Researchers at Griffith University in Australia conducted a study on the impact of probiotics on heart disease risk factors.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are essential for maintaining a healthy body.
Previous studies have shown that probiotics can help in treating or preventing diarrhea caused by infections or antibiotics, improving irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, boosting the immune system, and reducing inflammation and allergies.
The current study reviewed 34 studies that included a total of 2,177 adults.
The team found that probiotic intake was linked to a reduction in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and BMI, and an increase in good cholesterol levels.
Systolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and diastolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats, were both reduced.
The team found that the benefits of probiotic intake were stronger when the intake duration was longer than 1.5 months and when higher doses of probiotics were consumed.
The use of alternate formulations like kefir and powder was also linked to better benefits. However, there was not a strong effect on triglyceride levels.
The researchers concluded that probiotic intake could lead to big reductions in blood pressure, blood sugar, and BMI, and help reduce total and “bad” cholesterol levels while increasing “good” cholesterol levels.
Additionally, probiotic supplements could have a beneficial effect on BMI associated with obesity.
This study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome, which includes probiotics, for good heart health.
However, it is important to note that while probiotics can be helpful, they should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.
It is always important to speak with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your diet.
More about high blood pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a medical condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high.
This can cause damage to the blood vessels and increase the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so it is important to have regular blood pressure checks to monitor for any potential issues.
Treatment for high blood pressure typically involves lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management, as well as medications prescribed by a doctor if necessary.
There are several lifestyle changes you can make to help maintain healthy blood pressure:
Healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products, while limiting salt, added sugars, and saturated and trans fats.
Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure by helping you maintain a healthy weight and keeping your heart and blood vessels in good condition.
Manage stress: Stress can cause temporary increases in blood pressure. Find healthy ways to manage stress such as exercise, deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Quit smoking: Cigarette smoking can contribute to high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.
Limit alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure.
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
Monitor blood pressure: Get regular blood pressure checks and keep track of your numbers to make sure they stay within a healthy range.
By adopting these healthy habits, you can help maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about blood pressure drug that may increase risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about nutrient that could strongly lower high blood pressure, and results showing beetroot juice could help lower high blood pressure.
The research is published in Current Hypertension Reports and was conducted by Asher Dixon et al.
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