Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
That's a scary statistic, especially considering high numbers of Type 2 heart attacks, which result from strain caused by an illness such as infections or fast heart rates that can lower blood pressure or oxygen in the blood. These heart attacks are suspected to be caused by undiagnosed heart disease. Recent research adds more weight to the discussion, finding that changes in certain types of gut bacteria are associated with: high blood pressure, lower levels of good cholesterol (HDL), and heart disease.
The Gut-Heart Connection: Unveiling the Link
The strong connection between your gut and heart may seem surprising at first, but research has shown that the composition of your gut microbiome plays a vital role in influencing various aspects of your cardiovascular health. Studies have also shown that cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction and heart failure have been associated with an altered composition of the gut microbiota, along with levels of their metabolites such as trimethylamine oxide, short chain fatty acids and bile acids. Associated is not the same as caused, so "protect the gut, protect the heart" is a hypothesis, not a rule. The gut-heart connection relies on many checks and balances. One way to support a balanced gut is with a monthly custom probiotic.
Inflammation Control
Your gut microbiome can regulate inflammation throughout your body. Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for heart disease. Inflammation can also result in leaky gut, scientifically known as "intestinal permeability" and can be a result of an overabundance of inflammatory microbes in the gut, often accompanied by a lack of anti-inflammatory beneficial and probiotic bacteria. This can in turn lead to chronic inflammation, a key contributor to heart disease.
Some probiotic strains have been studied for their role in normal gut barrier function and the gut's immune signaling. That research is still developing, and a probiotic is not a treatment for heart disease or any other condition.
Cholesterol Metabolism
Gut bacteria can influence how your body processes cholesterol. Some bacteria help break down and eliminate excess cholesterol, potentially reducing the risk of arterial plaque buildup, a major contributor to heart disease. Some species in particular like Lactobacillus, have been shown to help lower cholesterol.
Blood Pressure Regulation
Recent studies have suggested that the gut microbiota can influence blood pressure. Imbalances in the gut may contribute to hypertension, a significant risk factor for heart disease. Probiotics have been investigated for their potential to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Probiotics: Your Heart's Best Friend
Now, you might be wondering how probiotics fit into the equation. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide a range of health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. In the context of heart health:
- Inflammation Management: Probiotics can help balance the gut's inflammatory response, potentially reducing overall inflammation and the associated cardiovascular risks.
- Cholesterol Control: Certain probiotic strains have been studied for their ability to modulate cholesterol metabolism, promoting a heart-healthy lipid profile.
- Blood Pressure Support: Preliminary research suggests that probiotics may have a role in maintaining optimal blood pressure levels, contributing to better heart health.
- The Custom Advantage: Tailored Heart Health
A custom probiotic is tailored to your own gut microbiome. Lactobacillus species in particular are vulnerable to heat, moisture and stomach acid, so at Flore we encapsulate on order, in an acid-resistant capsule designed to open in the intestines.
Our research-based formulations and lab-tested ingredients are designed around your own results to support a balanced microbiome. When your gut is in harmony, your whole body benefits. Your gut microbiome test, sequenced by a CLIA-certified partner lab, reads the bacteria, fungi, yeast, parasites and viruses in your sample. Flore uses those results to build a custom probiotic formulation.
A custom probiotic can be one part of a daily routine that supports your overall wellness, alongside the heart-health basics your doctor recommends.
Not sure where to start with your gut?
Ask the Flore Microbiome Concierge — a guided, personalized walkthrough of testing, your results, and a formula matched to your goals.
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