The following article is a little complex and medical knowledge is a pre-requisite. That being said, my intention is to let you know that bacteria in your gut, AND your home, impact your health.
Abnormal cholesterol is NOT a problem, but what is CAUSING the abnormal cholesterol is the problem. And one major cause is a leaky gut. Read on to learn how bacteria lead to a leaky gut AND what you can do about it.
On the outside of bacteria is a cell wall. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS), components of certain bacterial cell walls, are known to influence lipid metabolism, leading to elevated triglyceride levels and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). This dyslipidemia is primarily driven by LPS-induced inflammatory responses that disrupt normal lipid regulatory mechanisms.
Mechanisms Linking LPS to Lipid Metabolism Alterations:
- Cytokine-Mediated Effects: LPS stimulates the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL-1, IL-6). These cytokines can inhibit lipoprotein lipase (LPL), an enzyme essential for triglyceride clearance, resulting in hypertriglyceridemia.
- Lipoprotein Remodeling: LPS interacts with lipoproteins in the bloodstream. Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) and phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) facilitate the transfer of LPS from high-density lipoproteins (HDL) to low-density lipoproteins (LDL). This process not only remodels HDL particles but also enhances LDL-HDL interactions, contributing to dyslipidemia observed during acute-phase responses to infections.
- Hepatic Clearance Mechanisms: The liver plays a crucial role in clearing LPS from circulation via the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). During sepsis, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) downregulates LDLR, impairing LPS clearance and potentially exacerbating inflammatory responses and lipid abnormalities.
Why This Matters for Your Heart Health
The combination of high triglycerides, low HDL, and inflammation creates the perfect storm for heart disease. Research shows that LPS-driven inflammation contributes to insulin resistance, obesity, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). If your cholesterol numbers are off, LPS exposure might be a hidden culprit!
Test, Don’t Guess for Leaky Gut HERE.
How to Reduce LPS and Protect Your Heart
Want to keep your cholesterol and triglycerides in check? Try these strategies:
✅ Heal Your Gut: Support your microbiome with probiotic-rich foods like fermented vegetables and bone broth to prevent LPS from leaking into your bloodstream.
✅ Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Focus on omega-3-rich foods like wild-caught salmon, grass-fed meats, and pasture-raised eggs to counteract inflammation.
✅ Avoid Processed Foods & Sugar: These promote gut imbalances and increase LPS levels.
✅ Detox Your Environment: If you live in a water-damaged home, mold and bacteria can release endotoxins like LPS into the air. Use our #8 Swiffer Test to check for harmful toxins in your home.
✅ Support Liver Health: Take liver-supporting nutrients like milk thistle, turmeric, and dandelion root to enhance detoxification.
Recommended Supplement Stack:
- Wild Salmon Roe
- Emu oil
- 100 Year Heart Shake
- Heart Helpers probiotic
- Gut Repair
Got questions? Let’s have a discovery call. Get a free one here.
