Variety of fiber-rich foods. Credit: ATS
A diet rich in fiber may not only protect against diabetes and heart disease, it may reduce the risk of developing lung disease, according to new research. Analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, researchers report in “The Relationship between Dietary Fiber Intake and Lung Function in NHANES,” that among adults in the top quartile of fiber intake:
• 68.3% had normal lung function, vs 50.1% in the bottom quartile
• 14.8% had airway restriction, vs 29.8% in the bottom quartile.
In 2 important breathing tests, those in the top quartile had a greater lung capacity (FVC) and could exhale more air in one second (FEV1)r.
“Lung disease is an important public health problem, so it’s important to identify modifiable risk factors for prevention,” said lead author Corrine Hanson PhD, RD, an associate professor of medical nutrition at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. “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.”
METHOD: Researchers reviewed records of 1,921 adults, ages 40 to 79, who participated in NHANES during 2009-2010. NHANES is unique in that it combines interviews with physical examinations. Fiber consumption was calculated based on the amount of fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains participants recalled eating. Those whose diets included >17.5g of fiber a day were in the top quartile and represented the largest number of participants, 571. Those getting <10.75g of fiber a day were in the lower group and represented the smallest number of participants, 360.
They adjusted for a number of demographic and health factors, including smoking, weight and socioeconomic status, and found an independent association between fiber and lung function. They did not adjust for physical activity, nor did the NHANES data allow them to analyze fiber intake and lung function over time – limitations acknowledged by the authors.
Other studies have shown fiber reduces inflammation in the body, and inflammation underlies many lung diseases. Other studies have also shown fiber changes composition of gut microbiome, which may in turn reduce infections and release natural lung-protective chemicals to the body.
If further studies confirm the findings of this report, Hanson believes that public health campaigns may one day “target diet and fiber as safe and inexpensive ways of preventing lung disease.” http://www.newswise.com/articles/fiber-rich-diet-may-reduce-lung-disease
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