Introduction
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a great deal of disruption to our lives, and researchers are still trying to understand the virus and its effects on our bodies. Recently, a new study has found that a certain type of bacteria that lives in our gut may worsen the symptoms of COVID-19. This bacteria, called Prevotella copri, is a common inhabitant of the human gut microbiome, and it has been linked to a variety of health conditions. The study suggests that this bacteria may be involved in the development of severe COVID-19 symptoms, and further research is needed to understand the exact role it plays. In this article, we will discuss the findings of the study and what it could mean for those infected with the virus.
This Bacteria Lurking in Your Gut May Worsen COVID Symptoms, Research Finds
A new study has found that a certain type of bacteria in the gut may worsen the symptoms of COVID-19. The research, published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, suggests that the presence of the bacteria, called Prevotella copri, is associated with more severe symptoms of the virus.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, looked at the gut microbiome of more than 1,000 people who had tested positive for COVID-19. They found that those with higher levels of P. copri were more likely to have severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing, fever, and fatigue.
The researchers believe that the bacteria may be contributing to the severity of the virus by triggering an inflammatory response in the body. This could lead to an overreaction of the immune system, which could make the symptoms worse.
The findings are still preliminary, and more research is needed to confirm the link between P. copri and COVID-19 symptoms. But the researchers believe that their findings could help inform future treatments for the virus.
“Our findings suggest that targeting the gut microbiome may be a potential strategy for reducing the severity of COVID-19,” said lead author Dr. Elisabeth Bik. “We need to further investigate the role of the microbiome in COVID-19, and how it can be manipulated to improve outcomes.”
You could already be taking nutritional vitamins C and D in addition to minerals like zinc and magnesium to higher help your immune system, however have you ever additionally thought of methods to enhance your intestine well being? New analysis reveals that one explicit micro organism residing in your intestines could also be in charge for heightened COVID-19 signs.
Within the new examine featured within the British Medical Journal’s publication Intestine, a workforce of scientists on the Chinese language College of Hong Kong recommend that the gastrointestinal tract might play an even bigger position in our restoration from COVID-19 extra so than we initially thought. (Associated: The One Vitamin Medical doctors Are Urging Everybody to Take Proper Now.)
After observing blood and stool samples from 100 sufferers handled in two hospitals, the researchers discovered that the “intestine microbiome composition was considerably altered in sufferers with COVID-19 in contrast with non-COVID-19 people regardless of whether or not sufferers had obtained medicine.”
Sufferers whose blood samples indicated excessive blood plasma ranges of pro-inflammatory cytokines (and different inflammatory markers) skilled antagonistic COVID-19 signs. As these sufferers had been combating the virus, the researchers observed “substantial involvement” of the GI tract on condition that the composition of their intestine microbiota had been altered.
“Associations between intestine microbiota composition, ranges of cytokines, and inflammatory markers in sufferers with COVID-19 recommend that the intestine microbiome is concerned within the magnitude of COVID-19 severity probably through modulating host immune responses,” the examine’s authors wrote.
Much more telling, the intestine microbiota in some sufferers remained considerably altered for as much as 30 days. A small subset of sufferers confirmed what’s referred to as intestine microbiota dysbiosis (imbalance) 30 days post-recovery, which might clarify why some individuals have extended signs.
The principle takeaway right here? The examine pinpoints a possible connection between intestine micro organism negatively affecting irritation within the physique, which might make covid signs worse. Within the interim, with this information, you’ll be able to work on incorporating extra anti-inflammatory meals, reminiscent of leafy inexperienced greens like spinach; heart-healthy nuts like pistachios; and fatty fish like salmon into your on a regular basis food regimen to help your intestine.
And for recommendation on which meals to keep away from when making an attempt to advertise a wholesome microbiome, you should definitely learn The Worst Meals for Intestine Well being.