How the Gut Microbiome Supports Healthy Arterial and Heart Function
Research now suggests that an altered gut microbiome could play a role in arterial and heart health. Interactions between the gut microbiome and metabolic and immune stimulation pathways have been linked to adverse heart health events, including healthy weight management challenges. A clinically relevant gut-heart axis seems to be a key player here, suggesting potential benefit in targeting the gut microbiota to affect heart and metabolic health.
LPS-Producing Gut Microbes May Trigger Systemic Effects
The gut microbiota and its metabolites are a complex system. One metabolite—lipopolysaccharide (LPS)—is comprised of toxic molecules released when specific commensal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract die. This newly-released LPS is harmless inside the intestinal lumen but can trigger TLR4 pathway activation and immune system overstimulation when it breaches the intestinal barrier and enters circulation.
An increase in LPS-producing microbes has been linked to the gut dysbiosis seen in some individuals with arterial and heart health challenges. LPS can also:
- Stimulate cytokine production and immune stimulation
- Delay gastric emptying
- Slow bowel motility
- Disrupt ghrelin
- Inhibit testosterone production
- Induce mood and cognitive challenges
Supporting Gut and Intestinal Barrier Health Can Inhibit LPS
A surefire way to maintain LPS at low levels is by supporting a balanced gut microbiome and healthy gut barrier function. An innovative spore-based probiotic can support reconditioning a dysbiotic gut and reducing the presence of LPS-producing bacteria. And to further support arterial and heart health, add a gut-specific fish oil supplement and a metabolic support supplement with Vitamin D3 and natural Vitamin K2 MK-7. Vitamins D3 and K2 work together synergistically to support heart and bone health. Research has shown that together, vitamins D3 and K2 MK-7 support improved calcium absorption in the gastrointestinal system and direct calcium away from undesired areas of the body, into the bone.
With the advance in scientific understanding of the gut-heart axis and the interplay between the gut microbiota and systemic health, expect to see the pioneering development and formulation of even more innovative supplements from Microbiome Labs!