Probiotics: The Tiny Superheroes for Your Blood Pressure
Potential Benefits of 2 Probiotics in Reducing High Blood Pressure
Probiotics may lower high blood pressure.
We all know that high blood pressure is no joke. It affects a staggering 1.28 billion people worldwide, and nearly half of adults in the United States are either dealing with hypertension or taking medication for it. But what if I told you that there might be a new way to control your blood pressure? Enter probiotics, the tiny superheroes that might just save the day!
You see, there are a lot of risk factors for high blood pressure, from an unhealthy diet to lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and being overweight or obese. But recent studies have been showing that probiotics could also play a role in bringing your blood pressure down. And now, a groundbreaking study has identified two probiotics that have the potential to lower blood pressure in mice with hypertension. If they work in mice, who’s to say they won’t work in humans too?
So, how do these magical probiotics work their wonders? Well, it turns out that an imbalance in gut bacteria is associated with hypertension in both animals and humans. The good news is that certain bacteria, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, found in dairy products, have been found to lower blood pressure. And in this study, researchers looked at two specific probiotics: Bifidobacterium lactis M8 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus M9, to see if they could make a difference.
They conducted a 16-week trial on hypertensive mice, giving them different combinations of fructose water and probiotics. And lo and behold, the mice who received the probiotics alongside the fructose water experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure. It dropped back to the same level as the healthy mice! Meanwhile, the fructose-fed mice who didn’t get the probiotics continued to have high blood pressure. Talk about a superhero move!
But wait, there’s more! Not only did these probiotics bring blood pressure down, but they also had a positive impact on the mice’s gut microbiome. They adjusted the balance of bacteria, increasing those associated with lower blood pressure and decreasing those associated with higher blood pressure. It’s like they were performing a symphony in the gut!
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Now, before you rush out to buy all the probiotics you can find, it’s important to note that this study was conducted on mice. While it’s an exciting step forward, more research is needed to see if the same results can be achieved in humans. The researchers suggest a daily probiotic intake of 30-50 billion for three months, but keep in mind that everyone’s gut microbiota is different, so ideal dosages may vary.
So, should you include probiotics in your diet? The evidence for their health benefits is growing. They’ve been found to improve intestinal health, treat lactose intolerance, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, infectious diarrhea, and allergy. They can also significantly reduce total blood cholesterol. And while you can take them as supplements, it’s always better to get your nutrients through natural food. Think fresh fruits and vegetables, yogurt, cheese, and fermented foods. Just make sure you’re getting diverse strains and consult your doctor if you’re immunocompromised.
In conclusion, probiotics might just be the tiny superheroes your blood pressure needs. While we await further studies on their efficacy in humans, embracing a healthy lifestyle and a diet rich in probiotic-containing foods can only do you good. So, why not give those gut superheroes a chance to save the day? They might just bring your blood pressure down and leave you feeling like a true champion!
Have you ever tried probiotics? Did you notice any positive effects on your health? Share your experiences in the comments below!
