Growing evidence suggests that our gut health can play an important role in the development and management of asthma. Taking a closer look at the gut microbiome, the microorganisms within the digestive tract can influence immune function and inflammation throughout the body, including the respiratory system.
The gut connection with asthma
Studies have shown that individuals with asthma tend to have an unbalanced gut microbiome compared to healthy individuals. Specifically, they tend to have lower diversity and lower of levels of beneficial bacteria,such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains. Additionally, they tend to have higher levels of potentially harmful bacteria.
This imbalance may contribute to the development of asthma by affecting immune function and inflammation. The gut microbiome plays an important role in regulating the immune system, and a disruption in this balance can lead to an overactive immune response and inflammation, which can contribute to asthma symptoms. Additionally, the gut microbiome produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have suggested that increasing SCFA production through dietary interventions, such as increasing fibre or prebiotic intake, may help to improve asthma symptoms.
Alongside medical intervention, maintaining a healthy gut microbiota through a balanced diet, probiotics, and postbiotics can be promising steps to help prevent and manage asthma symptoms. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between gut health and asthma.
Easy ways to incorporate probiotics and postbiotics into your daily routine
- Buttermilk
- Cottage cheese
- High-fiber foods like oats, flaxseed, seaweed and garlic
- Fermented pickles
- Kefir
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Miso soup
Another quick and easy way is adding a daily scoop of our Gut Nutrition powders to your drinks or food. Each powder has specialised blend of prebiotic, probiotic and postbiotic strains, combined with a careful selection of natural functional superfood ingredients to support targeted gut health needs. Each product contains unique strains of probiotics and postbiotics, including a number of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains such as Meluka's propietary Lactobacillus rhamnosus Beebiotic MAP01®, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus postbiotic, Lactobacillus paracasei, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis and Bifidobacterium longum.
Explore our delicious and easy to use products for gut wellbeing and get inspired with our healthy ideas at our blog for your ongoing digestive health and wellness.