The lungs and their microbiome
There are several microbiomes in the body, for example, in the gut , the oropharynx , and even the lungs . The composition of each microbiota depends on the organ. Sometimes it's just bacteria that colonize, sometimes it's a mixture of fungi, bacteria, and single-celled organisms.
The lungs also have a microbiome of bacteria. And it plays a much more important role than previously thought. Its composition could become a key factor in determining the severity of lung disease in the future. 1 "Friendly" bacteria in the lungs help destroy "hostile" ones.
Two such "hostile" bacterial strains are Lachnospiraceae and Entereobacteriacae spp. These two species are supposed to be found only in the intestines, but can enter the lungs via the air we breathe due to weakened mucous membranes and a weak oral microbiome. Patients with these two bacteria in their lungs had an increased risk of developing acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS) 2 . Healthy lungs have a low microbial density but high diversity. Diseased lungs have the exact opposite.
The lungs are therefore significantly burdened by an incorrect composition of their microbiome.
Ling Zhi & Black Cumin
Representatives from nature that can be helpful
Two natural remedies that support the lungs preventively and in cases of infections are the Ling Zhi or Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) and black cumin (Nigella sativa).
Reishi is a mushroom from Asia that has been used in Chinese natural medicine for thousands of years. It possesses antimicrobial and antitumor properties. It supports the body, especially in respiratory diseases, by activating the immune system .
According to recent findings, preventative use of reishi powder is also beneficial. It stimulates the immune system by activating lymphocytes, white blood cells, and immune cells. Increased rapid antibody responses in the form of IgG antibodies have also been observed 5 .
Black cumin is particularly popular among patients with atopic dermatitis . It soothes the skin but also nourishes the gut by nourishing beneficial bacterial strains. According to recent findings, black cumin is also beneficial for the lungs. It modulates the immune system, and the nourishing substances in the oil also have a positive effect on the microbiome.
Immune modulation is particularly important during an infection, especially since the so-called "cytokine storm" is caused by excessive immune reactions. The substances thymoquinone, nigellidine, and alpha-hederin, which are contained in black seed oil , exhibit immunomodulatory and lung function-supporting properties during a viral infection. Therefore, with Ling Zhi - Reishi and black seed oil capsules , you are ideally equipped to strengthen your lung microbiome, your gut, and your immune system during these times!
Dr. Reinhard Pichler – www.reinhardpichler.at
Literature used
- Dickson, RP et al.: Lung microbiota predict clinical outcomes in critically ill patients, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, January 2020
- American Thoracic Society: Lung Microbiome May Help Predict Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients, January 24, 2020
- Ramírez-Labrada et al.: The Influence of Lung Microbiota on Lung Carcinogenesis, Immunity, and Immunotherapy, Trends Cancer, 6 (2) (2020), pp. 86-97
- Khatiwadaa & Subedic: Lung microbiome and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Possible link and implications, Hum Microb J., August
- Al-jumaili, MMO et al.: The Role of Ganoderma lucidum Uptake on Some Hematological and Immunological Response in Patients with Coronavirus (COVID-19), Systematic Reviews in Pharamcy, Vol 11, Aug-Sep 2020
- Fakhar-e-AlamKulyar, M. et al.: Potential influence of Nagella sativa (Black cumin) in reinforcing immune system: A hope to decelerate the COVID-19 pandemic, Phytomedicine, July 2020
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