For many years, people have joked that the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach.
Modern science now suggests that this old saying may hold more truth than anyone expected.
Researchers are discovering that the trillions of tiny microbes living in our digestive system, known as the gut microbiome, play an important role in heart health.
These microbes help digest food, produce vitamins, and support the immune system, but they also release chemicals that travel through the body and affect organs far away, including the heart.
Heart disease is still the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for millions of deaths each year. It often develops slowly as fatty deposits build up inside the arteries, narrowing them and making it harder for blood to flow.
This condition, called atherosclerosis, can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Scientists have long focused on factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, and lack of exercise. Now they are adding another important piece to the puzzle: the gut.
Studies have found that people with heart disease often have different types of gut bacteria compared with healthy individuals. Some harmful bacteria may increase inflammation in the body, which damages blood vessels and speeds up plaque buildup.
Other bacteria appear to have protective effects by producing helpful substances that reduce inflammation and support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
One group of helpful substances is called short-chain fatty acids. These are produced when good bacteria break down fiber from plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
These substances help keep the lining of the gut strong, reduce inflammation, and may even lower blood pressure. People who eat diets rich in fiber tend to have more of these beneficial bacteria and lower rates of heart disease.
However, not all microbial products are helpful. Some bacteria produce a chemical called TMAO after digesting certain nutrients found in red meat, egg yolks, and high-fat dairy products.
High levels of TMAO in the blood have been linked to a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death from heart disease. Scientists believe this chemical may promote inflammation and make it easier for plaques to form inside arteries.
The connection between the mouth, gut, and heart is also becoming clearer. Researchers have found DNA from bacteria normally found in the mouth inside artery plaques, suggesting that infections and oral health may influence heart disease as well. This shows that the body’s systems are deeply connected and that health in one area can affect another.
Because of this gut-heart link, scientists are exploring ways to improve heart health by improving the microbiome. Probiotics, which are live beneficial bacteria found in foods like yogurt and fermented products, may help restore balance in the gut.
Some studies suggest that certain probiotic strains can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Prebiotics, which are types of fiber that feed beneficial bacteria, may also support a healthier microbial environment.
Diet appears to be one of the most powerful tools for shaping the gut microbiome. A plant-rich diet encourages beneficial bacteria that produce protective substances, while diets high in processed foods and unhealthy fats may encourage harmful bacteria. Unlike quick diet changes, long-term healthy eating habits are needed to maintain a balanced microbiome.
Although research on the gut-heart connection is still developing, the findings so far are promising. Scientists believe that in the future, doctors may analyze a person’s gut bacteria to predict their risk of heart disease or even design personalized treatments.
However, most current studies only show associations rather than direct cause and effect, and more research is needed to confirm how these microbes influence heart health.
In reviewing the evidence, it is clear that the gut microbiome is an important but complex factor in cardiovascular health. The strength of the research lies in its ability to explain why diet and lifestyle have such powerful effects on heart disease risk.
At the same time, individual differences in microbiomes make it difficult to create one-size-fits-all treatments. The findings suggest that maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and caring for overall health remain the most reliable ways to protect both the gut and the heart.
Overall, the growing understanding of the gut-heart connection reminds us that the body works as a whole system. Taking care of digestive health may also protect the heart, offering a new perspective on preventing one of the world’s most dangerous diseases.
If you care about gut health, please read studies about how probiotics can protect gut health ,and Mycoprotein in diet may reduce risk of bowel cancer and improve gut health.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how food additives could affect gut health, and the best foods for gut health.
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