When we think about breathing issues, we usually focus on the lungs. But your gut health can also play a major role, especially if you live with conditions like gastroparesis.
In recognition of Gastroparesis Awareness Month this August, Pulse Air Heart and Lung Centre is highlighting the surprising connection between your digestive system and your lungs, and how to support both.
The Gut-Lung Axis: A Two-Way Street
Your gut and lungs are connected through the gut-lung axis, a communication network involving your immune system and gut microbes. A healthy gut helps regulate inflammation and immune balance. But when gut health is compromised, it can trigger inflammation that affects your lungs.
How Digestive Issues Impact Breathing
Several gastrointestinal conditions can directly, or indirectly, affect your lungs:
- Gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) – causes bloating and pressure on the diaphragm, making breathing harder
- GERD (acid reflux) – stomach acid can enter the lungs, causing chronic cough or asthma-like symptoms
- Dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria) – gut bacteria imbalance can worsen respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD
What Is Gastroparesis Awareness Month?
Observed in August, this month raises awareness of gastroparesis, a condition that delays stomach emptying and causes:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating and early fullness
- Abdominal pain
- Poor appetite and malnutrition
It’s a chronic condition that can significantly impact quality of life and, as we now know, may also influence respiratory health.
Tips for Supporting Gut and Lung Health
Here are some practical ways to care for your gut and lungs together:
1. Eat a Gut-Friendly Diet
- High-fibre foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains), probiotics (yogurt or kefir), and prebiotics (garlic, onions, and bananas)
- For gastroparesis, opt for small, low-fat meals
2. Stay Upright After Eating
- Helps reduce reflux and pressure on the lungs
- Especially important for those with GERD or gastroparesis
3. Manage Stress
- Try deep breathing, meditation, or gentle movement
- Chronic stress disrupts gut bacteria and weakens immune defenses
4. Stay Hydrated
- Water supports digestion and helps thin out mucus in the lungs
5. Get Enough Sleep
- Poor sleep affects both digestion and breathing
- Aim for 7–8 hours of restful sleep per night
When to Seek Help
If you’re experiencing both digestive and respiratory symptoms, like bloating, reflux, shortness of breath, or chronic cough, it’s time to talk to a specialist. Treating one system may improve the other.
Book a respiratory consultation today to explore how your gut health may be affecting your lungs.