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 By Dr. Scott Olson, ND