Probiotics for Heart Health

Recently there has been a growing interest in identifying naturally occurring substances, like probiotics, to treat diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

Probiotics are defined as microorganisms that, when administered, offer great health benefits.

The GI tract is a finely balanced environment where roughly 500 different strains of bacteria compete for space and nutrients. When there is a healthy balance (eubiosis), few symptoms exist. However, dysbiosis (imbalance) can occur when an overabundance of potentially harmful organisms are present.

The natural microflora balance can be upset by medications (such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives, etc.), excessive alcohol consumption, or poor dietary intake. Research has shown that a diet low in fiber can result in gut degradation and make your body more susceptible to harmful bacteria. This can lead to systemic inflammation, which can promote atherosclerosis, a hardening of blood vessels due to plaque.

Gut dysbiosis can also result from consuming a high-fat diet via the production of acetate (a by-product). It does so by making the gut more permeable to endotoxins that can enter the body’s blood circulation. Hypertension and atherosclerosis have been proven to be related to gut dysbiosis.

Overall, dysbiosis of the gut can lead to a leaky gut causing the production of dangerous metabolites that lead to an abnormal immune response and the development of atherosclerosis.

Yogurt is the clearest example of a probiotic. Fiber-rich foods like garlic, onions, asparagus, and sweet potatoes are powerful prebiotics. Soluble fiber foods include berries, apples, pears, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

For a detailed list of the highest-fiber foods, please email Club Registered Dietitian Denise Hernandez at dhernandez@houstonian.com.

Probiotics in a supplement form are also beneficial. The Shop at the Houstonian carries a probiotic called Ortho Biotic®. It is a unique probiotic formula designed to deliver active organisms shown to promote healthy gut microflora, protect intestinal integrity and boost immune function. Included in this formula is Saccharomyces boulardii, an extensively researched microorganism shown to help restore microflora balance by enhancing commensal organism function. Each Ortho Biotic® capsule provides seven proven probiotic strains chosen for their ability to withstand the harsh gastrointestinal environment and adhere to the intestinal tract to deliver superior results.

By: Denise Hernandez, MS, RD, LD, dhernandez@houstonian.com