Think of mouth breathing as the stealthy ninja of daily habits; it enters quietly, and before you know it, it’s affecting everything—including your digestion and gut health! Let’s unmask the culprit and explore the surprising connection you never saw coming. Let’s uncover the potential links and discover how myofunctional therapy emerges as a promising solution for relief.
The Mouth-Gut Connection
There is a correlation between the flora of the mouth and that of the gut. Mouth breathing is often responsible for drying out the mouth and promoting an environment for harmful bacteria to flourish. This bacteria makes it’s way down the digestive tract during eating and can therefore alter the bacterial colonies within the intestines. Research suggests a strong correlation between mouth breathing and allergic rhinitis, leading to various digestive disorders. Relying on mouth breathing as a primary form of respiration due to nasal congestion, contributes to this alteration of the oral flora, and is often a leading cause of digestive disorders. Those struggling with allergic rhinitis are more likely to experience irritable bowels, indigestion, or inflammatory bowels.
Studies indicate that persistent mouth breathing may contribute to systemic inflammation, elevating the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases and leaky gut. Mouth breathing bypasses the natural protective defenses often deployed by the nose, such as filtering and humifying the air. This further leads to an imbalance of the bacterial flora which can contribute to the production of inflammatory markers, which can enter the bloodstream and trigger systemic inflammation. Inflammation of the lining of the gut enables more permeability and promotes an environment where bacteria or toxins can inhabit the gut and contribute to gut dysbiosis. For those with irritable bowels this is inflammation may trigger the immune response that makes those symptoms flare up more. Understanding the connection between mouth breathing and gut inflammation and gut microbiome, sheds light on the importance of addressing breathing habits for not only oral health but also overall gut well-being.
Impaired Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
One of the significant repercussions of mouth breathing is dry mouth, which can impair the digestive process and hinder proper nutrient absorption. Inadequate saliva production due to mouth breathing creates an unfavorable environment for digestion, potentially impacting gut health over time. Digestion actually begins in the mouth with saliva, which contains essential enzymes like amylase and lipase necessary for breaking down carbohydrates and fats in the mouth. Dry mouth compromises these enzymatic actions, placing added strain on the stomach and intestines during digestion. Additionally, saliva plays a crucial role in forming cohesive food boluses for efficient swallowing, a process disrupted by dry mouth, leading to larger, irregular boluses that are harder to digest. The repercussions extend to nutrient absorption, where dry mouth hinders the dissolution and transport of vital nutrients, potentially causing imbalances in electrolytes crucial for absorption. As a result, impaired digestion and nutrient absorption create an environment conducive to dysbiosis in the gut, promoting the growth of harmful bacteria and contributing to inflammation. This cascade of effects emphasizes the integral role saliva plays in maintaining optimal gut health, making it imperative to address mouth breathing for overall well-being.
Naturally Resolving Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing has many potential causes, from physiological or structural barriers to habitual dysfunction. Myofunctional therapy is a natural option to restore nasal breathing by establishing nasal hygiene and utilizing exercises to correct improper oral habits and improve orofacial muscle function. By addressing the root cause of mouth breathing, myofunctional therapy holds promise in relieving the associated impact on gut health. Through a targeted and personalized program, individuals can learn to breathe through their noses, promoting optimal oral and digestive well-being. Myofunctional therapy is not an option for everyone, and your individual ability to use this natural therapeutic treatment is something to be discussed with your myofunctional therapist or physician.
While the correlation between mouth breathing and gut dysbiosis is not limited to only oral respiration as a primary cause, further research and correlations into genetics and lifestyle are being studied. As research continues to unravel the intricate connection between mouth breathing and gut dysbiosis, it becomes evident that fostering proper breathing habits is crucial for holistic health. Myofunctional therapy is a valuable tool in this endeavor, offering a pathway to naturally establishing predominate nasal breathing and improved well-being. By understanding and addressing the interplay between respiration, oral health, and gut function, you can take proactive steps towards a healthier, more balanced life.
References:
- Association between mouth breathing and gut dysbiosis in children with chronic rhinosinusitis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7586306/
- Oral-gut axis: the key to unlock secrets of health and disease?: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4290017/
- Airway disorders and gastrointestinal function: a bidirectional relationship: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30773746/
Airway Matters 