Generally speaking, all probiotics perform through the same mechanism. Probiotics contain live bacteria that interact with both your human cells and the resident microbes in your microbiome to produce beneficial processes and compounds in the body.
Commensal bacteria strains are selected based on the roles they play in the body, and may also be introduced to restore the balance of microbes in your inner ecosystem.
Most probiotics target your digestive system (aka your gut), which inhabits the largest microbiome in the body. Probiotics for lung health target the gut-lung axis, producing metabolites that can support a healthy inflammatory response as well as lung structure and function over time.
Some probiotics for lungs may also contain additional ingredients, including herbs or botanicals, that have been shown to address the imbalance and support lung function in studies.
In this guide, we’ll explain the link between probiotics and lung health.
Overview of Probiotics
Before we talk about probiotics for lung health specifically, we want to offer a bit of background information.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. They are often referred to as “good” or “beneficial” bacteria because they help maintain the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestines and perform a variety of positive functions in the body.
The most common types of microbes used as probiotics include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, although other bacteria and yeasts can also be beneficial. That being said, there are 100s of other microbes that could be useful as well!
The human microbiome, particularly the gut microbiome, plays a significant role in overall health, influencing digestion, immunity, and even mental well-being.
Probiotics contribute to this complex ecosystem by enhancing its function through various mechanisms. They can help digest food, produce vitamins, and protect against pathogenic organisms that might otherwise cause disease.
In addition to their well-known benefits for gut health, emerging research suggests that probiotics may have systemic effects beyond the gastrointestinal tract.
This includes potential benefits for lung health, which is thought to be mediated through the gut-lung axis - a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the lungs. ResBiotic's founder Dr. C Vivek Lal has conducted extensive research documenting these correlations.
What is the Link Between Probiotics and Lung Health?
So, can probiotics help your lungs? If so, how? The answer is yes, and it’s all thanks to the gut-lung axis. This term describes the bidirectional communication pathway between the gut and the lungs, which is facilitated by the immune system and the microbiome.
The gut-lung axis suggests that alterations in the gut microbiota can have significant effects on the respiratory system. There are a few different mechanisms through which probiotics for lungs can work:
- Immune Modulation: The gut is home to a substantial portion of the body's immune cells, and the microbiota within it plays a crucial role in the development and function of the immune system. Probiotics can help balance the immune response, potentially reducing the risk of respiratory infections. A Cochrane Database study showed that certain probiotic strains could reduce the incidence of respiratory infections.
- Supporting a Healthy Inflammatory Response: Chronic imbalance leads to many chronic lung conditions. Probiotics can promote a healthy inflammatory response in the gut, which may support lung health. Research in the European Respiratory Journal has linked probiotic use to improved outcomes in patients with chronic lung conditions, suggesting a balancing effect.
- Production of Beneficial Metabolites: Probiotics can produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, propionate, and acetate through the fermentation of dietary fibers. These SCFAs can strengthen the gut barrier and modulate the immune system. Evidence suggests that SCFAs may also play a role in lung health by influencing the immune cells within the respiratory tract, as indicated in research published in the American Society for Microbiology.
- Pathogen Inhibition: Probiotics can inhibit pathogenic bacteria by competing for nutrients and adhesion sites within the gut, as well as by producing antimicrobial substances. This can reduce the likelihood of pathogenic bacteria translocating to the lungs, where they could cause infections. Research conducted by Frontiers in Immunology supports this link between probiotics and lung health.
- Modulation of the Microbiome: Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the microbiome, has been associated with various diseases, including those affecting the lungs. The International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that by promoting a healthy balance of microbes in the gut, probiotics may indirectly support lung health.
It is important to note that while the research is promising, the field is still in its infancy. Not all probiotics will have the same effect, and their efficacy can be influenced by several factors, including the specific strains used, the dosage, and the individual's existing microbiota and health status.
That being said, let’s talk about how to use probiotics for lung health below - including where you can find the best probiotics for lungs.
How to Use Probiotics for Lung Health
Incorporating probiotics into a health regimen for the potential benefit of lung health requires a nuanced understanding of their mechanisms and appropriate application based on current scientific evidence. Consider the following guidelines to optimize the respiratory benefits of probiotics for lungs:
Selecting the Right Strains
Not all probiotics exert the same effects - you need the best probiotics for lungs. Therefore, it's crucial to select strains that have been researched for their respiratory benefits.
Strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have shown promise in clinical studies for their balancing properties that could be beneficial for lung health.
Beyond the specific probiotic strains included, ensure that the probiotic supplement is of high quality and that the bacteria it contains are viable. Look for products with good manufacturing practices (GMP) certification and those that provide information on the viability of the probiotics at the time of consumption, not just at the time of manufacture.
Dosage and Duration
The effective dose of probiotics can vary widely depending on the strain and the individual's health. Adhere to the dosage recommendations on the probiotic supplement or as advised by a healthcare professional. The duration of probiotic use should also be considered, as some benefits may take time to manifest.
Lifestyle Considerations
Probiotics should be part of a holistic approach to lung health. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking or exposure to pollutants, all of which can influence lung health and the gut microbiome.
Storage and Handling
Proper storage and handling of probiotic supplements are vital to preserve their effectiveness. Follow the storage instructions carefully, as some probiotics may require refrigeration to maintain their potency.
You should make sure your probiotics come in packaging that keeps them dry and protected from light, which maintains their viability. This is why our packaging includes a moisture-wicking sleeve inside and keeps probiotics nice and dark!
Synergistic Effects
Some evidence suggests that probiotics may work synergistically with prebiotics - non-digestible fibers that feed beneficial gut bacteria. You can think of these as a bit of a boost for your probiotics - prebiotics set the stage for better absorption and efficacy for the probiotics later on.
Thus, including prebiotics in your diet or choosing a synbiotic supplement (a combination of prebiotics and probiotics) may enhance the beneficial effects on lung health.
Is there a risk of lung probiotics interacting with other supplements or medications?
While most respiratory supplements and lung support supplements act on different pathways than most respiratory care medications, certain herbal dietary supplements may carry a risk of interacting with prescription medications.
It is always important to check with not only the supplement manufacturer but also with a healthcare practitioner who knows your complete list of medications, before adding a new supplement to your regimen.
It’s also important to pay attention to the probiotic strains in a supplement if you consider taking more than one probiotic blend. In theory, if the supplements you are taking contain different bacteria or target different organ systems, it’s fine to take multiple probiotic supplements.
That said, tolerance typically depends on the dose and the individual’s sensitivity factors, and side effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and gastroesophageal reflux have been associated with large daily doses. Again, make sure your doctor knows everything you’re taking – natural supplements included – before adding anything new to your list.
Final Thoughts on Using Probiotics for Lungs
That concludes our guide on using probiotics for lung health. As you can see, these little beneficial bacteria hold the potential for supporting lung health through modulation of the gut-lung axis, influencing immune responses, and creating balance.
Selecting clinically-supported strains, adhering to appropriate dosages, and incorporating them into a healthy lifestyle are key to harnessing these benefits. A proactive approach to health includes much more than just a simple probiotic supplement, though - it requires a more comprehensive look at your gut health.
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Whether you need a prebiotic or probiotic supplement or both we’ve got clinically studied solutions waiting to be discovered.
These are expert opinions on lifestyle from professionals who are board-certified physicians, registered dietitians, or healthcare professionals. This content does not represent any medical advice for the prevention or treatment of any medical diseases.