Fiber-rich food may reduce risk of lung disease

A new research has found that eating fiber-rich food may reduce the risk of developing lung disease. In the past, fiber-rich food had been known to protect against heart disease and diabetes.

Researchers reviewed records of 1,921 adults, ages 40 to 79, who participated in National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) during 2009-2010. NHANES, administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a unique survey which combines interviews with physical examinations. [Read more Carrots – The Sweet Root Vegetables And Their Wonderful Hidden Health Benefits]

To determine The Relationship between Dietary Fiber Intake and Lung Function in NHANES, the researchers analyzed data from NHANES and concluded that adults who were among the top quartile of fiber consumption, 68.3% possessed normal lung function, compared to 50.1% in the bottom quartile. 14. 8% of the adults had airway restriction, compared to 29.8% in the bottom quartile.

Split pea soup. Split peas are loaded with fiber (Image credit: Creative commons)

Results from two crucial breathing tests showed, the individuals with the highest fiber intake performed markedly better than those who had the least intake. Individuals in the top quartile had a greater lung capacity (FVC) and had the ability to exhale more air in one second (FEV1) compared to those in the lowest quartile. [Read more Eating sweet food forms memory of the meal – findings could encourage novel treatment for obesity]

Corrine Hanson PhD, RD, an associate professor of medical nutrition at the University of Nebraska Medical Center said:

"Lung disease is an important public health problem, so it's important to identify modifiable risk factors for prevention.”

"However, beyond smoking very few preventative strategies have been identified. Increasing fiber intake may be a practical and effective way for people to have an impact on their risk of lung disease."

During the survey, the researchers calculated participants’ fiber consumption based on the quantity of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes they recalled eating. The diets of the largest number of participants (571) included over 17.5 grams of fiber per day. This group was in the top quartile. The group receiving less than 10.75g of fiber per day was the lower group representing 360 participants, which was the smallest number. [Read more Breast cancer gene BRCA1 in the brain may be a factor in Alzheimer’s]

After adjusting the participants’ health factors such as smoking and weight, demographic and socioeconomic status, an impartial link between fiber and lung function was found. Their physical activity however, was not adjusted, nor did they were allowed by the NHANES data to analyze lung function and fiber intake over time – limitations the authors acknowledged.

They mentioned past studies that may explain the helpful effects of fiber they pointed out. Past studies have shown that fiber lowers inflammation, and the researchers noted that inflammation is the basis of many lung diseases. According to other studies, fiber alters the gut microbiome composition, and the researchers believe this may in turn decrease infections and release natural chemicals that are known to protect the lung, into the body. [মধুর যত মধুর গুণাবলী]

Dr. Hanson believes if further studies affirm the new findings, public health campaigns may in the future focus on targeting diet and fiber as inexpensive and safe methods for preventing lung disease.