The gut-lung axis (GLA) axis & dawn of a new era
In recent weeks industry, science and news features have been increasingly been reporting on interactions between the gut and lungs otherwise known as 'the gut-lung axes'. This is because recently published studies have highlighted that certain species of predominantly lactobacillus probiotic bacteria have a profound effect on lung disease. The implications of this new discovery for health and immunity particularly resonates with the continuation of the COVID 19 pandemic.
The inter connections associated with the gut-lung axis (GLA) remains less studied than the gut-brain axis. However to try and understand it the microbiota in the gut is best considered as an ecosystem in which interactions occur. The gut microbiota closely interacts with the gut mucosal immune system through both (pro)inflammatory and regulatory signals.
Viruses are known to be key players in numerous respiratory diseases and are also known to interact with the human immune system, however bacterial and fungal components of gut microbiota are known and presently better understood to shape local or long-reached host responses.
Gut microbes help in assimilating dietary nutrients which are indigestible by humans. The metabolites (products of reactions/interactions) produced by gut bacteria for instance, not only modulate (harmonise) gastro-immunity, but also impact distal organs like the lung and brain.
Probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics are a way to enhance food supplement products. A healthy diet containing prebiotic fruits and vegetables such as onions, bananas, chicory, or postbiotics (the metabolites of probiotic reactions) such as fermented foods; Kefir, Kombucha or Kimchi, or probiotics found in yoghurts may be a way to beneficially support our immunity.
Food supplements are currently focussed on pre and probiotics. To further grow this category, I anticipate further evolution of the category to the inclusion of postbiotics plus further refinements in strains and combinations of all three alongside other immune boosting nutrients.
These supplements may well become a staple for older adults as COVID variants evolve, and may have a use in prevention of conditions such as long COVID but research in that area is yet to be even considered.
