How a healthy heart and gut are intricately linked

Your gut microbiome plays a hugely important role in your health, as it helps digestion, produces nutrients, and releases substances that can lead to a wide range of health effects. This means that your gut microbiome is important for everything from weight to brain health.  But how is your gut linked to the health of your heart? Let’s find out. 

What does the science say about the connection between gut and heart health?

Researchers have known of the connection between gut and heart health for a long time, but various recent studies have highlighted the potential relationship in numerous interesting ways. 

For instance, a study in 2017 discovered that gut health might play a role in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD). The study examined the stool of 218 participants with ACVD and 187 healthy individuals. They concluded that the gut microbiome of the healthy participants and those with ACVD differed significantly, positing that there could be a link between poor gut health and ACVD. 

What’s more, a 2018 study published in the European Heart Journal found a link between a lack of gut diversity and arterial hardening in females. While arterial hardening occurs as we age, it’s a well-known risk for cardiovascular disease. The results of the 2018 study suggest that improving your diet by diversifying the foods you eat and taking probiotics could potentially reduce the risks of contracting cardiovascular disease. 

Although these studies linking gut health and heart health are interesting, we’ve known for a long time that the diversity of the microbiome is key to gut health. Poor diversity in your gut can lead to a dearth of healthy bacteria, which could then lead to inflammatory stomach and bowel diseases. 

How to improve your gut health 

The links between your heart and gut health highlight how different parts of your body rely on one another to function at their full capacity. In other words, you can’t afford to neglect the health of your gut, as it can impact various other aspects of your health. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to improve your gut health, including: 

• Improve your diet by diversifying the foods that you eat - fruits, vegetables, and legumes are great for your gut microbiome. 
• Exercise regularly and avoid leading a sedentary lifestyle. 
• Eat fermented foods, including yoghurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut. 
• Take the right supplements to contribute to the health of your gut microbiome.

Our clinically proven live bacterial supplement can improve your gut health and may also alleviate various digestive issues, including the symptoms of IBS. By taking one tablet daily for 4-8 weeks, you are likely to see improvements in your gut health, which may even help other aspects of your health and wellbeing, as explored above. 

All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.