(NC) -- When it comes to advancements in health, the “gut” is getting a lot of international attention. In recent years, scientific and public health leaders around the world have been investing a lot of time and money to probe the mysteries of the human microbiome, otherwise known as the gut. Leading trendspotter Marian Salzman has also taken notice, identifying microbiome research as a top global trend this year. “One of the most promising new pathways to all-around health is found in our gut,” says Salzman. “From prebiotics to probiotics, the field of microbiome research is shaping up as a solid approach to tackling a whole range of health problems.”

Canadian scientists are making significant advancements in this field. “There are trillions of bacteria in the gut that aid in digestion, support immunity and now, we've found, also play a key role in maintaining a healthy cholesterol balance,” says Dr. Mitchell Jones, a microbiome expert based in Montreal. His research resulted in the world's first heart-health probiotic. Cardioviva is an easy-to-swallow supplement that works naturally with the gut to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol.

For many Canadians, this probiotic supplement may help bridge the gap between diet, exercise and drugs to help lower high cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease. Jones says this is the first time that a probiotic has been shown to move a recognized marker of disease.

This breakthrough may be the tip of the iceberg as microbiome research continues to gain international traction and researchers discover new ways to improve human health.