How your microbiome affects both your gut and heart health and why oral health matters
As a naturopath specialising in digestive and hormonal health, I often talk about the microbiome—the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that live in your gut. But what exactly is the gut?
The gut refers to your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), and rectum. It plays a vital role in breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. More than just a digestive organ, the gut is home to the microbiome, a diverse ecosystem of microbes that influence immunity, metabolism, mental well-being, and even heart health.
While most people associate gut health with digestion, the microbiome’s effects go far beyond the digestive system. One of the most critical but often overlooked connections is how gut health impacts cardiovascular health.
However, the critical role oral health plays in this gut-heart connection is really important to understand. The mouth is the gateway to the digestive system, and the bacteria that thrive there can directly impact not only your gut microbiome but also your cardiovascular system.
The Impact of Oral and Systemic Candida on Gut and Heart Health
One of the key imbalances I often see in microbiome testing is Candida overgrowth, which can start in the mouth (oral thrush, as shown in the photo above) and progress to systemic Candida, affecting the gut and even cardiovascular health. Candida is a type of yeast that naturally exists in the microbiome, but when it grows out of control, it can lead to digestive dysfunction, fungal overgrowth, and chronic inflammation.
In the gut, Candida overgrowth weakens the intestinal lining, contributing to leaky gut syndrome, food intolerances, and SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)—a condition where bacteria ferment undigested carbohydrates, causing bloating, discomfort, and nutrient malabsorption. Many people with persistent gut issues, sugar cravings, and fatigue may have an underlying fungal overgrowth disrupting their microbiome balance. This condition is commonly known in the SIBO world as SIFO (Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth.)
From a cardiovascular perspective, systemic Candida can increase inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, which negatively impact blood vessel function and cholesterol metabolism. Fungal overgrowth has even been linked to endocarditis (inflammation of the heart lining) in severe cases. Since Candida can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body, it’s crucial to identify and address overgrowth early to prevent further complications.
Through comprehensive microbiome testing, I can assess for oral and gut Candida imbalances, allowing us to create a personalised naturopathic plan to restore microbial balance, reduce fungal overgrowth, and support both gut and heart health naturally.
The Gut-Heart-Oral Health Connection
Your microbiome and cardiovascular system are intricately linked through pathways involving inflammation, metabolism, and blood vessel function. Here’s how these systems interact:
1. Oral Health and Cardiovascular Risk
The bacteria in your mouth don’t just stay there—they travel. Harmful oral bacteria, especially those associated with gum disease (periodontitis), can enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation that contributes to arterial plaque formation, high blood pressure, and increased cardiovascular risk.
Some strains of Streptococcus and Porphyromonas gingivalis are linked to both gum disease and heart disease, highlighting how oral microbiome imbalances can affect the entire body.
2. Inflammation and Arterial Health
A disrupted gut and oral microbiome can lead to chronic inflammation, which is a major driver of cardiovascular disease. When harmful bacteria thrive, they produce toxins like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) that can damage blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure and arterial stiffness.
3. Cholesterol and Fat Metabolism
Your gut bacteria help regulate cholesterol metabolism. Some beneficial bacteria break down excess cholesterol, while harmful bacteria contribute to the production of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)—a compound linked to atherosclerosis and heart disease.
4. Blood Sugar and Heart Health
An imbalanced gut microbiome can contribute to insulin resistance, a major risk factor for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Since diabetes and heart disease go hand in hand, supporting gut health can have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system.
5. Blood Pressure and Vascular Function
Certain gut and oral bacteria help produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which support blood vessel flexibility and reduce inflammation. A diverse microbiome rich in SCFA-producing bacteria is linked to lower blood pressure and better cardiovascular health.
Why Microbiome Testing is Essential
Many symptoms of microbiome imbalance—bloating, food sensitivities, gum inflammation, fatigue, and even mood swings—often go unnoticed in their connection to heart health.
