Unraveling Recurrent Colds: The Gut and Oral Microbiome's Immune Connection

• Some individuals catch colds more frequently due to factors like immunosenescence and reduced microbial diversity in gut and oral microbiomes.
• Research highlights a bidirectional gut–lung axis, showing the crucial role of gut and oral microbiomes in immune function against respiratory viruses.
• Gut microbes, especially fibre-fermenting bacteria, produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that have anti-inflammatory effects on the immune system.
• The oral microbiome acts as a primary defense; beneficial microbes compete with pathogens, while dysbiosis increases infection risk.
• Lifestyle factors like poor diet, stress, inadequate sleep, and antibiotic use disrupt microbial balance, impairing immune response.

Why It Matters: Gut and oral microbiome health is crucial for immune resilience, influencing susceptibility to recurrent colds.