Gut health refers to the balance of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. Looking after the health of the gut and maintaining the right balance of these microorganisms is vital for physical and mental health.
A healthy gut contributes to
These bacteria, yeasts, and viruses, of which there are around 100 trillion, are also called the “gut microbiome” or “gut flora.”
Many microbes are beneficial for human health, and some are even essential. For maintaining the gut microflora, conscious addition of probiotic and prebiotic foods is essential.
Hence, here have given out certain guidelines that can help you combat the problems of Gut health during COVID-19 lockdown.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been reported as the entry point into human cells for some coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV and COVID-19. The devil COVID-19 is rising over us with accompanying adverse effects on several important organs predominantly the lungs. Intra and extra pulmonary expression of ACE2 can be the possible reason for this.
However, the gut is the biggest immune organ and its ACE2-mediated effects on immune and neural systems might impact pulmonary functions. Thus, the small intestine is the most abundant source of ACE2 and has been linked with microbiota.
Moreover, regulation of ACE2 is critical in situations like COVID-19. To do that, engineered microbial consortia (EMC) can be used. EMC can modify the human microbiome (especially the gut microbiome) and help human cells to fight against diseases as deadly as COVID-19.
The fine details of the interactions between the gut microbiome and the immune system are not fully understood. But there seems to be a link between the makeup of the microbiome and inflammation – one of the hallmarks of the immune response.
Gut bacteria produce many beneficial chemicals and also activate vitamin A in food, which helps to regulate the immune system.
San Diego /PR News wire /Persephone Bio-sciences Inc., a biotechnology company that designs micro-bio-me therapeutics and diagnostics to promote normal immune function in order to prevent and fight disease, recently announced that it is developing an immune-boosting micro-bio-me therapeutic to help prevent and fight the novel coronavirus (SARS- CoV-2) as well as a potential stool-based diagnostic designed to help predict which patients are of at highest risk for developing severe complications and mortality from COVID-19.
“Recent reports from China suggest that COVID-19 is strongly linked to the gastrointestinal tract and that there is some correlation between severe patient response to the disease and imbalanced or damaged gut microbiomes,” said Stephanie Culler, CEO and co-founder of Persephone Biosciences. “We noted these findings because our research is centred around the microbiome, making our therapeutic discovery platform immediately relevant in the fight against SARS-CoV-2.”
It is found that probiotic supplementation for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on glycemic control, HDL- cholesterol, total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio, biomarkers of inflammation, and oxidative stress in diabetic patients with CHD.[1]
A study showed a significant decrease in FPG level and increase in HDL by multi-strain probiotic supplements in within-group comparison; though, further studies are needed to confirm results. [2]
Probiotics (usually lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) and prebiotics (non-digestible oligosaccharides) have been shown to be useful in preventing certain disease conditions as well as possibly promoting specific aspects of health.
In the present review, the evidence from clinical trials for benefits from probiotics and prebiotics to elderly populations is presented and discussed, specifically in respect of three common conditions found in the elderly. Both probiotics and prebiotics may be helpful in malnutrition, particularly in lactose intolerance and calcium absorption, and in constipation.
Probiotics have been shown clearly to boost immunity in the elderly, but the clinical significance of this remains to be clarified. These results are encouraging, and further large-scale studies seem justified to establish the place of probiotic and prebiotic supplements in elderly subjects.[3]
The research suggests that the intervention of optimum level of probiotic supplementation along with some nutraceuticals improved the climacteric symptoms and vaginal health status by altering the microbiota. [4]
There is ample clinical and epidemiological evidence supporting the role of prebiotics and probiotics in reducing uric acid levels in serum, though the mechanisms remain elusive.
Probiotics can influence the bioavailability of the uric acid precursor, namely purine and its breakdown products inosine and guanosine, which could influence clinical uric acid profiles. [5]
Overall, the co-administration of probiotics and selenium for 12 weeks to women with PCOS had beneficial effects on mental health parameters, serum total testosterone, hirsutism, hs-CRP, TAC, GSH, and MDA levels. [6]
The finding provides evidence that daily probiotic consumption has beneficial effects on decreasing Fasting Blood Insulin, TG, and VLDL-C, and increasing the Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) score in PCOS patients. [7]
An increasing number of clinical trials supporting the probiotic-dependent attenuation of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia could provide immense support for the application of such cultures to improve cardiovascular health. Hence, dietary intervention to correct gut microbiota could be an innovative nutritional therapeutic strategy for hypertension.
The knowledge obtained on probiotic potential against CVDs is still at infancy stage and current findings suggest that hypotensive effects of probiotics are very promising and worth exploring to promote cardiovascular health.[8]
The gut microbiota has important effects on human health and disease. It is an altered composition of the gut microbiota was identified as a factor contributing to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Grave’s Disease. The microbiota may influence Iodine uptake and enterohepatic cycling of thyroid hormones.[9]
Prebiotics act as food for the probiotics and help the good bacteria in the gut to grow. An article by Dr. Jagmeet Madan enlists the sources of whole grains as prebiotics.[10]
Whole grains, garlic, onions, raw banana, oats, apples, flaxseeds, pulses, fruits.
Many inulin and FOS containing prebiotic supplements are available. Myfy, Fitofy, 100% Inulin, somavit are few examples that can be suggested.
OTC – Velgut, Darolac, Vibact.
While adding supplements, please check the for the following:
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Always follow pickle recipes exactly. Altering quantities—especially those of vinegar, vegetables, and salt—can lead to the spread of spoilage-causing bacteria.
Scrupulously clean all cooking utensils in hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
Use stainless-steel, glass, or ceramic bowls. For pots and pans, use stainless steel, heat proof glass, or hard-anodised aluminium.
Avoid containers and utensils made of copper, iron, zinc, or brass (these materials may react with acid and salt).
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With most other health conditions, Gut health is one of the concerns and easily taken care of. Immunity has been playing a major role among people who are getting recovered from the COVID-19 attack. Hence Gut health during COVID-19 is something we have to be taking measures for since it comprises more than 75% of the Immune System.
The guidelines mentioned above not only helps people with poor gut health but people in general without any other medical conditions.
‘Gut health is the key to overall health’- says Kris Carr. This is indeed true. Have you ever felt uneasy after having a healthy meal? Never! While this is the time when our body has to get stronger and healthy to fight against the deadly COVID-19, it is our need in hour to practice a healthy lifestyle.
We have given out guidelines to be practised for most other health conditions including Gut health during COVID-19 pandemic. Do hover on those articles and share them with people who you believe will be helped. Also, contact us for any queries regarding your concerns with dealing during COVID-19.
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