SLASH Your Stroke Risk… with Bacteria!?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted October 2, 2021
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
If you’re worried about stroke, you already know the drill: keep your triglycerides in check, eat as best you can, supplement when you need to, and get some exercise.
And don’t get me wrong—those are all great things to do!
But that’s a lot to keep up for one person.
Recent scientific advances on stroke risk all point in one direction… a place we would have never guessed in a thousand years might change your stroke risk.
A new study shows that you could SLASH your stroke risk with bacteria.
But don’t worry—it’s not as gross as it sounds!
*****
Recent research from the journal Cell Host & Microbe found a STRONG connection to the health of your microbiome and your risk for stroke.
The scientists focused in on a molecule called trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) that is produced by certain gut bacteria.
They found that simply transferring bacteria capable of producing TMAO (specifically from the groups Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes) INCREASED stroke risk.
The tricky part of this study is that TMAO-producing bacteria uses protein to make TMAO. As a result, a lot of mainstream media outlets interpreted the results to mean you should avoid eating meat. Their logic was that less protein breaking down in your gut equals lower TMAO levels… and thus a lower stroke risk.
And they couldn’t be more wrong!
If you’re a frequent reader of Living Well Daily, you know how important protein is for our bodies, especially as you age. (You can read more about that here.)
The real take-away from this study is to have a healthy microbiome by encouraging a balance of a diverse range of microbes.
In a normal microbiome, no one or two types of bacteria predominate, so none can produce too-high levels of harmful chemicals like TMAO.
So, how do you get a healthy gut microbiome?
- Eat plenty of fermented foods, including sauerkraut, pickles, and yogurt.
- Take a good probiotic. I personally like to rotate probiotics to get a wide variety of species.
- Eat plenty of fiber prebiotics. Probiotics need food, and fiber is one of the best ways to feed them. Eat plenty of fresh raw vegetables to get your fiber and a balance of prebiotics.
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
P.S. Want to give your gut health a nearly-instant boost? Check out this easy 30-minute trick right here.
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
Why Your Muscles Are Your Brain's Best Defense
Forget expensive brain scans and head-scratching cognitive tests that make you feel like you’re back in school. Japanese researchers have stumbled onto something that could change how we screen for memory problems—and it’s so simple, you’ll wonder why nobody thought of it sooner. A quick, painless measurement you can get during a routine checkup might...
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...