Hey there, fellow Emoters. If you’ve ever been told to “just lower your cholesterol” without anyone explaining how, you’re not alone. Cholesterol has been villainized for decades—but new science (and doctors like Dr. Mark Hyman) are pointing us in a more interesting direction.
👉 Your gut may be doing more of the work than you think.
The gut–cholesterol connection (explained simply)
As shared by Dr. Mark Hyman, gut health plays a huge role in how cholesterol is processed and regulated in the body.
When the gut microbiome is balanced, it helps:
- Break down and recycle bile acids
- Regulate cholesterol absorption
- Reduce inflammation linked to heart disease
But when there’s dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria), cholesterol metabolism can be disrupted—often leading to elevated levels, inflammation, or both.
In other words:
A struggling gut can quietly contribute to cholesterol issues—even if your diet looks “okay.”
It’s not just about cholesterol numbers
Emerging research continues to show that:
- Inflammation is a major driver of cardiovascular risk
- Gut bacteria influence how fats are absorbed and transported
- A diverse microbiome is associated with healthier lipid profiles
This is why many functional and integrative practitioners now focus on gut repair first, not just medication or restriction.
As Dr. Hyman often emphasizes:
High cholesterol isn’t always the villain—it’s often a signal.
Whole foods first (always)
At Ayo, we believe food is the foundation.
To support gut and cholesterol health naturally, focus on:
🥬 Prebiotic-rich foods
These feed your good bacteria:
- Garlic
- Onions
- Asparagus
- Leeks
- Oats
🥣 Fermented foods (when tolerated)
These introduce beneficial bacteria:
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut
🥑 Anti-inflammatory whole foods
- Fiber-rich vegetables
- Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado)
- Whole, minimally processed meals
Whole foods create the environment where good bacteria can thrive.
Where probiotics fit in (support, not replacement)
Let’s be clear:
👉 Probiotics don’t replace whole foods.
They support the gut—especially when life, stress, travel, or inconsistent eating get in the way.
That’s where gentle, water-based probiotics come in.
Why we use water-based probiotics at Ayo
Not all probiotics are created equal.
Our liquid, water-based probiotics are:
- Tasteless and odorless
- Easy to take daily (no pills, no sugar)
- Gentle on the gut
- Designed to support microbial balance, not overwhelm it
Think of probiotics like seeding the soil—but the soil still needs real food to
