In a recent study published in Nutrients, researchers examined the consequences of unconventional work on worker’s health and gut microbiota (GM). The study also explored the potential use of probiotics to address GM dysbiosis and enhance the quality of life for individuals working in non-traditional work schedules. This article provides an overview of the key findings from the study.
The Effects of Unconventional Work on Health
Unconventional work schedules, such as shift work and night shifts, can have significant and detrimental effects on workers’ health. These schedules disrupt social lives, sleep patterns, and eating habits, leading to increased morbidity and weight gain. Specific health risks associated with unconventional work include:
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cancer
- Sleep disorders
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Anxiety
- Increased mortality rates
These health issues are exacerbated by factors such as inadequate nutrition, irregular meal timing, and physiological changes that occur due to disrupted circadian rhythms.
Dietary Changes and Health Risks
Shift workers often experience changes in their dietary patterns, with workplaces becoming less physically demanding and the availability of high-energy snacks. This can lead to increased consumption of foods high in fats, oils, and refined flour. A lack of physical activity, stemming from time constraints and fatigue, contributes to cardiovascular diseases, including higher body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Hormonal Changes and Cardiometabolic Problems
Shift work can induce hormonal changes in workers, which in turn contribute to cardiometabolic problems. Disruption of the circadian rhythm affects hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which regulate appetite and eating behavior. Shift work leads to elevated levels of ghrelin and decreased levels of leptin, resulting in increased appetite and weight gain. It also raises levels of resistin and cortisol, which have been linked to insulin resistance and stress. Decreased melatonin production and elevated cortisol levels further contribute to insulin resistance and inflammation.
Sleep Deprivation and Metabolic Dysfunction
Insufficient sleep and circadian disruption alter cortisol levels and activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, affecting glucose metabolism and leading to imbalances in glucose levels. Elevated cortisol levels, particularly in the afternoon and evening, contribute to metabolic dysfunction and inflammation. Sleep restriction may also trigger proinflammatory changes in the gut microbiome, potentially impacting metabolic health.
Unconventional Work and Gut Microbiota
The type of work environment, including factors like shift work and specific workplace conditions, can influence the composition and health of the gut microbiota. For example, healthcare workers may have distinct microbial communities related to their workplace microbiology, increasing their risk of infectious diseases. Specific findings include:
- Healthcare Workers: Higher microbial diversity, distinct bacteria abundance.
- Farm Workers: Increased microbial richness and diversity, potential links to allergies and inflammatory diseases.
- Military Personnel: Different microbiota profiles in TD-positive and TD-negative soldiers.
- Long-Traveling Seamen: Reduced microbial diversity, risk of chronic diseases.
- Metal and Tunnel Workers: Occupational exposures affecting GM and worker health.
Probiotics as a Solution
Probiotics have the potential to mitigate the negative effects of unconventional work on GM. Various studies have explored the effects of probiotic supplementation on workers from different fields. Probiotics, particularly those containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, have been shown to increase beneficial microorganisms and reduce pathogens in GM.
Clinical studies indicate that probiotics can moderate immune system changes and alleviate stress associated with night shifts. In seafarers, probiotic supplementation has been linked to improved physical fitness, reduced anxiety, and maintenance of GM homeostasis. Additionally, supplementation with short-chain fatty acids or dietary fiber may reduce anxiety and depression.
Conclusion
Unconventional work, including shift work and night work, can have a diverse range of effects on human health, encompassing gastrointestinal, psychological, and cardiovascular health. These types of work disrupt sleep/wake cycles, circadian rhythms, and social lives. Preliminary findings suggest that probiotic supplementation may help protect and maintain GM diversity and stability in various working conditions. However, further research is needed to better understand the effects of probiotics at an individual and personalized level.
