If you struggle with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, or frequent respiratory infections, your gut may be playing a bigger role than you think. While lung diseases often have complex causes, one emerging area of focus is the gut-lung axis! This is a fascinating connection between your gut health and respiratory function. Supporting this axis through nutritional and effective natural remedies offers a practical approach to improving your lung health and managing conditions like asthma.
The gut-lung axis
The gut-lung axis refers to the communication between your gut microbiome and your lungs, which is mediated by your immune system. A healthy gut microbiome can regulate inflammation, reduce allergic reactions, and improve lung function. Imbalances in the microbiome can exacerbate respiratory conditions by triggering systemic inflammation.
Our Gut Heath Protocol (which includes probiotics and prebiotics), plus our natural tinctures and essential oils, can help nurture this connection, offering significant lung benefits.
Boost your lung health naturally
1. Kefir: A probiotic powerhouse
Our kefir is rich in beneficial bacteria and plays a vital role in gut health and immune regulation. Research shows that kefir can reduce inflammatory markers associated with asthma, including interleukin-4 and IgE immunoglobulins. Kefir can also help boost the action of T-cells, which strengthens your immune system overall.1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4854945/ This immune-regulating effect makes kefir a natural and effective way to address allergy and asthma symptoms holistically, supporting long-term lung function by restoring balance from within.
Steroid inhalers, on the other hand, work by suppressing the immune response in your lungs by reducing the effects of these immune cells and inflammatory chemicals. This decreases airway inflammation, making respiratory triggers and asthma attacks less likely and severe. However, while inhalers are excellent for symptom management, they focus on controlling external triggers rather than addressing the root cause of immune imbalance. It is important to note that kefir and steroid inhalers work in opposite ways – kefir enhances immune activity, whereas steroids suppress it – so combining them is not recommended. Always consult with your GP or consultant for possible contraindications.
2. Complete Prebiotic: Nourish your microbiome
Prebiotics are the essential fibres needed to feed your beneficial bacteria. Our Complete Prebiotic supports microbial diversity, encouraging the growth of strains like Roseburia, which produce anti-inflammatory compounds such as butyrate. These compounds help reduce airway inflammation and protect against conditions like asthma.2https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201102120033.htm Studies show that low-fibre diets can significantly reduce Roseburia, highlighting the importance of maintaining a high-fibre diet.3https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/apt.132484https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/5/1655
3. Pure Fish Collagen: Heal your gut lining
Protecting the delicate lining of your gut is vital for a healthy gut-lung connection. Over time, the gut lining can develop rips and tears as natural collagen levels decrease, especially after age 25. Our Pure Fish Collagen helps repair and maintain this barrier, reducing intestinal permeability, lowering systemic inflammation, and enhancing overall gut health.5https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28174772/
3. Boswellia Serrata: Nature’s steroid
Known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Boswellia Serrata can naturally help alleviate chronic inflammatory lung conditions. Its active compounds, boswellic acids, regulate immune responses and support the gut microbiome.6https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S175646462200319X This makes it particularly effective for managing asthma, other respiratory issues, and autoimmune conditions. To read more about Boswellia click on this article: Fighting pain? Think Boswellia!
4. CG Oil: The lungs’ essential oil
Our CG oil is a potent blend of essential oils, including lemongrass, clove buds, lemon, cinnamon, rosemary, and eucalyptus. This powerful combination offers natural support for respiratory health. It’s antifungal, antimicrobial, and soothing properties make it highly effective for supporting throat and lung infections, easing sinus congestion and relieving common cold symptoms.
Practical tips for lung and immune health
Avoid overuse of antibacterial products
Excessive use of antibacterial soaps and sprays, especially those filled with a long list of chemicals, can disrupt your microbiome and increase susceptibility to allergic reactions.7https://healthland.time.com/2010/12/03/can-overuse-of-antibiotic-soap-promote-allergies-in-kids/8https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/antibacterial-cleaning-products Avoid these unless necessary e.g. specific medical condition. Instead, opt for plain natural soaps, essential oils and warm water for effective cleaning. To read more articles on how to make your own DIY home cleaning spray and products, click here. Here is a useful article on why you should be using plain soap instead of antibacterial soaps.
Avoid lung pollutants
Reduce exposure to environmental toxins, smoke, and air pollution.
Use a humidifier
Keeping your indoor air moist can ease respiratory irritation. You can also add some drops of the CG oil to it for added benefits.
Follow a gut-friendly diet
Include fibre-rich foods and fermented products like kefir to nourish your microbiome. You can find our general dietary advice here. Explore our gut-healthy recipes here.
Maintain a balanced lifestyle
Engage in activities that expose you to diverse microbes, such as spending time outdoors, gardening, or caring for pets. This exposure may reduce your body’s tendency to develop an allergic reaction to common allergens, by teaching and regulating your immune system.
Focus on mental wellness
Chronic stress can negatively affect your gut and immune system, through the gut-brain connection. Try to incorporate mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation into your daily routine. Click here to learn more on how your mental wellness is connected to your gut and Why Kefir Is The Best Mental Health First Aid. For more articles on how to reduce stress click here.
Many of the respiratory conditions people suffer from today can be helped by first focusing on gut health. Remember, your gut is the portal to the rest of your body, including your lungs! Supporting this gut-lung connection is a crucial first step in improving overall health and resilience. You may also find this article interesting: Inflammation – friend or foe?
Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.
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