Can your gut make your heart sick?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

That's a scary statistic, especially considering high numbers of Type 2 heart attacks, which result from strain caused by an illness such as infections or fast heart rates that can lower blood pressure or oxygen in the blood. These heart attacks are suspected to be caused by undiagnosed heart disease. Recent research adds more weight to the discussion, finding that changes in certain types of gut bacteria are associated with: high blood pressure, lower levels of good cholesterol (HDL), and heart disease.

The Gut-Heart Connection: Unveiling the Link

The strong connection between your gut and heart may seem surprising at first, but research has shown that the composition of your gut microbiome plays a vital role in influencing various aspects of your cardiovascular health. Studies have also shown that cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction and heart failure have been associated with an altered composition of the gut microbiota, along with levels of their metabolites such as trimethylamine oxide, short chain fatty acids and bile acids. Knowing the direct cause and heart-wrenching effects of an unbalanced microbiome, it seems obvious to protect the gut, protect the heart, right? Well, maybe. The gut-heart connection relies on many checks and balances. One way to keep the balance in check is with a monthly custom probiotic as a potential preventative measure.

Inflammation Control

Your gut microbiome can regulate inflammation throughout your body. Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for heart disease. Inflammation can also result in leaky gut, scientifically known as "intestinal permeability" and can be a result of an overabundance of inflammatory microbes in the gut, often accompanied by a lack of anti-inflammatory beneficial and probiotic bacteria. This can in turn lead to chronic inflammation, a key contributor to heart disease.

Probiotics, the beneficial bacteria found in our custom formulations, have been shown to reduce inflammation and some also have the ability to heal the tight junctions between the cells in the intestines, healing leaky gut. Reducing inflammation in the gut (and elsewhere) can have a positive ripple effect on heart health and act as a preventative measure against the effects of prolonged inflammation.

Cholesterol Metabolism

Gut bacteria can influence how your body processes cholesterol. Some bacteria help break down and eliminate excess cholesterol, potentially reducing the risk of arterial plaque buildup, a major contributor to heart disease. Some species in particular like Lactobacillus, have been shown to help lower cholesterol.

Blood Pressure Regulation

Recent studies have suggested that the gut microbiota can influence blood pressure. Imbalances in the gut may contribute to hypertension, a significant risk factor for heart disease. Probiotics have been investigated for their potential to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Probiotics: Your Heart's Best Friend

Now, you might be wondering how probiotics fit into the equation. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide a range of health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. In the context of heart health:

• Inflammation Management: Probiotics can help balance the gut's inflammatory response, potentially reducing overall inflammation and the associated cardiovascular risks.
• Cholesterol Control: Certain probiotic strains have been studied for their ability to modulate cholesterol metabolism, promoting a heart-healthy lipid profile.
• Blood Pressure Support: Preliminary research suggests that probiotics may have a role in maintaining optimal blood pressure levels, contributing to better heart health.
• The Custom Advantage: Tailored Heart Health

While general probiotics offer promising heart benefits, taking a custom probiotic tailored to your unique gut microbiome can be a game-changer. Most off-the-shelf probiotics are either dead when purchased or won't survive the harsh environment of stomach acid. Lactobacillus species in particular are vulnerable to these stressors, but at Floré we encapsulate on order and in an acid resistant capsule, engineered to open only once in the intestines.

Our research-based formulations and lab tested ingredients are designed to address specific gut imbalances and optimize your microbiome for whole body health. When your gut is in harmony, your whole body benefits. Our Floré Gut Health Test can detect over 23,000 microbes in your gut including bacteria, fungus, yeast, parasites and viruses. With whole genome sequencing technology, we analyze these down to the strain and abundance, and provide a custom formulation of probiotics to help balance the imbalances and boost the benefits.

By incorporating custom probiotics into your daily routine, you can take proactive steps towards a healthier heart and overall wellness.