How to keep your gut-lung axis happy and healthy!

You may have heard the phrase ‘breathe through your belly’ to ease stress, but did you know that your lungs and gut are more connected than they seem?

These two vital organs share a close relationship that influences many aspects of your health. Referred to as the ‘gut-lung axis’, it communicates through immune signals, nerve pathways, and your body’s microbial properties.¹ When something’s not right in one – like a stomach upset or a respiratory infection – it can affect the other.

This connection plays an important role in your overall health. Let’s take a look at what influences it, and how to keep both happy and healthy! –

What affects the gut-lung axis?

The role of your gut microbiome – One of the key mechanisms involves the gut microbiome. A diverse community of microbes in your gut helps regulate immune responses throughout the body, and prevent unnecessary inflammation.²
The impact of gut dysbiosis on lung diseases – Disruptions, or dysbiosis, in the microbiome can lead to increased immune response. This can contribute to respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or increased susceptibility to infections.³ In turn, lung infections or inflammation can influence your gut health, altering microbiota composition and leading to gastrointestinal symptoms.
Immune system mediation – Immune cells activated in the gut, such as T-cells and macrophages, can migrate through the bloodstream to the lungs, where they influence immune responses. This helps coordinate a defence against pathogens and inflammation in both organs.⁴
Inflammation and cytokine signals – Inflammatory mediators and cytokines released during lung infections or inflammation can circulate systemically and impact your gut permeability and microbiota composition.⁵ On the other hand, gut inflammation can influence lung health, creating a cycle of immune activation.⁶

How can you maintain a healthy gut-lung axis?

Supporting both your gut and lungs is simple and can have a profound effect on your overall wellbeing. Here are some easy-to-implement steps you can take now to support your gut-lung axis-

Incorporating probiotics and prebiotics into your diet can help maintain a balanced and healthy gut microbiome. A varied diet that limits processed foods and refined sugar will also boost your gut function, positively influencing your lung health too.
Avoiding smoking or vaping, and reducing your exposure to environmental toxins, smoke, and air pollution is another great way to maintain a healthy gut and respiratory system.
Spending regular time outdoors, walking, gardening, with animals and generally getting in contact with a diverse range of microbes will help regulate your immune system and reduce the likelihood of developing allergies/an allergic reaction. This helps minimise inflammation, keeping both your gut and lungs happy!

Keen to learn more? Check out The gut-lung axis: a new way to support respiratory health

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.