Why does one person get sky-high cholesterol levels after eating a mini piece of chocolate, while another can stuff himself full of fat without any problem? According to an American study published today in the journal Cell appeared, the answer is hidden in your stomach.
Long live your intestinal flora
In your intestines to be precise. About 38 trillion bacteria live there and they do more than you would expect at first glance. In addition to digesting your steak, broccoli and potatoes, these intestinal inhabitants work hard for your health. They offer protection against diabetes, prevent obesity and even your feelings of happiness may be influenced by the little rascals. And this now also includes healthy cholesterol levels.
Good bacteria grabs cholesterol
Of course you may have a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol, but your intestinal inhabitants also play a role. Researchers from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard (USA) examined the intestinal flora of more than 1,400 subjects and discovered little cholesterol-fighting heroes. The Oscillibacterbacteria were found to absorb and convert cholesterol from the intestines. Test subjects with more of this species in their intestines also had lower cholesterol levels in their blood.
Pill with poop
Lower cholesterol levels also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Very nice for the lucky ones who have the Oscillibacter carry with you, but what should you do if you don’t have that intestinal resident? A bottle of yogurt drink with probiotics is not going to help you.
So how about a bite of healthy poop? Sounds disgusting, but such a poop transplant is already done in patients with chronic intestinal inflammation. The researchers indeed hope that their study will eventually make more specialized poop transplants possible, with exactly the healthy bacteria that your intestines are missing.
By the way, do you know how your appendix keeps your intestinal flora healthy? And how many kilometers of poop do you produce in your life?
