healthy gut and healthy mind
The gut is known as the "second brain". This is because they produce more of the same neurotransmitters, chemicals released by nerves that are needed to communicate with other nerves and tissues. The gut and brain are also linked through a joint partnership called the gut-brain axis that links biochemical signals between the gut and the central nervous system.
But what about the intestines and heart? Do they have
similar connections?
Research shows that, although it may be related, it's one
way from the gut to the heart, and keeping your gut healthy may be another way
to prevent heart disease.
intestinal connection
The gut is the primary habitat for trillions of
microorganisms collectively known as the human microbiome. These microorganisms
aid digestion, manufacture certain nutrients, and release substances that have
a wide range of health effects.
“There are complex interactions between the microbes in our
gut and most systems in our body, including the blood vessels, nervous system,
endocrine glands and immune system, all of which contribute to cardiovascular
health. It's related," says Dr. Stanley Shaw. MD, Cardiologist. At Brigham
and Women's Hospital.
Diet plays a very important role in the composition of the
gut microbiota, so what you eat in your gut can affect your heart health, for
better or worse.
One of the ways the gut functions is through the use of
metabolites, substances secreted by the intestinal flora when breaking down
food. Choline, a nutrient found in red meat, fish, poultry and eggs, is
ingested by gut microbes to form a specific intestinal metabolite,
trimethylamine (TMA). In the liver, TMA is converted to trimethylamine oxide
(TMAO). It is a substance strongly associated with the formation of arterial
occlusive plaque.
Studies have shown that people with high TMAO levels in
their blood are more likely to have heart attacks and strokes than those with
low TMAO levels. By reducing it, you can prevent your gut from producing too
much TMAO.
In fact, according to a study published in his September
2022 issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis & Vascular Biology, out of
nearly 4,000 people over the age of 65, he ate 1.1 servings of red meat per day
more likely to have a heart attack. We found that he was 22% more likely to
have Sick compared to those who eat less.
About 10% of these additional risks can be attributed to
elevated levels of TMAO and two of her other metabolites (gamma-butyroptin and
crotonoptin), the researchers note.
healthy gut and healthy mind
The gut is known as the "second brain". This is
because they produce more of the same neurotransmitters, chemicals released by
nerves that are needed to communicate with other nerves and tissues. The gut
and brain are also linked through a joint partnership called the gut-brain axis
that links biochemical signals between the gut and the central nervous system.
But what about the intestines and heart? Do they have
similar connections?
Research shows that, although it may be related, it's one
way from the gut to the heart, and keeping your gut healthy may be another way
to prevent heart disease.
intestinal connection
The gut is the primary habitat for trillions of
microorganisms collectively known as the human microbiome. These microorganisms
aid digestion, manufacture certain nutrients, and release substances that have
a wide range of health effects.
“There are complex interactions between the microbes in our
gut and most systems in our body, including the blood vessels, nervous system,
endocrine glands and immune system, all of which contribute to cardiovascular
health. It's related," says Dr. Stanley Shaw. MD, Cardiologist. At Brigham
and Women's Hospital.
Diet plays a very important role in the composition of the
gut microbiota, so what you eat in your gut can affect your heart health, for
better or worse.
One of the ways the gut functions is through the use of
metabolites, substances secreted by the intestinal flora when breaking down
food. Choline, a nutrient found in red meat, fish, poultry and eggs, is
ingested by gut microbes to form a specific intestinal metabolite,
trimethylamine (TMA). In the liver, TMA is converted to trimethylamine oxide
(TMAO). It is a substance strongly associated with the formation of arterial
occlusive plaque.
Studies have shown that people with high TMAO levels in
their blood are more likely to have heart attacks and strokes than those with
low TMAO levels. By reducing it, you can prevent your gut from producing too
much TMAO.
In fact, according to a study published in his September
2022 issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis & Vascular Biology, out of
nearly 4,000 people over the age of 65, he ate 1.1 servings of red meat per day
more likely to have a heart attack. We found that he was 22% more likely to
have Sick compared to those who eat less.
The researchers noted that about 10% of these added risks
could also be attributed to his elevated levels of TMAO.