Investigating Potential Heart Health Advantages of Probiotics
Probiotics, the tiny microbes that live in our gut, could be making a significant impact on heart health. As research continues to unravel the mysteries of these beneficial bacteria, they are increasingly being seen as potential allies in the fight against cardiovascular disease.
Every microbe, it seems, could be a giant leap for heart health, illustrating the truth behind the saying, 'great things come in small packages.' Probiotics may wield power over blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other heart disease risk factors.
One key area of focus is the role of probiotics in cholesterol metabolism. Strains like Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus have bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity, which deconjugates bile acids, reducing cholesterol reabsorption and thereby lowering blood cholesterol levels. This process, over time, can lead to lower blood cholesterol levels.
Another potential benefit comes from the anti-inflammatory effects and gut barrier support offered by probiotics. By promoting the production of beneficial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), probiotics enhance gut barrier integrity, reduce systemic inflammation, and modulate immune responses—factors critically involved in cardiovascular disease progression.
Probiotics also play a role in modulating the gut microbiota. By favouring beneficial bacterial populations (e.g., Bifidobacteria, Bacteroides), probiotics can counteract gut dysbiosis associated with cardiovascular risk and reduce harmful metabolites like TMAO that promote atherosclerosis and cardiac inflammation.
In terms of metabolic regulation, strains like Lactobacillus paracasei enhance insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling, which improves insulin sensitivity and muscle function, contributing to better metabolic control, reduced insulin resistance, and improved vascular health.
Two specific probiotic strains with potential benefits for cardiovascular health are Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus paracasei. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, especially strains isolated from ginseng sprouts, exhibit cholesterol-lowering effects by about 30%, linked to their BSH activity. Lactobacillus paracasei NB23, on the other hand, has been shown in a clinical trial to improve cardiometabolic markers, including blood pressure and lipid profiles.
However, it's important to note that the effects of probiotics on cardiovascular health may not be immediately noticeable, and they should be part of a holistic approach to heart health. Consulting your healthcare provider for personalised advice is crucial, especially when considering medication compatibility, particularly if you're on heart medication.
Timing is also key when taking probiotics, as they are absorbed best when the stomach isn't actively digesting, making taking them before bed or first thing in the morning ideal. When taking probiotics for heart health, it's also crucial to consider your diet and opt for probiotic sources that align with a heart-healthy diet, like fermented foods.
While probiotics offer promising benefits for heart health, they may also have side effects such as bloating, gas, or upset stomach, and there's a 1% chance of developing probiotic-induced allergies. As we delve deeper into the field of probiotics and cardiovascular health, the mystery unravels, hinting at a future where probiotics are integral to cardiovascular health strategies.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5746832/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6509465/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6194487/
- The tiny microbes called probiotics, inhabiting our gut, could be significantly impacting cardiovascular health, as they are increasingly recognized as potential allies in combating cardiovascular disease.
- Probiotics, like Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, possess bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity, which deconjugates bile acids and reduces cholesterol reabsorption, leading to lower blood cholesterol levels over time.
- Probiotics also support gut barrier integrity, reduce systemic inflammation, and modulate immune responses by promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids, factors crucial in preventing progression of cardiovascular disease.
- Two specific probiotic strains that could benefit cardiovascular health are Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus paracasei. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus is known for cholesterol-lowering effects, and Lactobacillus paracasei NB23 has been shown to improve cardiometabolic markers in clinical trials.
