome influences all aspects of pain through the gut-brain-axis and how we can harness this knowledge to better understand and manage chronic pain using non-drug modalities including nutrition, sleep and mindfulness.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Don't miss the first of two episodes on the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) in chronic pain.

30% of the UK population suffer from chronic pain and pharmacological options have proved disappointing and even downright dangerous . Could harnessing the gut microbiome be part of new approaches for this prevalent condition? Our tireless Microbiome Medics cover the MGBA basics, marvel at brain microglia and astrocytes, and identify chronic inflammation as a major player in chronic pain. They discuss a 2023 pilot study by Sala-Climent et al. looking at the effect of an anti-inflammatory diet on measures of chronic pain.

Part two of this podcast will include UK Pain Specialist and author Dr Deepak Ravindran, who will be talking about his Lifestyle Medicine approach to chronic pain which includes optimising the gut microbiome and nutrition.

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode we explore the fascinating vaginal microbiome. With the expertise of Professor Sarah LeBeer, a leading scientist in the field , we unravel the complexities of this unique microbial ecosystem and its crucial role in women's health. Listen in as we discuss the dominance of lactobacilli in maintaining vaginal health and their potential influence on other aspects of health and well-being. Professor Lebeer explains the dynamic shifts the vaginal microbiome undergoes across the lifespan, and the implications these changes may have on both maternal and newborn health.

This conversation celebrates citizen science through the Isala project. This initiative not only uncovered pivotal insights into vaginal microbiome variations but also empowered women to engage in open dialogues about their vaginal health. We address the impacts of personal habits on this intriguing microbial ecosystem and how the knowledge gained may help shape diagnostics and treatments in women's health.

To wrap up, we explore the potential of probiotics tailored for the vaginal microbiome and the challenges they present. As we sift through the confusion surrounding probiotic products, we share practical advice for healthcare professionals and patients alike on nurturing a healthy vaginal ecosystem. From diet to lifestyle choices, we offer resources and insights that encourage proactive stewardship of one's microbiome. So, whether you're a healthcare professional or simply someone interested in the wonders of the human body, this episode is packed with intriguing discoveries and actionable knowledge.

To find out more about Professor Lebeer's work:
https://lebeerlab.com/
https://isala.be/

This podcast is brought to you in collaboration with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.