Cardiologist says 'gut health impacts your heart health'; shares simple lifestyle habits to avoid post-meal bloating

By Admin

03 Sep, 2025

When we think of heart health, diet, exercise, and cholesterol levels usually take center stage. But did you know that your gut plays a major role in keeping your heart strong? Cardiologist and functional medicine expert Dr Alok Chopra has recently highlighted how maintaining a healthy gut is crucial for heart well-being and shared simple lifestyle habits to beat post-meal bloating.

Gut health and its impact on overall well-being

Your gut does much more than aid digestion it directly influences your overall health. A compromised gut can affect multiple organs, including your heart. According to a March 2017 study, changes in gut microbiota composition have been linked to hypertension, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

On August 29, Dr Chopra shared an Instagram post stressing the critical role of gut health in ensuring your heart remains healthy. His advice serves as a reminder that small lifestyle changes can improve digestion, prevent bloating, and promote long-term heart wellness.

Simple lifestyle hacks to avoid bloating

Dr Chopra suggests a few easy-to-follow habits that not only support digestion but also keep your gut in its best shape:

• Eat slowly and mindfully: Chew your food thoroughly to make digestion easier.
  
  

• Avoid carbonated drinks: Fizzy drinks can trap excess gas in your system.
  
  

• Watch portion sizes: Overeating puts unnecessary stress on your gut.
  
  

• Limit gas-producing foods: Foods like beans, lentils, broccoli, and cabbage can lead to bloating.
  
  

• Take a gentle walk after meals: Walking helps reduce gas buildup and improves digestion.
  
  

• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water ensures smoother digestion.
  
  

These simple yet effective lifestyle hacks can make a big difference in how your body feels after meals.

Can gut health really impact your heart?

Yes, it can. Research conducted by the Johns Hopkins Medicine Organisation supports this connection. Experts found that changes in gut bacteria are linked to high blood pressure, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, and even heart failure. An imbalance in gut bacteria may produce harmful byproducts that raise cholesterol levels and damage blood vessels, increasing cardiovascular risks.

Final thoughts

Gut health isn’t just about preventing bloating or discomfort it’s a key factor in protecting your heart. By adopting mindful eating practices, staying hydrated, and making small lifestyle adjustments, you can improve digestion while reducing risks to your heart.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor with any questions about your health condition.