Exploring Gut Microbiome Interventions for Gut-Brain Disorders at NeuroGASTRO 2025
During the recent NeuroGASTRO 2025 conference, discussions centered around innovative gut microbiome-related strategies aimed at managing disorders of gut-brain interaction. In an in-depth video interview, Dr. Juan M. Mendive provides valuable insights into how the gut microbiome can significantly enhance treatment outcomes for primary care patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These conversations highlight the growing relevance of microbiome-focused approaches in everyday clinical settings, offering fresh perspectives for healthcare providers dealing with complex gastrointestinal issues.
Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), which were formerly referred to as functional gastrointestinal disorders—such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome—are frequently seen in primary care practices. Managing these conditions presents unique difficulties for clinicians, as symptoms can be persistent and multifaceted, often requiring a multifaceted treatment strategy that goes beyond traditional methods. Primary care physicians regularly encounter these patients, and finding effective, sustainable solutions remains a key challenge in modern healthcare delivery.
The gut microbiome emerges as a promising avenue for primary care clinicians seeking improved ways to assist patients with DGBI. This complex ecosystem of microorganisms within the digestive tract influences numerous aspects of health, including digestion, immune responses, and even neurological signaling via the gut-brain axis. By targeting the microbiome, doctors can potentially address root causes rather than just alleviating symptoms, leading to more holistic patient care. Patients themselves demonstrate substantial enthusiasm for dietary modifications and interventions designed to optimize the gut microbiome, reflecting a broader public interest in leveraging this knowledge to boost both intestinal wellness and general vitality.
In this comprehensive interview, Juan M. Mendive, MD, PhD—a distinguished family physician based in Barcelona, Spain, and the current president of the European Society for Primary Care Gastroenterology—offers his expert perspectives on the evolving and prospective roles of gut microbiome modulation in treating primary care patients diagnosed with IBS. With his extensive background in family medicine and gastroenterology, Dr. Mendive brings a wealth of practical experience to the discussion, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world application in busy primary care environments.
Viewers of this enlightening discussion will gain a deeper understanding of the most effective strategies for handling IBS cases, emphasizing patient-tailored plans that integrate lifestyle advice, pharmacological options, and emerging therapies. The interview places special attention on the critical importance of clear, empathetic communication between healthcare providers and patients. Building trust through open dialogue not only improves adherence to treatment regimens but also empowers individuals to take an active role in managing their condition, fostering better long-term results.
A key highlight of the conversation revolves around the tangible advantages of incorporating probiotics into IBS management protocols. Probiotics, which are live beneficial bacteria, have shown potential in restoring microbial balance, alleviating bloating, reducing abdominal discomfort, and normalizing bowel habits in many patients. Dr. Mendive elaborates on evidence-based probiotic strains that have demonstrated efficacy in clinical studies, discussing how these can be practically integrated into primary care routines to complement standard therapies like dietary adjustments and stress management techniques.
Looking toward the horizon, the interview also contemplates the promising trajectory of microbiome-centric care within primary care frameworks. As research progresses, advancements in personalized microbiome profiling, novel probiotic formulations, and synbiotic combinations are expected to revolutionize how IBS and related DGBI are approached. Dr. Mendive underscores the need for ongoing education among primary care teams to stay abreast of these developments, ensuring that patients benefit from the latest scientifically validated interventions.
This resource proves invaluable for a diverse audience, including healthcare professionals striving to refine their IBS management skills, researchers exploring the gut microbiome’s therapeutic potential, and advocates championing patient-focused healthcare models. By shedding light on practical applications and future directions, the interview equips viewers with actionable knowledge to navigate the complexities of IBS care more effectively.
The dialogue draws from recent scientific literature that reinforces the bidirectional communication pathways between the brain and gut in primary care patients with DGBI, as well as inflammatory conditions like bowel disease and gastroesophageal reflux. Additionally, updates on the gut microbiome’s relevance for primary care clinicians highlight its transformative potential in addressing chronic gastrointestinal complaints that affect millions worldwide.
