%%title%% - Arktis BioPharma Schweiz AG

How gut health disorders can actually be the trigger for, or at least influence, persistent pain

I recently wrote an article for theLindaren magazine. The magazine editor wanted me to discuss the connection between pain and gut health. At first glance, you might be thinking: is there even a connection? Why would chronic pain such as fibromyalgia, joint pain or back pain have anything to do with the gut? Can a disturbance in gut health actually be the trigger for persistent pain or at least influence it? This is the question I will be exploring in today's episode.

The connection between the gut and pain

Inflammatory processes
The gut microbiome plays a key role in regulating inflammatory reactions in the body.
The gut-brain axis
Communication between our gut and brain takes place mainly via the vagus nerve. Impaired gut health can affect this communication and lead to increased sensitivity to pain.
Neurotransmitters and hormones
A large proportion of serotonin, which is involved in pain regulation, is produced in the gut.
Physical pressure in the intestine
Putrefaction processes or fermentation in the intestine usually produce gases. This leads to flatulence and pressure in the intestine. This pressure can also push backwards towards the spine, causing chronic pain in the lower back and even trigger herniated discs!

Various research findings on the connection between the gut and pain

The area of intestinal health and its connection to chronic pain is the subject of intensive scientific research. In recent years, numerous studies have attempted to decipher the intricate mechanisms that shape this relationship. Here are some of the results.
Gut microbiome and fibromyalgia
In 2019, a study found a link between changes in the gut microbiome and the presence of fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. Patients with fibromyalgia showed a significantly altered gut microbiome composition compared to controls(1).
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the central nervous system
An exemplary review discussing this connection was published in the journal "Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology". The article provides a comprehensive overview of the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain and its significance for irritable bowel syndrome(2).
Intestinal bacteria and back pain
An interesting area of research is concerned with the connection between inflammatory processes triggered by certain intestinal bacteria and chronic back pain(3).
In any case, we can report from our own practice that numerous people feel much better after undergoing microbiome analysis and subsequent gut cleansing, and that joint pain, back pain and headaches have also improved massively or even disappeared.

Improving gut health and addressing chronic pain

I hope I have been able to show you a little about the connections between gut health and chronic pain. And of course, I also hope that I have been able to motivate you to take care of your own gut health, either because you already have chronic pain or because you want to do something about it preventively!
That's why I'd like to finish by giving you a few tips on how you can do this!
Gut-friendly and anti-inflammatory diet
The first thing to do is always your diet. Because with an unfavorable diet that is rich in fast (empty) carbohydrates, sugar, artificial additives, inflammation-promoting fats, etc., you are literally "pouring oil on the fire" and further promoting pain.
That's why I recommend eating natural, non-industrially processed foods such as vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, a little fruit and nuts and using high-quality fats such as cold-pressed olive oil and virgin coconut oil. And, very importantly, drink good (preferably filtered) non-carbonated water and avoid soft drinks and fruit juices.
Consume probiotics and prebiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria for your microbiome. Prebiotics are soluble fibers, which in turn promote anti-inflammatory butyrate formers and are also food for the beneficial bacteria.
The condition of the gut flora is extremely important for reducing inflammation, producing neurotransmitters and absorbing nutrients to counteract pain.
My product suggestions
Arktibiotic Herbal - Fermented herbal drink to lower the pH value in the intestine and counteract gas formation
Arktibiotic Sensitive - Can have a positive effect on serotonin production in the body and can therefore help to reduce pain in the body. It also contains histamine-blocking and histamine-lowering bacteria, which in turn can help to reduce inflammatory processes in the body.
Arctic Grow acacia fibers - Prebiotic fibers that can have a balancing effect on the intestinal flora by providing food for good bacteria. These soluble fibers are very easy to stir into water, they do not swell in the glass but dissolve and are therefore pleasant to drink. They are well tolerated and do not cause flatulence, as can be the case with other dietary fibers.
In addition, and depending on where the pain is located, I can recommend anti-inflammatory products such as omega-3 fish oil capsules or collagen for your joints or our Artthroformel A3 Gelenk.
You will find all the products linked below.

In addition to your diet and the products you take internally, there are also two other measures you can take to support you

Sprays and creams to be applied externallys
Here we have the Lindaren products in our range that we also use ourselves and that deliver really great results.
Lindaren Extra Forte Spray with devil's claw - This soothing and relaxing spray with devil's claw, wintergreen, eucalyptus and corum is great for back or neck tension
Lindaren Lindacuma Gel - Contains turmeric extract, glucosamine & chondroitin sulphate, sea buckthorn, arnica and silver tree myrtle heather and is great for the joints
Lindaren frankincense balm - Promotes blood circulation and relaxes tense muscles, for example, so is also very pleasant and beneficial after sport

Stress and inflammation reduction - for example with the help of IHHT
Reducing stress is an immensely important factor when it comes to pain and gut health. Here I can recommend Interval Hypoxia Hyperoxia Training (IHHT for short) from my own experience.
IHHT is oxygen cell training in which a device gives you air to breathe in via a breathing mask, which is alternately enriched with low oxygen or high oxygen. The low-oxygen air gives you a workout that causes your body to produce more red blood cells and strengthen its mitochondria (the cell's power plants). Among other things, the training helps to improve intestinal health, reduce stress, promote more energy, reduce inflammation and is already being used successfully in pain therapy!
Breathing in the low-oxygen air is comparable to the slightly thinner air in the mountains, so it feels very pleasant. As the training is carried out while sitting or lying down, it is also suitable for people with pain who may be less mobile.
You can find more information atwww.ihht-einsiedeln.ch or in mypodcast interview with Kevin Nobs about IHHT.

Conclusion

Chronic pain is an energy drain and reduces your quality of life immensely. That's why it's important to tackle the problem holistically and, as with all chronic complaints, gut health is an essential part of a comprehensive therapeutic approach. The gut is so central when it comes to inflammation, communication with the brain and the absorption of pain-relieving nutrients that it should not be overlooked or ignored!

Studies mentioned in the following

(1) Minerbi, A., Gonzalez, E., Brereton, N. J., Anjarkouchian, A., Dewar, K., Fitzcharles, M. A., ... & Perna, A. (2019). Altered microbiome composition in individuals with fibromyalgia. Pain, 160(11), 2589-2602.
(2) An exemplary review discussing this relationship was published in the journal "Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology":Mayer, E. A., Labus, J. S., Tillisch, K., Cole, S. W., & Baldi, P. (2015). Towards a systems view of IBS. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 12(10), 592-605. This article provides a comprehensive overview of bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain and its relevance to IBS.
(3) Dekker Nitert, M., Mousa, A., Barrett, H. L., Naderpoor, N., de Courten, B. (2020) Altered Gut Microbiota Composition Is Associated With Back Pain in Overweight and Obese Individuals. Endocrinol, Sec. Obesity, Volume 11

As a podcast listener:in you will receive a discount on our products

A 15% discount on your first purchase (applicable once, only on products not already discounted)
Enter the voucher code podcast15 before completing your order.
https://shop.arktisbiopharma.ch

Subscribe to the Darmglück podcast

You don't want to miss an episode in the future? Then subscribe to the Darmglück podcast in your favorite podcast app. Here are the links to my podcast in the most popular apps: