Air pollution and gut health: Gastroenterologists explain

Résumé détaillé

Deteriorating air quality across Delhi-NCR has raised concerns about pollution's effects on gut health. Experts say prolonged exposure may disrupt the microbiome, inflame intestines and impair digestion.

Air pollution is usually associated with respiratory problems, coughing and breathlessness. However, its impact may extend beyond the lungs. Prolonged exposure to polluted air, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), may also affect the digestive system by triggering inflammation, oxidative stress and changes in the gut microbiome.

As air quality continues to deteriorate across Delhi-NCR, concerns about the wider health effects of pollution are growing. According to Dr Ayush Dhingra, Chairman – Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, exposure to PM2.5 can trigger oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, potentially affecting gut health, digestion and intestinal function.

Dr Sunny Singh (B.H.M.S.), Director of Dr Sunny's Homeo Centre, Kanpur, also explains that prolonged exposure to air pollution may influence the balance of gut bacteria and affect the intestinal lining.

While polluted air primarily enters the body through the respiratory tract, some inhaled particles may eventually be swallowed and enter the digestive system. In addition, pollutants may influence the gut through inflammatory and immune pathways.

These particles and associated inflammatory responses may interact with the intestinal lining and influence processes involved in digestion and gut health.

Dr Dhingra explains that air pollutants can potentially disturb the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut. This balance, known as the gut microbiome, plays an important role in digestion, immunity and overall health.

Dr Sunny Singh adds that changes in the composition and diversity of gut bacteria may disturb the intestinal environment, potentially affecting digestive function.

Prolonged exposure to air pollution may contribute to intestinal inflammation and affect the gut's protective barrier.

The intestinal lining acts as a protective layer, regulating what passes from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.

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