Focusing on gut bacteria could help prevent and treat lung diseases

The trillions of bacteria living in our gut have an extraordinary effect on our health. They’re in charge of digestion, breaking down the foods we eat and extracting their vitamins and minerals. A healthy, balanced microbiome also helps ward off infections and even lowers risk of certain diseases.

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 gut-lung axis. 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 asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer often have an imbalanced gut microbiome – a condition known as dysbiosis.

For example, children with asthma often have lower levels of beneficial bacteria – such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy immune response. Similarly, patients with lung cancer may have lower levels of bacterial strains that help fight inflammation.

The reason an imbalance of gut bacteria can exacerbate lung conditions is because it increases inflammation and allows pathogens to thrive.

Respiratory infections can also alter gut...

Read more