![](https://livingwelldaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/LWD_240518-1000x667-1-1000x300.jpg)
Humble Gut Bugs are Heart Disease Superheroes
Unless you’ve been living on a remote island, you likely have an idea of how vital good gut health is for your overall well-being.
After all, what we’ve learned about the microbiome’s relationship to our health in the last few years is nothing short of mind-blowing.
A well-balanced microbiome has been linked to a lower risk of various diseases, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease.
And then there’s the connection between our gut microbiome and heart health. Scientists KNOW it’s important, but they don’t understand HOW the relationship works.
Well, until now, that is…
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his belly. And new research may have just confirmed this.
A recent study published in the journal Cell shed light on how the tiny organisms in our digestive system play a bigger role in lowering the risk for heart disease than we ever imagined.
Researchers analyzed metabolites and microbial genomes from over 1,400 participants in the Framingham Heart Study, a long-term project focused on uncovering risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
They discovered that Oscillibacter, one of the many species of bacteria that can live in our guts, gobbles up cholesterol from its environment and incorporates it into its membranes so it no longer circulates in the bloodstream.
Study participants with higher levels of these little critters have lower cholesterol and a reduced risk of heart disease.
In fact, researchers found that the volunteers with several species of Oscillibacter bacteria had significantly lower cholesterol levels than those lacking in the beneficial bugs.
But the discoveries didn’t end there. The researchers also found that the microbes convert some of the cholesterol into intermediate products that other bacteria can further break down and excrete from the body.
And they uncovered a second gut bug, Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, which was also linked to lower cholesterol and heart risks.
Now, you can’t run to the store and grab bottles of these two probiotics off the shelf, at least not yet. But you CAN take steps to support your gut health and reap the MANY benefits of having a thriving microbiome, including a lower heart disease risk.
Start with a good-bacteria-promoting diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and olive oil.
Then support your gut with fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha which all contain beneficial bacteria that help balance your microbiome.
Additionally, eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fatty fish, chia seeds, and flaxseeds, to support overall gut health and reduce inflammation.
Don’t skimp on the prebiotic fiber found in foods like garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, and bananas. These fibers provide fuel for the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
And finally, include a quality probiotic supplement in your daily routine. While it won’t contain the specific Oscillibacter and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes strains mentioned in the study, it will support a healthy microbiome and nurture the growth of beneficial gut microbes across the board.
P.S. For more hints on nurturing a healthy microbiome, check out this probiotic hack that SUPERCHARGES gut health.
Source:
Chenhao Li, et al.,“Gut microbiome and metabolome profiling in Framingham heart study reveals cholesterol-metabolizing bacteria,” Cell, Volume 187, ISSUE 8, P1834-1852.e19, April 11, 2024,[ DOI: 10. 1016/j. cell. 2024.03.014]
![Dr. Scott Olson, ND](https://livingwelldaily.com/wp-content/themes/health-child/images/author-images/Dr.ScottOlson,ND.jpg)
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Don’t Ignore This Weight Loss Drug WARNING
By now, you’ve heard the buzz about GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Ozempic. They’re being hailed as game-changers in the fight against obesity, with everyone from celebrities to everyday folks singing their praises. But what if I told you these miracle medications might be hiding a dark secret? Or that ignoring this potential side...
Tiny Allies Could Revolutionize Weight Loss
We usually think of bacteria as the bad guys, right? Well, plot twist! Some of those bugs are actually GOOD for us. I’m talking about the friendly bacteria probiotics, of course. They hang out in your gut and help keep things running smoothly down there. Now, in the ongoing battle against obesity, scientists are exploring...
Bring Home the Magic of Outdoor Sleeping (No Backpack Required!)
I’m an avid backpacker and love sleeping outdoors. In fact, I dream of spending more nights sleeping under the stars than under a roof. There are many benefits to breathing outdoor air. (More on those in a moment.) But you don’t have to strap on a backpack to get the benefits of outdoor sleeping… A...
Fruit Bowl Secret to a Healthier Heart
We often think that improving our health requires drastic changes or complicated regimens. But that’s simply NOT the case. In fact, new research reveals eating more of a simple, tasty fruit could significantly lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Keep reading to discover the delicious fruit-bowl secret to a healthier heart… New research suggests that...
Mailbag: The Sip, Swish, Smile Fix for Dry Mouth
“Had dry mouth for a while. Which are the best mouth rinses that don’t taste bad?” – Dry As a Desert Dear Dry, Dry mouth isn’t just annoying. It can also lead to dental problems if left unchecked. I’ll share the name of an effective mouth rinse in just a moment. But before relying on...
Olive Extract Boosts Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control
On this Labor Day, we’d like to take a moment to honor the hard work and dedication of all workers who contribute to our nation’s strength and prosperity. Forget fad diets and grueling workouts. New research suggests a humble compound found in olives might be the weight loss and blood sugar breakthrough we’ve all been...
Herbal Hero CRUSHES Bad Cholesterol and Blood Sugar
We all know garlic is supposed to keep vampires at bay. But what if I told you this 5,000-year-old pungent bulb could also ward off some real-life health villains? A groundbreaking new study suggests that garlic can be a secret weapon in the fight against high blood sugar and cholesterol. How does this humble herb...
What Your Poop Schedule Says About Your Health
We need to talk about something we ALL do. I’ll admit, it isn’t dinner table conversation, but it IS important. While discussing your bathroom habits might make you blush, new research suggests they could be a crystal ball for your long-term health. A groundbreaking study from the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) uncovered a vital...
Are Your Senses Sending You an SOS?
As you journey into and through your golden years, you’re bound to notice some changes in how you experience the world. You may have found yourself turning up the volume on the TV more often or holding the newspaper at arm’s length to read it. Well, you’re not alone… but there’s more to these changes...
"Rise and Shine" Energy Hack Transforms Your ENTIRE Day
Imagine an all-natural, entirely free hack that improves sleep quality and has you kickstarting your day with a burst of energy that lasts until bedtime. I know it sounds too good to be true. Heck, if I didn’t know better, I’d be looking for the catch, too. But I assure you, it’s legit. This simple...