Researchers at Griffith University in Australia recently looked at how probiotics might help reduce the risk of heart disease. Probiotics are good bacteria that are important for keeping the body healthy.
In the past, studies have shown that probiotics can help treat or prevent diarrhea caused by infections or antibiotics, ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, boost the immune system, and lower inflammation and allergies.
In this new study, the researchers reviewed 34 different studies that included a total of 2,177 adults. They found that taking probiotics was linked to improvements in several important heart disease risk factors.
People who took probiotics had lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, better blood sugar control, and lower body mass index (BMI). They also had higher levels of “good” cholesterol.
Both systolic blood pressure (the pressure in arteries when the heart beats) and diastolic blood pressure (the pressure when the heart rests between beats) were reduced with probiotic use. The benefits were even stronger when people took probiotics for more than 1.5 months and when they consumed higher doses.
Using different forms of probiotics, like kefir or probiotic powders, also seemed to help. However, the researchers did not find a strong effect on triglyceride levels, which are another type of fat found in the blood.
Overall, the researchers concluded that probiotics could lead to big improvements in health markers that are linked to heart disease. They could help lower blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI, and levels of “bad” cholesterol, while raising “good” cholesterol. Probiotics might also be useful for helping to manage obesity.
This study shows how important it is to have a healthy microbiome—the community of good bacteria in your body—for maintaining a healthy heart.
However, it’s important to remember that probiotics are not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. Eating well, exercising, and managing stress are still essential. Before starting any new supplements, including probiotics, it’s always best to talk to a healthcare provider.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. It happens when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too high over time, which can damage the blood vessels. High blood pressure often doesn’t cause any symptoms, so it’s important to get regular blood pressure checks.
Managing high blood pressure usually involves a combination of healthy habits and, if needed, medications. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy can help. It’s important to limit salt, added sugar, and unhealthy fats.
Regular exercise also plays a big role in keeping blood pressure under control. Managing stress through techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help too. Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and regularly checking your blood pressure are all key steps for heart health.
If you’re interested in learning more about blood pressure, there are other studies worth reading.
For example, some research suggests that certain blood pressure drugs could raise the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, while natural coconut sugar might help lower blood pressure. Other studies show that nutrients and foods like beetroot juice could also support healthy blood pressure levels.
The research about probiotics and heart health was led by Asher Dixon and his team and was published in Current Hypertension Reports. It adds to the growing evidence that looking after your gut health could also help protect your heart.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and results showing yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease.
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