The trillions of bacteria living in our gut have an . They’re in charge of digestion, breaking down the foods we eat and extracting their vitamins and minerals. A also helps ward off infections and even lowers risk of certain diseases.
Authors
Samuel J. White
Associate Professor & Head of Projects, York St John University
Philippe B. Wilson
Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor: Innovation and Knowledge Exchange, York St John University
The effects of the gut microbiome on our health are far-reaching – research shows that even our lungs are influenced by this community of microbes.
The interaction between the gut and the lungs is enabled by the . This axis plays a crucial role in our respiratory health – including whether or not a person develops various lung diseases. By better understanding this connection, we may potentially be able to improve treatments for lung diseases and boost respiratory health.
Studies have revealed that people with respiratory conditions such as , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease () and often have an imbalanced gut microbiome – a condition known as .
For example, children with asthma often have – such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy immune response. Similarly, patients with lung cancer may have of bacterial strains that help fight inflammation.
The reason an imbalance of gut bacteria can exacerbate lung conditions is because it increases inflammation and .
Respiratory infections can also alter gut microbiota, creating a vicious cycle that worsens health outcomes. For example, research in mice shows infections by respiratory syncytial virus, the influenza virus and Sars-COV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) can all lead to changes in the .
COVID-19 infections may also lead to . And, this dysbiosis may still be present by the virus.
On the flip-side, research shows that when the gut microbiome is balanced, it may reduce respiratory symptoms. This is thanks to substances produced by beneficial gut bacteria, called (such as butyrate and propionate). These substances have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Short-chain fatty acids have been found to travel through the bloodstream and can . This bolsters our defences against respiratory infections and diseases.
In fact, research shows children who have higher levels of short-chain fatty acids in their gut have a . Short-chain fatty acids have also been linked to in adults.
Targeting the gut
Given the important link between the gut and the lungs, researchers are now exploring whether treatments that target the gut microbiome can improve lung health.
One promising approach is the use of probiotics – live, beneficial bacteria that can restore balance to the gut microbiome.
Probiotics containing the bacterial species Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis have in reducing lung inflammation and improving respiratory health. A study involving asthmatic patients found that those who received probiotic supplements experienced .
One reason probiotics may have this benefit is because they improve the balance of bacteria in the gut. When the bacteria are in balance, they that help maintain the integrity of the lung’s outer barrier, preventing pathogens from causing harm. By modulating how the , this and improves .
Another approach is altering diet. provide the fuel bacteria need to produce . For instance, feeding mice a diet rich in fibre by enhancing their immune responses.
Eating more fruits, vegetables and wholegrains (all great sources of fibre) can all in producing short-chain fatty acids. Limiting , which often contribute to gut dysbiosis, could also play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy gut-lung axis.
Regular physical activity also , further supporting .
Gut-lung axis
Understanding how the gut-lung axis can be manipulated could lead to groundbreaking treatments for the suffering from some sort of respiratory issue.
By focusing on the gut microbiome, we can potentially prevent and treat lung diseases more effectively by addressing the underlying causes of the condition, reducing inflammation and modulating how the immune system functions. This would offer hope to the millions of people battling .
Emerging therapies, such as – where healthy microbiota from donors are transferred to patients with dysbiosis – have shown promise in early studies. While primarily used for gastrointestinal conditions, research shows it can also be effective in treating respiratory infections – including , , to modulate dysbiosis in and improve lung function in .
There could also be potential for developing other kinds of personalised treatments – such as using that target the gut microbiome. could not only improve respiratory health but also enhance wellbeing more generally.
The is a powerful reminder of how interconnected our body systems truly are. By nurturing our gut microbiome, we can positively impact our respiratory health and potentially ward off lung diseases.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
