Aging of blood vessels might be linked to the health of your gut.
The human body's intricate blood vessel network, stretching roughly 60,000 miles, tirelessly supplies life-giving blood to every cell from birth to death. However, as we grow older, these vessels begin to harden and this can lead to a range of heart issues.
Typically, atherosclerosis is to blame, causing plaque to build up in the arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But recent studies have uncovered a fascinating connection between gut health and blood vessel function that might be a game-changer in cardiovascular research.
Scientists have long known about the gut-brain axis, a two-way communication system that influences our neurological, hormonal, and immune systems. Now, they're exploring its impact on our heart and blood vessels as well.
Researchers led by Soheil Saeeedi at the University of Zurich analyzed over 7,000 individuals aged 18 to 95, as well as older mice, to delve into how gut bacteria evolve with age and what part they play in our cardiovascular health.
They discovered that a compound called phenylacetic acid, derived from the amino acid phenylalanine, accumulates as we age. An accumulation of this substance can cause issues in the cells lining our blood vessels, making them age and function less effectively, which in turn can lead to heart problems.
The researchers identified a specific type of bacteria, Clostridium sp. ASF356, that aids in the production of phenylacetic acid. When introduced to young mice, the bacteria led to higher levels of phenylacetic acid and signs of aging in their blood vessels. But when they used antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria, the levels of the acid decreased.
On the positive side, the team found that healthy gut bacteria can help maintain the youthful state of our blood vessels by producing beneficial compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from dietary fiber. These compounds appear to keep blood vessels healthy and even improve the function of older blood vessel cells.
So it seems that the health of our cardiovascular system can be influenced by the microbes in our gut. Researchers are now investigating which types of diets can positively impact this relationship. In the meantime, eating fiber-rich foods such as tomatoes, olive oil, legumes, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, and fatty fish, and limiting foods high in phenylalanine, like red meat and certain dairy products, can help maintain the health of our blood vessels and slow down vascular aging.
- A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in foods high in phenylalanine, can potentially improve cardiovascular health by promoting a favorable gut microbiota.
- Science has discovered a novel connection between gut health and blood vessel function, revealing that certain bacteria can contribute to cardiovascular-related medical conditions as we age.
- In the field of health-and-wellness research, a significant focus is being placed on fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and understanding how these factors contribute to the production of compounds like phenylacetic acid and its impact on our heart and blood vessels.