That’s why I offer comprehensive microbiome testing in my clinic (these tests are ordered online and delivered to your home), analyzing both gut and oral bacteria. This allows us to:
✅ Identify harmful bacteria linked to cardiovascular and metabolic health issues
✅ Assess the balance of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in your mouth and gut
✅ Address early signs of inflammation, insulin resistance, and heart disease risk
✅ Personalise a treatment plan to restore microbial harmony
With this knowledge, we can create a targeted naturopathic approach to:
✔️ Restore beneficial bacteria through probiotics and prebiotic-rich foods
✔️ Reduce inflammation caused by harmful bacteria
✔️ Support cholesterol and blood sugar metabolism naturally
✔️ Strengthen oral and gut health to protect the heart
Naturopathic Strategies for a Healthy Microbiome and Heart
To support both gut, oral, and cardiovascular health, consider these holistic strategies:
🌿 Prioritise Oral Hygiene – Use a natural, antimicrobial mouthwash, floss daily, and brush with a probiotic-rich toothpaste to maintain a balanced oral microbiome.
🥦 Eat Fibre-Rich, Whole Foods – Fibre feeds beneficial bacteria that help lower cholesterol and improve gut function. Include flaxseeds, leafy greens, and berries.
🥕 Reduce Processed Sugars – Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in both the mouth and gut, contributing to inflammation and metabolic imbalances.
🦠 Incorporate Fermented Foods – Sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi, and miso introduce beneficial bacteria that support both oral and gut health.
🧘♀️ Manage Stress – Chronic stress disrupts gut and oral bacteria, leading to inflammation and cardiovascular strain. I prescribe herbal remedies that support both digestive, cardiovascular and nervous system health that are created specifically for you. I also use EMK (Emotions and Metaphysical Kinesiology) through my Body Balance Treatment for Women, can be a powerful tool for nervous system balance.
💧 Stay Hydrated – Filtred water helps flush out toxins and supports the production of saliva, which naturally balances oral bacteria.
🏃♀️ Move Daily – Physical activity supports gut motility, circulation, and detoxification, all of which benefit heart health.
Take Control of Your Microbiome and Heart Health
If you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, it’s important to consider microbiome testing. Your gut health plays a significant role in regulating inflammation, metabolism, and heart function, all of which can influence your risk of these conditions.
Additionally, hormonal changes—especially during perimenopause and menopause in women and testosterone decline in men—can impact cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and overall heart health. As estrogen levels drop, women become more susceptible to arterial stiffness and increased inflammation, while lower testosterone in men can contribute to poor circulation and metabolic imbalances.
Diet also plays a crucial role. High-processed foods, excess sugar, and unhealthy fats can disrupt the microbiome, leading to higher cholesterol, insulin resistance, and inflammation—all major contributors to heart disease. Conversely, a diet rich in fibre, antioxidants, and healthy fats supports both gut and heart health.
Another important factor to consider is carnitine supplements, which are often promoted for energy and fat metabolism. However, certain gut bacteria convert carnitine into trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a compound linked to an increased risk of arterial plaque buildup and cardiovascular disease. If you’re taking carnitine or following a high-protein diet, microbiome testing can help determine whether your gut bacteria are producing excess TMAO, allowing for a more personalised approach to supplementation and diet.
With cardiovascular issues becoming more common in both middle-aged men and women, and a rising number of younger individuals experiencing heart attacks, understanding your microbiome is a powerful tool in protecting your heart and overall health.
📍 Book a consultation today and let’s bring your gut, mouth, and heart into harmony—naturally! Consultations with Katrina are available in person and online. I've created a separate online Metabolic Health Appointment for my patients:-
Yours in health and wellness,
Katrina xxx
Naturopath & Energy Healer
Repair | Rebalance | Restore 💛
Please note that I am currently studying EMK and will graduate at the end of 2025. I combine my studies with Reiki and have created my Body Balance Treatments for Women. I am a degree qualified Naturopath with over a decade's experience in natural health and wellness.