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
Defy Aging with the Sunshine Vitamin
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do for your health, it’s to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. I can’t stress this enough. And if you think vitamin D is only good for beefing up your bones, think again. Because while vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, recent research has revealed that this...
Detox Your Drinking Water with a Microplastics Purge
We’re surrounded by plastics. They’re everywhere, from the obvious plastic shampoo bottle to the not-so-obvious clothing on our backs. From the moment we get up in the morning until we slide beneath the sheets at night, we are in contact with them. Heck, some bedsheets contain plastic fibers, so you may ALSO be exposed while...
The TRUTH About Word Finding Troubles
Picture this. You’re having a lively conversation with a friend, and suddenly, find yourself grasping for a word that’s just out of reach. You KNOW it’s in there somewhere, hiding in the recesses of your mind. But no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to pin it down. When you have trouble word...
FDA Finally Admits “BANNED” Soda Ingredient is Unsafe
I’m not a soda fan for MANY reasons. I wrote an entire book on the dangers of sugar, for example. And research links soda drinking to fatty liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s. And the diet stuff is no better. Fake-sugar-filled diet sodas cause “metabolic confusion,” and artificial sweeteners are...
Discover WHY We Accidentally Overeat (and How to Stop)
Picture this… You finish eating a nice meal feeling just fine. But then, 20 minutes later, you’re groaning and clutching your belly because you feel uncomfortably stuffed. If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. Most of us have had this happen. Science reveals why accidental overeating occurs… and what we can do to avoid...
Find Exercise Exhausting and Painful? Try THIS Natural Fix
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: “You need to exercise.” And sure, you know how vital it is to healthy aging. But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels nearly impossible to get moving—especially when you know you’ll be sore for DAYS after. However, hold on to your seat because I’ve...
Mailbag: Unsteady on Your Feet? Now What?
“I’ve been having trouble with my balance lately and have fallen a couple of times. Could this be related to osteoporosis or another underlying cause?” – John Hi John, It’s always concerning when someone experiences balance issues or falls. While osteoporosis can contribute to an increased risk of falling, several other underlying causes should also...
Is There Really a Hidden Benefit to BROCCOLI?
Just when we thought broccoli’s resume couldn’t get any more impressive, new research proves us wrong. The phytonutrients in this tasty veggie can lower inflammation… balance blood sugar… and even boost your memory. And you likely already know of broccoli’s legendary prowess in preventing cancer. Now, a new study reveals that sulforaphane, the potent compound...
Belly Trick BOOSTS Brain Function
Boy do I love a cheap and easy solution. And if you can’t resist a good bargain either, keep reading. Because I have a brain-boosting one to share that fits the bill. If you’re like most folks, you intend to stay as sharp as a tack well into your golden years. So, you’re always on...
The Hidden Heart Danger LURKING in Your Gut?
Dear Living Well Daily Reader, Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is no walk in the park. The cramping, the urgency, the endless trips to the bathroom—it’s a daily struggle that can leave you exhausted and frustrated. And here’s the kicker: sometimes, IBD’s vague symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis or even NO diagnosis at all....