Did you know that one in four Americans suffer from pain per the National Center for Health Statistics? Pain is the primary reason for seeking health care services. In 2010, the annual cost of pain was greater than the annual cost of heart disease, cancer and diabetes COMBINED. This pain is often caused by chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

Common treatments for painful and inflammatory conditions includes Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory (NSAID) medications like Advil or Motrin or Celebrex. The mechanism of action to decrease pain is in the NSAIDs ability to block the COX-1 or COX-2 pathway which is why it reduces inflammation and pain.  A common side effect of NSAIDs is gastrointestinal disruption especially with chronic use. More recently there was a study published demonstrating an increased risk of cardiac arrest with the use of NSAIDs. 

Is it possible that bacteria could aid in healing from injury or surgery?

Yes. In fact it is important to promote the variety of bacteria in your gut to promote immune health, reduce pain and reduce risk of infection.

As described in an earlier post about the leaky gut syndrome, supplemental recommendations that may reduce pain and improve healing are geared to promoting gut health. Specifically, the microbiome diversity is strongly linked to gut and mental health. This gut-brain connection is at the core of much of the research around supplemental probiotics. A literature review evaluated the research around use of probiotic use and migraine headache.  The findings of improving gut microbiota and reducing inflammation may have positive effects on strengthening the gut and improving brain function.  This is important to surgery/injury  in that gut health supports brain health which thereby will have a positive benefit in the role of the brain in the pain experience.

What do papaya and pineapple have in common besides being tropical fruit?

They contain potent vegetarian proteases. A protease is an proteolytic enzyme that helps break down protein.

How does this relate to healing from orthopedic injury or surgery? A lot actually.

Proteolytic enzymes aids in breaking down animal proteins when ingested, but also mediates tissue repair and break down of cellular debris associated with inflammation metabolism.