The Gut-Heart Connection: Is Your Digestion Affecting Your Heart Health?

When you think of heart health, you may be considering dieting, exercising, and lowering your cholesterol.

You probably don’t think about your digestion as something that could impact your heart health, but it should. Thanks to the gut-heart connection, gastroenterology might have more to do with your heart health than you first thought.

In honor of American Heart Month, Dr. Patel and his team at Bay Area Gastroenterology Associates, LLC, want you to understand how your digestion and gut health can influence your cardiovascular system, and what you can do to protect both.

How your gut affects your heart

You probably already know that your gut helps break down your food, but did you know that it’s also home to trillions of microorganisms? There are over 3,000 species of microorganisms that make up your gut microbiome, which:

• Synthesizes specific vitamins, including the B vitamins
• Reduces inflammation
• Regulates serotonin 
• Supports your metabolism
• Houses up to 80% of your immune system

When your gut is out of balance, it can contribute to all sorts of issues in your body, from mood issues to factors that increase your risk for heart disease, including:

Chronic inflammation

An imbalance of gut bacteria may trigger low-grade inflammation, which can affect your arteries and heart health.

Blood pressure and cholesterol changes 

Gut microbes can influence how your body processes fats and regulates blood pressure. Specifically, people in higher levels of one group of bacteria called Oscillibacter had lower cholesterol levels.

If your gut microbiome is imbalanced and you don’t have healthy levels of these protective microbes, you run the risk of cholesterol changes, which is especially true if you already have other risk factors, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, etc.

Metabolic effects

Poor digestion and gut imbalance may lead to insulin resistance or weight gain. Carrying extra weight can strain your heart.

Signs your gut might be affecting your heart

While gut-heart interactions are complex, specific digestive symptoms may indicate a connection:

• Frequent bloating, gas, or irregular bowel movements
• Unexplained fatigue or low energy
• Heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD symptoms
• Unexpected changes in weight or appetite

If you notice these issues, addressing them early may help support both digestive and cardiovascular health.

Supporting both your gut and heart

You can take proactive steps to care for your digestive system and protect your heart.

Eat a heart-healthy, fiber-rich diet 

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes feed beneficial gut bacteria and support heart health. The fiber in these foods helps prevent constipation, reduces your risk of colon cancer, and supports weight loss goals. 

Fiber doesn’t just help your digestive system, though. It can also help reduce your risk of high cholesterol and heart attacks. For every 10 grams of fiber you consume, you have a 7% risk reduction of cardiovascular disease.

Manage stress and sleep

Chronic stress and poor sleep can disrupt gut microbiota and increase inflammation markers in the body. Not to mention, poor quality sleep can exacerbate anxiety, which can impact both your digestive and heart health.

Stay active and hydrated

Regular exercise:

• Improves digestion
• Supports a healthy weight
• Helps manage underlying conditions such as hypertension and high cholesterol
• Strengthens cardiovascular health

Try to exercise at least 150 minutes each week, and drink plenty of water.

When to see a gastroenterologist

If you experience persistent digestive issues or notice unusual symptoms, don’t disregard them. At Bay Area Gastroenterology Associates, board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Patel and his team can assess your digestive health, recommend necessary testing, and create a personalized plan that supports both your gut and heart.

Take charge of your gut health and your heart health this February

Your digestive system and heart are more connected than you might think, and February is the perfect time to show them both a little tender loving care.

Schedule a consultation with Bay Area Gastroenterology Associates in Trinity, Florida, today to learn how you can optimize your gut and keep your heart healthy.  

You can reach us at  727-372-4500.