The Hidden Link Between Gut Bacteria and Stroke Risk

Picture this: Bacteria living in your mouth and gut might be pulling the strings behind strokes. A recent study put two groups under the microscope: 189 people who had strokes and 55 who hadn't. The study found that one particular bacteria, Streptococcus anginosus, was hanging out way more in the saliva and gut of those who had strokes. This bacteria upped the stroke risk by 20%. What's more, it didn't just stop at increasing the risk of a stroke. People with this bacteria in their guts also faced a higher chance of dying and having major cardiovascular events over two years. But here's a plot twist:Some bacteria are good guys. Anaerostipes hadrus and Bacteroides plebeius were found to lower the stroke risk. Anaerostipes hadrus cut the risk by 18%, while Bacteroides plebeius reduced it by 14%. These good bacteria are part of the usual suspects in the gut, especially in Japanese populations. Why does this matter? Well, poor oral hygiene can cause inflammation, and that can make you more likely to have a stroke. The study wasn't just about finding bacteria; it was about understanding how to prevent strokes. If researchers can develop a quick test to spot these harmful bacteria, they might be able to calculate stroke risk more accurately. Targeting these bacteria could be a game-changer in stroke prevention. This study was conducted in Japan, so the results might not apply to everyone else. But it's a start. Imagine if you could brush your teeth and reduce your stroke risk at the same time. That's the power of good oral hygiene. By keeping your mouth clean, you might be doing your heart a favor too. The study didn't stop at strokes. It also looked at how lifestyle affects the oral and gut microbiome. The oral and gut microbiome are like communities of bacteria living in your mouth and gut. Most of these bacteria are helpful, but when the balance tips, trouble can start. Previously, researchers found that another bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, which causes tooth decay, was linked to a higher risk of bleeding inside the brain. So, taking care of your teeth isn't just about having a nice smile; it's about keeping your body healthy. This study is a step forward in understanding the connection between oral bacteria and stroke risk. But it's not the final answer. Researchers hope to study people who haven't had strokes but are at risk. By doing so, they can understand how these bacteria are related to stroke risk and improve prevention strategies. The study was conducted in Japan, with a relatively small sample size. The findings might not apply to everyone, but they're a start. The oral and gut microbiome is strongly affected by lifestyle, so other bacteria might be the main players in stroke risk in different countries. Poor oral health can lead to inflammation and may increase the risk of stroke. The increased levels of Streptococcus anginosus found in the gut of patients with recent stroke is intriguing. The fact that levels were linked to increased mortality two years after stroke suggests that it may play a role in ongoing stroke risk. Since this study was conducted after a stroke occurred, examining a larger group of people who have not yet had a stroke but do have risk factors could enhance our understanding of how these bacteria are related to stroke risk. This knowledge could help improve prevention strategies.