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The Gut Microbiome and Wound Healing: What you need to know

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

The Gut Microbiome and Wound Healing: What you need to know

Written by: Jessica Holland

It’s being talked about more and more every day; the importance of the gut microbiome in one’s overall health. This has become a hot topic in medical research. But did you know that the health of your gut can significantly impact how well wounds heal?

Continue to read to find out the fascinating relationship between the gut microbiome and healing open wounds.

First, What is the Gut Microbiome?

The gut microbiome is a complex community of trillions of microorganisms living in our intestines. These include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes that play a crucial role in digesting food, regulating the immune system, and protecting against harmful pathogens.

Now, How Does the Gut Microbiome Impact Wound Healing?

  1. Immune System Regulation: The gut microbiome helps regulate the immune system, which is vital for wound healing. A balanced microbiome can enhance the body’s immune response, reduce inflammation, and promote faster healing of wounds (Belkaid & Hand, 2014). Understanding the impact of the gut microbiome on wound healing can help tailor treatments that enhance recovery (Belkaid & Hand, 2014).
  2. Nutrient Absorption: The microbes in the gut aid in the digestion and absorption of essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, which are crucial for tissue repair and regeneration. For example, we’ve talked about how Vitamin C, zinc, and protein are all important for wound healing and are better absorbed with a healthy gut (Rizzatti et al., 2018). The impact of the gut microbiome on nutrient absorption directly influences wound recovery (Rizzatti et al., 2018).
  3. Inflammation Control: Chronic inflammation can impede wound healing. A balanced gut microbiome produces anti-inflammatory compounds that help control inflammation and support the healing process (Tilg & Moschen, 2015). By controlling inflammation, the gut microbiome positively impacts wound healing (Tilg & Moschen, 2015).
  4. Barrier Function: The gut lining acts as a barrier to prevent harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. A healthy microbiome strengthens this barrier, reducing the risk of infection and promoting better wound healing (Bischoff et al., 2014). The impact of a strong gut barrier is crucial for effective wound healing (Bischoff et al., 2014).

Tips to Build a Healthy Gut Microbiome

  • Eat a Diverse Diet: Eating a variety of foods can lead to a more diverse microbiome, which is the path to better health and healing. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi in your diet (Leeming et al., 2019). A diverse diet positively impacts the gut microbiome and, in turn, wound healing (Leeming et al., 2019).
  • Increase Fiber Intake: Dietary fiber is essential for gut health as it feeds the beneficial bacteria. Foods high in fiber include beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains (Simpson & Campbell, 2015). Increased fiber intake enhances the impact of the gut microbiome on wound healing (Simpson & Campbell, 2015).
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain the mucosal lining of the intestines and supports the growth of beneficial bacteria (Pross et al., 2014). Proper hydration supports the gut microbiome and improves wound healing (Pross et al., 2014).
  • Limit Processed Foods and Sugars: High levels of processed foods and sugars can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. Reducing processed foods and sugars can positively impact the gut microbiome and wound healing (Wu et al., 2011).
  • Include Prebiotics and Probiotics: Prebiotics are fibers that feed the good bacteria in your gut, while probiotics are live beneficial bacteria. Foods rich in prebiotics include garlic, onions, and bananas. Probiotic-rich foods include yogurt, kefir, and other fermented products (Gibson et al., 2017). Including prebiotics and probiotics enhances the impact of the gut microbiome on wound healing (Gibson et al., 2017).
  • Move Regularly: Regular physical activity can also positively affect the gut microbiome by increasing the diversity of beneficial bacteria (Allen et al., 2018). Exercise supports the gut microbiome and improves wound healing (Allen et al., 2018).
  • Manage Stress: Did you know that even small amount of chronic stress can negatively impact the gut microbiome. Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help manage stress levels (Rea et al., 2016).

By focusing on the health of your gut microbiome, you can support your body’s natural ability to heal wounds more efficiently.

At Restore First Health, whether you’re a provider, caregiver, or patient, we take an educational approach, leaving you empowered with knowledge on ways you can positively affect the healing journey.

For more information on how we can help, please contact our team of experts!

References

  • Belkaid, Y., & Hand, T. W. (2014). Role of the microbiota in immunity and
    inflammation. Cell, 157(1), 121-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2014.03.011
  • Rizzatti, G., Lopetuso, L. R., Gibiino, G., Binda, C., & Gasbarrini, A. (2018). Proteobacteria: A common factor in human diseases. BioMed Research
    International, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/7464912
  • Tilg, H., & Moschen, A. R. (2015). Microbiota and diabetes: An evolving relationship. Gut, 63(9), 1513-1521. https://doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2014-306928
  • Bischoff, S. C., et al. (2014). Intestinal permeability – A new target for disease prevention and therapy. BMC Gastroenterology, 14, 189. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-014-0189-7
  • Leeming, E. R., Johnson, A. J., Spector, T. D., & Le Roy, C. I. (2019). Effect of diet on the gut microbiota: Rethinking intervention duration. Nutrients, 11(12), 2862. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11122862
  • Simpson, H. L., & Campbell, B. J. (2015). Review article: Dietary fibre-microbiota interactions. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 42(2), 158-179. https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13248
  • Pross, N., Demazières, A., Girard, N., Barnouin, R., Metzger, D., Klein, A., & Perrier, E. (2014). Influence of progressive fluid restriction on mood and physiological markers of dehydration in women. British Journal of Nutrition, 109(2), 313-321. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114512004042
  • Wu, G. D., et al. (2011). Linking long-term dietary patterns with gut microbial enterotypes. Science, 334(6052), 105-108. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1208344
  • Gibson, G. R., Hutkins, R., Sanders, M. E., Prescott, S. L., Reimer, R. A., Salminen, S. J., … & Reid, G. (2017). The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) consensus statement on the definition and scope of prebiotics. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 14(8), 491-502. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2017.75
  • Allen, J. M., Mailing, L. J., Niemiro, G. M., Moore, R., Cook, M. D., White, B. A., … & Woods, J. A. (2018). Exercise alters gut microbiota composition and function in lean and obese humans. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 50(4), 747-757. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000001495
  • Langdon, A., Crook, N., & Dantas, G. (2016). The effects of antibiotics on the microbiome throughout development and alternative approaches for therapeutic modulation. Genome Medicine, 8(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13073-016-0294-z
  • Rea, K., Dinan, T. G., & Cryan, J. F. (2016). The microbiome: A key regulator of stress and neuroinflammation. Neurobiology of Stress, 4, 23-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ynstr.2016.03.001