A study conducted by scientists from Griffith University in Australia has found that taking probiotics is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
Probiotics consist of good bacteria that help maintain the body’s overall health and functioning.
They aid the body in fighting off harmful bacteria, help alleviate discomfort, and play a vital role in the body’s microbiome.
Previous research has demonstrated that probiotics may assist in the prevention or treatment of diarrhea caused by infections or antibiotics, as well as improving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, strengthening the immune system, and reducing inflammation and allergies.
The researchers of this study examined the impact of probiotics on several risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and high blood sugar.
They analyzed a total of 34 studies with 2,177 adults and found that probiotic intake was associated with a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, blood sugar, HbA1C, and BMI, as well as an increase in HDL cholesterol.
Systolic blood pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, while diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, contributes to the buildup of plaque inside arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver, which then flushes it from the body. High levels of HDL cholesterol can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The team found that probiotic intake over a period longer than 1.5 months, as well as the use of alternate formulations like kefir and powder, and higher dosages of probiotics, were associated with more significant benefits.
The researchers concluded that probiotic intake had a substantial impact on reducing blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Kefir and powder intake and intake for more than 1.5 months were linked to better results. Furthermore, probiotic supplements had a beneficial effect in reducing BMI associated with obesity.
These findings suggest that probiotic intake can potentially play a significant role in reducing the risk of heart disease and maintaining overall health.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about the best way to measure blood pressure, and this olive oil could reduce blood pressure in healthy people.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about how to live long with high blood pressure, and results showing vitamin B could help treat drug-resistant high blood pressure.
The research, conducted by Asher Dixon et al., has been published in Current Hypertension Reports.
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