High blood pressure is a serious medical condition that significantly increases the risk of heart disease and affects more than 1.3 billion people worldwide. There are many factors that affect blood pressure, such as genetic and environmental factors, including malnutrition, obesity, lack of exercise and smoking. Some case studies and researches done in Indian population have revealed amazing statistics about the state of hypertension in our country. High blood pressure and uncontrolled hypertension in one in five young adults in India is the most common cause of sudden heart attack in Indian patients.Also read – What is Parkinson’s disease? Learn its symptoms, causes and treatment
Although patients have ease in treating hypertension, some people do not respond well to it even with multiple medications. This is where it can be helpful to find out the relationship between the intestinal microbiome and how it is linked to high blood pressure. Numerous scientists and researchers have already found a great link between the two. Improving bowel dysbiosis can be a way to help patients with hypertension who do not respond to medications. Also read – Can’t lose belly fat? Top 5 Causes That Can Lead to an increase in your belly fat – watch the video
The relationship between hypertension and intestinal microbiome
There is a growing awareness of the importance of a balanced intestinal microbiome and its effects on numerous health problems. Similarly, imbalances in the intestinal microbiome can give rise to a set of health problems. Also read – World Brain Tumor Day 2022: When Are Headaches Symptoms Of Brain Tumors?
The gastrointestinal tract hosts a number of processes that have the potential to play a role in hypertension, including metabolism, hormone production, and are directly related to the nervous system. Hypertension is associated with increased sympathetic nerve activity that increases intestinal permeability. Damaged intestines allow toxins that are normally excreted from the body and enter the bloodstream and travel to various organs. Once these toxins enter the bloodstream, the body becomes inflamed which can increase the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular problems.
Recently, studies have also identified lower intestinal microbiome diversity and specific intestinal microbes associated with hypertension.
The role of short chain fatty acids
One study found that individuals with high blood pressure had lower levels of certain species that produce SCFAs. SCFAs are compounds that produce good bacteria because they break down fiber and they can help lower blood pressure.
What can we do to improve bowel health and lower blood pressure?
Having a large, diverse population of good gut bacteria can help prevent hypertension. By changing their diet, people can change their gut microbes and increase the effectiveness of some antihypertensive drugs.
Eating more foods rich in flavonoids such as a variety of fruits and vegetables, dark chocolate and tea can help lower your systolic blood pressure and other markers of cardiovascular health.
Eating foods containing probiotics and prebiotics has also been linked to healthy blood pressure. You can find prebiotics in fiber-rich foods such as garlic, beans, onions, asparagus, sweet potatoes and foods like kimchi, kefir and yogurt that accumulate good gut bacteria in your system, providing fuel for good gut bacteria to stay strong. And healthy.
On the other hand, withdrawing processed foods with excessive added sugar and hydrogenated fats, as well as preventing excessive consumption of red meat, can also help maintain a healthy gut.
The role of bowel testing in the management of hypertension
Chronic diseases at the global, national and individual levels are a huge financial burden that can be controlled. The emotional impact on individuals and their families is also very high. DTC-genetic and gut microbiome testing makes it possible to assess disease risk so that individuals can make lifestyle changes and reverse such diseases to prevent or reduce their severity.
Getting an accurate picture of your gut health with a gut microbiome test can help you learn more about which foods work for you and which don’t. You are what you eat. Choosing a smart diet based on your microbiome test results and following an individual diet can make a significant contribution to your overall health. By outlining the germs in people’s intestines, doctors can predict which antihypertensive drugs work best. You can not only prevent disease but also achieve optimal health and good quality of life.
(Inputs by Dr. Surendra K. Chikara – Founder and CEO – Bion)
