For many, vaping has become a trendy alternative to traditional cigarettes. But while the clouds of vapour may seem harmless, a new frontier of research is raising concerns about its impact on our guts. The trillions of bacteria residing there play a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and even mood. So, the question lingers: can vaping disrupt our delicate ecosystem? We have asked Prof. Dr Giovanni Leonetti, our expert gastroenterologist here at Cornerstone Clinic, Dubai Marina, to share his insights on this link.
Vaping is the act of inhaling an aerosol (or mist) created by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) device. E-cigarettes, often called vape pens or vapes, are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid until it turns into an aerosol that you inhale. The liquid used in e-cigarettes, called e-liquid, usually contains nicotine (the addictive drug in tobacco), flavourings, and other chemicals. While vaping may seem less harmful than smoking cigarettes because it doesn’t involve directly burning tobacco, the long-term health effects of vaping are still under research.
Q: Along with nicotine, are there any specific flavourings, additives, or chemicals commonly found in e-liquids that could potentially disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut?
A: Recent research suggests that chemicals in e-cigarettes can damage the protective barrier in your gut and trigger inflammation throughout your body. This inflammation might contribute to various health issues. Interestingly, the study points to propylene glycol and vegetable glycerol, common ingredients used as the base for all e-cigarette liquids, as the potential causes of this inflammation.
Q: How does vaping potentially cause gut inflammation, and what are the long-term implications of inflammation in the gut?
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract lining functions as a semi-permeable barrier, selectively allowing absorption of nutrients while keeping trillions of gut microbes contained. This lining also plays a crucial role in immune defence. Recent research suggests that exposure to e-cigarette aerosol may disrupt this delicate barrier, leading to a “leaky gut” phenomenon. This increased permeability could allow microbes and other molecules to pass through the gut wall, which could potentially trigger chronic inflammation throughout the body. Such chronic inflammation has already been linked to various health concerns in the long term, including inflammatory bowel disease, cognitive decline, certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, liver fibrosis, diabetes, and arthritis
Q: Could vaping be opening the door to gut problems by weakening the body’s natural defence system in the intestines?
Vaping may disrupt gut health by impacting the gut microbiome and weakening the gut barrier. The gut barrier functions like a zipper, with proteins called “tight junctions” keeping harmful substances out. E-cigarette vapour exposure seems to disrupt these tight junctions, allowing pathogens to leak through. This overwhelms immune cells lining the gut, making it harder to clear these pathogens and leading to inflammation.
Q: Many individuals turn to vaping as a means to quit smoking. Are there alternative strategies for smoking cessation that prioritize gut health?
A: There are different ways to quit smoking without turning vaping. People can stop smoking or vaping all at once on your quit day. This method works best for some people as it doesn’t drag out the quitting process. Alternatively some reduce the number of cigarettes smoking or how many times they vape until they stop completely. People can also try to smoke only a certain amount of each cigarette, reducing the amount until stop smoking completely. It’s important to count how many puffs you normally take from each cigarette, then reduce the number of puffs every two to three days.
In addition it’s important to find enjoyable ways to fill the time when you may be tempted to smoke. You may want to:
Q: If someone is currently vaping and seeks to enhance their gut health, what dietary or lifestyle modifications would you recommend for a positive impact?
A: The best way to maintain a healthy microbiome is to eat a range of fresh, wholefoods, mainly from plant sources like fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, nuts and wholegrains, limit ultra-processed foods, drink water, eat slow and exercise. These lifestyle choices can significantly benefit the delicate ecosystem within your gut.
If you would like to book a consultation at Cornerstone Clinic, at Grosvenor in Dubai Marina, please contact us on +971 50 494 6377
Prof. Dr. Giovanni Leonetti is a licensed general surgeon who obtained his medical degree at the University of Rome “La Sapienza”, where he also received his PhD in Advanced Technologies in Surgery. He teaches Gastroenterology at Unicamillus Health University of Rome.
During his career, he has refined the most modern and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy techniques for treating diseases affecting the digestive system
23 April 2024
