Bacteria Linked to CLOGGED Arteries?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 20, 2023
An unseen bacterial battle is raging somewhere in a dark corner of your body.
This fight’s winner will have the power to silently WRECK or PROTECT your heart.
But the top tools you can use to WIN the battle and SHIELD your ticker will likely surprise you.
Because they don’t appear to have a thing to do with your HEART.
As bizarre as it sounds, regularly brushing and flossing your teeth could be what stands between you and a future heart attack.
Right now, “good” and “bad” bacteria are wrestling for control in your mouth and gut.
And research has ALREADY linked bacteria from the Streptococcus genus to fatty plaque buildup in heart arteries.
But now, a new study published in the journal Circulation has pinpointed two specific oral microorganisms that play a role in whether we develop atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).
Billions of these bacteria call your mouth home. They live in complex communities that are carefully balanced between health and disease.
But when this balance is upset, it kicks off a chain of events that makes clogged arteries far more likely to occur.
The researchers used advanced technology for the study to reexamine the gut and oral bacteria assessments and cardiac imaging from 8,973 volunteers in the earlier SCAPIS study.
The researchers found that two bacteria, in particular, are associated with clogged arteries when found in large numbers in the mouth…
- Streptococcus anginosus
- Streptococcus oralis
Scientists have two theories about why these bacteria might CAUSE atherosclerosis.
- The first is that these bacteria set off systemic low-grade inflammation that fast-forwards plaque accumulation in heart arteries.
- The second is that, in an attempt to evade our immune system, the bacteria end up squirming their way into our bloodstream and set up shop in our arteries.
So, what can you do?
Regularly brushing your teeth is an excellent first step. But, of course, most people ALREADY do this. It’s the flossing that many of us find hard to keep up with.
I suggest establishing a new routine for flossing. For example, I’ve taught myself to floss when I shower. Maybe yours will be to do it right before you turn off the lights at night. Do whatever works for you.
But don’t stop there. Beef up your oral care routine and fight off fatty-build up in your arteries at the same time with these other toothy tips.
- Stop the Sugar: The bacteria in your mouth launch into a feeding frenzy when you eat something sugary. The microscopic bugs swallow up the sugar and produce plaque (that sticky film you feel on your teeth). Plaque buildup leads to gingivitis (gum inflammation) and, eventually, periodontitis (gum disease). And this increases your risk for heart disease.
- Salt Water Rinse: Many bacteria can’t survive under salty conditions. Rinsing or gargling with salt water can give the good bugs in your oral microbiome a fighting chance. Plus, occasionally brushing your teeth with a salt paste is an excellent way to fight gingivitis.
- Tea Tree Oil: Some essential oils have natural antibacterial qualities. If you battle gingivitis, look for mouthwash or toothpaste made with tea tree oil (never use straight oil). Oregano oil products work well too.
- Olive Leaf Extract: Olive leaf extract is another natural antibacterial that can be used in mouthwash or toothpaste. It can also be taken internally as a supplement. Lab experiments show olive leaf can kill a number of unwelcome microorganisms, including bacteria.
Start protecting your heart and reducing your risk of heart complications today by focusing on your oral care.
P.S. Recent research confirmed there’s a 100 percent natural and side-effect-free supermarket secret you can use to fight against heart-damaging clogged arteries. CLICK HERE for the scoop.
Source:
“Streptococcus Species Abundance in the Gut Is Linked to Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis in 8973 Participants from the SCAPIS Cohort,” Circulation. 2023; doi. org /10.116/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.063914
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
The Mini-Movement Revolution Beats Traditional Workouts
I get it… not everyone loves exercise. But you don’t have to become a gym rat to get major health benefits. New research reveals that those quick trips to take the garbage out or go to the bathroom might be even MORE valuable than your scheduled exercise time. In fact, these mini-movement breaks could be...
Mailbag: Natural Fixes for Stubborn Toenail Fungus
“Is there an actual cure for toenail fungus?” —Feeling Frustrated If you are frustrated because you’ve been battling toenail fungus, I’m not surprised. Toenail fungus is incredibly difficult to treat. But don’t give up. With a combination of natural treatments and patience, relief is possible. Here’s what’s worked for my patients in the past… Tea...
Science Reveals Late-Night Anxiety is REAL (Here’s the Fix)
Ever notice how your problems seem WORSE at 3 AM? It turns out those middle-of-the-night anxiety-filled thoughts aren’t just in your head. Research reveals that your brain actually functions differently after midnight. In fact, what goes on during those dark hours could be sabotage your sleep and your decisions. But before you reach for a...
Normal Blood Pressure In 4 Weeks WITHOUT Drugs
High blood pressure affects millions of us. And these hypertension (high blood pressure) medications work, but they often come with unwanted side effects. However, we might have another option. A new study confirms that an often-overlooked root vegetable can help normalize blood pressure FAST… Research conducted by scientists at Queen Mary University of London revealed...
Spice Slashes Age-Related Vision Loss Risk
As you get older, the more likely you are to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In fact, one in seven people over 50 already have some evidence of this vision-robbing disease. That works out to about 1.5 million people. But you don’t have to be one of them. A small change you make starting today...
Four Medicine Cabinet Culprits Making You Fat
Picture this. You’re doing everything “right.” You’re trying to manage your weight by watching portion sizes, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. But the numbers on the scale won’t go down. Even worse, you realize they’ve been slowly CLIMBING. If this sounds familiar, the culprit could be hiding in your medicine cabinet. Keep reading to...
Why Age STEALS Your Sleep—And How to Take It Back
As we journey through life, we may find ourselves becoming unwilling members of the “tossing and turning” club. If you’ve noticed that restful nights are slipping further away with each passing year, you’re not alone. But why does this happen? Let’s shed some light on the causes of age-related sleep changes and explore how you...
Dodge Dementia with this Two Step Back-to-Basics Plan
You know the saying, “Everything old is new again,” right? Well, it turns out for dementia prevention, it’s spot on. In fact, new research supports two “old-school” solutions for protecting brain health. If you thought shielding yourself against dementia would be complicated, let me show you how simple it can be… When I counsel my...
Mailbag: Naturally Target Cholesterol
“I’m being treated for breast cancer. However, I was also recently diagnosed with atherosclerosis. My cholesterol is 249, and I was prescribed Lipitor. I’m on a plant-based diet and sometimes eat wild-caught salmon two to three times a week. What are the best natural ways to lower cholesterol?” -Naturally Cutting Cholesterol Hi Naturally, Your proactive...
Surprising Link Between Balance and Weight REVEALED
Think balance exercises are just for preventing falls? If so, think again. This often-overlooked aspect of fitness could also be the missing piece in your weight loss puzzle—especially as you age. Recent research suggests that improving your balance could be a game-changer for maintaining a healthy weight AND staying steady on your feet. And these...