Gut-Kidney Axis: Linking Eating Habits, Gut Dysbiosis, and Kidney Function

The human gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem made up of trillions of diverse microbial entities. It carries out essential life functions such as digestion, nutrient synthesis, and immune system development. The composition and function of the gut microbiota are unique to each individual, depending on their dietary habits, genetics, and environmental factors. It undergoes constant transformation in infants, making it particularly susceptible to disruptions.

Surprisingly, 80% of your immune system is located in your gut, as well as most of your body's serotonin. Therefore, if your gut is unhealthy, your immune system and hormones may not work correctly, leading to sickness.

This microbiome is one of the most populous in the human body and plays a crucial role in absorbing nutrients and synthesizing substances such as vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes.

Having an imbalance in your gut microbiota, also known as dysbiosis, can have negative impacts on your health as a whole. The impact can range from mild symptoms such as cramps, diarrhoea, and constipation to more serious and chronic conditions. Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overcoming these problems. Dysbiosis symptoms include chronic fatigue, digestive issues, difficulty urinating, acid reflux or heartburn, vaginal or rectal infections or itching, food intolerance, gas, and bloating, inflammation and joint pain, acne, skin rashes, and psoriasis, ADHD or concentration issues, and anxiety or depression.

Gut-Kidney Axis

An imbalance in microbial communities can cause an upset in the gut microbiota and lead to intestinal dysbiosis by damaging the intestinal barrier. Additionally, it's been observed that viable bacteria can pass from the gut to other parts of the body, such as the kidney. This bacterial translocation is linked to bacterial dysbiosis, bacterial overgrowth, and weakened host immunity.

The connection between the gut microbiota and kidney diseases is known as the gut-kidney axis. This link has been found to contribute to various clinical conditions, including Chronic Kidney Disease, Acute Kidney Injury, hypertension, nephrolithiasis, IgA nephropathy, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis.

It's clear that kidney diseases are often accompanied by gut dysbiosis, which plays a role in their progression. However, it's important to understand how gut dysbiosis impacts kidney disease progression, especially since symptoms can appear in other parts of the body. Scientists are exploring the molecular basis of gut-kidney crosstalk by analyzing multiple types of data that have discovered that changes in gut microbial species are linked to changes in intestinal, circulating, and renal metabolites, including uremic toxins, short-chain fatty acids, and trimethylamine (TMA).

Gut Dysbiosis and Impact on Kidney Health

Gut microbiota alteration can result in excessive production of uremic toxins, which can worsen chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Some bacteria species, such as Eggerthella lenta and Fusobacterium nucleatum, can increase uremic toxins production and exacerbate CKD. In addition, uremic toxins can enter the bloodstream when renal function declines and intestinal epithelial barriers are disrupted. Short Chain Fatty Acids (SFAs), including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, are produced by gut bacteria from indigestible fibres. SCFAs play a critical role in slowing CKD progression. It was found that butyrate levels were three times lower in CKD patients, and supplementation with extra butyrate improved renal function. Red meat and Western diets contain nutrient precursors that gut bacteria use to create TMA, a waste product that is absorbed into the body and converted to trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in the liver. TMAO worsens kidney function and fibrosis.

Nutrition Strategies Targeting Gut Dysbiosis on Kidney Diseases

When you have gut dysbiosis!

Probiotic supplementation can prevent microbial dysbiosis in kidney disease. Lactobacillales and Bifidobacteri are common probiotics. Studies have shown that probiotic treatment can reduce uraemic toxins and improve kidney function. However, the safety and dosage of probiotics need to be strictly controlled. Prebiotics and synbiotics, a combination of prebiotics and probiotics, have been found to be effective in protecting against kidney injury and preventing CKD progression. Essential prebiotics found in our regular diet, such as polyphenols and fructooligosaccharides, inhibit pathogenic bacteria and improve inflammation. Butyrate and dietary fibre have also been shown to prevent proteinuria and protect against diabetic nephropathy. Synbiotic diets containing prebiotics (glutamine, dietary fibre, and oligosaccharide) and probiotics (yoghurt, curd, buttermilk, kimchi, kombucha, miso) preserved renal function decline without serious adverse effects.

Daily habits to prevent gut dysbiosis!

To prevent gut dysbiosis and promote a healthy gut microbiome, its advisable to adopt a nutrition strategy that focuses on fostering a diverse and balanced microbial community in your gastrointestinal tract. Here are some dietary recommendations to help prevent gut dysbiosis:

• Fiber-Rich Foods: Include plenty of high-fiber foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and seeds. Fiber serves as a prebiotic, providing nourishment to beneficial gut bacteria, which can help maintain a healthy microbiome.
• Variety of Plant Foods: Consume a wide range of plant-based foods to promote microbial diversity. Different types of fruits, vegetables, and grains support the growth of various beneficial microorganisms in the gut.
• Fermented Foods: Incorporate fermented foods into your diet, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. These foods contain live beneficial bacteria or probiotics that can help restore and maintain gut balance.
• Polyphenol-Rich Foods: Polyphenols are compounds found in foods like berries, green tea, red wine, and dark chocolate. They have antioxidant properties and can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Healthy Fats: Include sources of healthy fats in your diet, such as avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish like salmon. These fats can help reduce inflammation and support a healthy gut.
• Limit Processed Foods: Minimize the consumption of highly processed foods, sugary snacks, and sugary beverages, as they can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and contribute to gut dysbiosis.
• Moderate Alcohol and Caffeine: Excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption can disrupt the gut microbiome. Consume these substances in moderation.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to maintain proper hydration, which is essential for a healthy gut lining and optimal digestion.
• Proper Chewing: Chewing your food thoroughly aids in the initial breakdown of food and digestion in the stomach, promoting better nutrient absorption and gut health.
• Probiotic Supplements: Consider taking probiotic supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially if you have a history of gut issues or have taken antibiotics recently. Choose probiotics with strains that have been shown to be effective for your specific needs.
• Reduce Antibiotic Use: Use antibiotics only when prescribed by a healthcare provider, and follow their instructions. Overuse or misuse of antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome.
• Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively affect the gut microbiota. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, and exercise into your routine.

Remember that individual responses to dietary changes can vary, and what works best for one person may not be the same for another.

It's essential to listen to your body and consider consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations, especially if you have specific gut health concerns or conditions related to gut dysbiosis.

To Conclude

Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics can help treat kidney diseases by improving gut dysbiosis and metabolic disorders. The selection of these supplements should depend on the disease and individual. Rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm safety and optimize treatment. Preventing gut dysbiosis with the help of a healthy lifestyle is recommended to maintain an optimum kidney health.