Interest in plant-based eating is surging in the US. As more people lean towards meat-free lifestyles that promote both human and planetary health, two new studies link vegetarian and mostly-vegetarian diets to some unexpected outcomes.
In a new study of yoga as a therapeutic intervention, patients with stage 1 hypertension showed clinically relevant drops in blood pressure following three months of regular hot yoga practice.
A new study reveals previously unidentified connections between the intestinal microbiome and markers of cardiovascular and mental health. Researchers at the University of Florida discovered unique gut bacteria patterns in patients with high blood pressure, depression, and a combination of the two conditions.
There’s ample data to show that gut bacteria affect mood, immune system health, sleep cycles, and response to stress. It turns out that the gut microbiome—at least certain microbial species within it—also play a role in lipid metabolism, suggesting that some types of probiotics may have heart health benefits.
Leaky gut syndrome has been getting a lot of attention during the last several years for its role in the etiology of chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) and even diabetes. A new line of research suggests that intestinal permeability may contribute to cardiovascular risk. The key? Gut bacteria and bacterial endotoxins that enter the blood stream and inflitrate the epicardium, the vascular endothelium, and atheromatous plaques present in the vessels.
Recently, I was asked if I had any concerns about elevated levels of TMAO—trimethylamine N-oxide–with a diet high in eggs. This is a reasonable question given that elevated TMAO levels have been linked to increased cardiovascular disease and stroke. As with most physiologic functions, however, the answer is nuanced and highly individualized. It’s not a simple “good or bad” subject.
It’s an unfortunate fact of nature: mitochondrial function tends to decline with age. Along with that comes a host of physiological changes that cumulatively result in the phenomenon we all experience as aging and senescence. Fortunately, a new form of mitochondrially-targeted co-enzyme Q10 can reverse some of these changes.
A fast-growing body of data points to galectin-3 (Gal-3) — an adhesive cell surface protein—as a potential therapeutic target for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Modified Citrus Pectin, a natural substance derived from citrus fruit peels, is the only known natural compound that can bind Gal-3, potentially reducing CVD risk.
Two pivotal studies on omega-3s —the long awaited REDUCE-IT and VITAL trials, attempt to clarify the clinical roles of omega-3s for cardiovascular risk reduction. While many of the mainstream headlines took a negative view of the findings, the data actually show some meaningful benefits from omega-3s. Dr. Bill Harris, developer of the Omega-3 Index test, weighs in on the negative and positive messags of these important studies.
Adding to a growing list of health benefits of turmeric, a new study shows that three major compounds found in the plant may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.
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