Chapter Nine - Gut health and heart health Rhythm and the Gut Hsart. Curr Biol. While Free radicals and heavy metal toxicity is evidence that some types of these supplements may be beneficial for gut health, there is no proven evidence that probiotics and prebiotics reduce inflammation and cardiovascular disease in the long run.

Gut health and heart health -

Studies show that gut health and heart health are intricately linked and the key to a healthy heart might lay within your gut. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

So, it's no surprise that nearly everyone knows someone who's been affected. The effects of heart disease are devastating and can take families by surprise.

To fight this, we've been taught since a young age to eat healthy and exercise for a strong and healthy heart. Cereal boxes are plastered with "heart healthy" seals of approval and promises of decreasing your cholesterol. Schools even waged campaigns to teach children just how important it is to take care of their heart.

Even with country-wide education and significant advances in modern medicine, the last decade has shown an increase in the number of people affected by heart disease with rates continue to climb.

It makes you wonder: Is eating 'healthy' and exercising really enough to prevent heart disease? The evidence seems to indicate that there's a piece missing from this puzzle, and growing research is pointing to the gut microbiome.

The gut-heart connection is so substantial that soon cardiologists will likely be sending their patients to see a gastroenterologist and vice versa. Could there be a day where a stool sample, oral swab, or a breath test for certain bacteria or metabolite could reliability predict your risk for heart disease?

Some researchers believe this is a reality that is closer than we think. This also suggests you might not want to dismiss gastrointestinal issues too quickly.

A little gas and bloating here and there might not seem like a big deal, but if it goes unaddressed for too long or worse, covered up with over-the-counter medications , it could lead to more significant issues down the road.

First, bacteria that should be found only in the colon can migrate to the small intestine and cause problems. Second, when specific bacteria are exposed to a high protein diet, it can lead to the production of harmful byproducts, some of which are associated with heart conditions.

And third, when particularly troublesome bacteria leak through the intestinal lining and into the bloodstream, it can lead to widespread systemic inflammation. Almost half 47 percent of all Americans have at least one of the primary risk factors for heart disease — high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or smoking.

The reverse is also true, with chances being higher for having GI issues if you are suffering from a heart condition. In a study published in the journal Digestive Disease and Sciences , patients with SIBO had an 80 percent higher chance of having heart disease.

SIBO has also been associated with deep vein thrombosis, which is when a blood clot forms in one of the deeper veins in the body. LPS is an endotoxin a toxin that is present inside a bacterial cell that is found in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria which can cause inflammatory responses throughout the body if given a chance to leave the gut.

These results taken together may suggest a connection between the gut and the heart. The composition and function of the microbiome and produce metabolites that have been associated with an increased risk for developing and having heart disease. Another harmful bacterial metabolites researchers are investigating is trimethylamine N-oxide or TMAO.

When certain gut microbes use choline, found in high quantities in eggs, red meat, poultry, and fish, they can produce trimethylamine TMA. TMA can than be converted into TMAO, which has been linked to plaque formation in arteries atherosclerosis. In a review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, 19 studies confirmed a link between elevated TMAO levels and increased risk of heart disease.

People who had higher levels of blood serum TMAO were 62 percent more likely to have heart conditions. High TMAO levels have also been associated with higher mortality rates, independent of other commonly linked risks such as kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity.

These findings suggest that evaluating serum levels of TMAO may be an additional factor to consider when gauging someone's risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A disrupted gut lining is a third potential mechanism by which the gut could be the underlying cause of cardiovascular disease.

When the gut lining weakens, it becomes permeable or 'leaky. This is especially problematic when there are lipopolysaccharides LPS present. When large amounts of LPS enter into circulation, it can lead to systemic inflammation, causing a cluster of symptoms called metabolic endotoxemia.

In order to use the claim, a food product must contain at least 1g of beta-glucan from barley grain products per serving. Fibre-rich for your gut and with cholesterol-lowering properties for your heart, this once-popular drink is worthy of a comeback.

Experiment by adding other types of fruit, such as berries, oranges, or limes. For an extra kick, boil the barley with some fresh ginger. Add them to your favourite soup or sauce, or save them for breakfast and mix with fruit and yogurt. Making drastic changes to your diet can have an effect on your gastrointestinal system, and such changes could potentially be dangerous for individuals with certain gastrointestinal or liver diseases.

Moderation, even of specific healthy foods, is usually beneficial. For more information about fibre, the effect of diet on a number of GI and liver conditions, and information on how to find dietitian resources in your region, visit our information centre.

You can also contact our office if you wish to receive a specific information package mailed to your home. Fruit and Veggies A large international study, funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, and recently published in PLoS Medicine , showed that individuals who carry genes that put them at a higher risk for heart disease than the general population may be able to mitigate that risk by consuming a diet rich in vegetables and fruit.

Psyllium Many individuals who experience bowel irregularities rely on psyllium, a type of soluble dietary fibre found in some foods, especially breakfast cereal, and as a supplement e. Barley Barley is a fibre-rich whole grain included in many soups, breads, and other foods.

Old-Fashioned Fruit Barley Water Ingredients 8 cups water 1 cup washed pearl barley whole lemons tbsp honey, cane sugar, or sweetener of your choice Method Bring water and barley to a boil.

While letting this simmer for min, peel rinds from lemon and add to heat-proof bowl. Strain barley water over rinds into bowl.

Add fresh-squeezed lemon juice to bowl and stir. Sweeten to taste. Refrigerate until cold Options Experiment by adding other types of fruit, such as berries, oranges, or limes. Dietary Changes Making drastic changes to your diet can have an effect on your gastrointestinal system, and such changes could potentially be dangerous for individuals with certain gastrointestinal or liver diseases.

First published in the Inside Tract ® newsletter issue — 1. Do R et al. PLoS Medicine.

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