Managing Blood Pressure with Probiotics: A Promising Approach
Probiotics' potential role as a new approach for managing high blood pressure could be groundbreaking.
Recent research suggests that the bacterial composition of the gut could play a significant role in systemic health conditions, including blood pressure. A study conducted by Chinese researchers focused on two probiotic strains, Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and their potential impact on blood pressure.
Rising global rates of high blood pressure, affecting approximately 40% of adults worldwide, have been linked to an increase in sugar consumption, which may stimulate insulin resistance or salt retention, among other factors. This overconsumption can also negatively affect the gut microbiome, promoting the growth of harmful bacteria and hindering healthy ones.
To investigate the potential of these probiotic strains, the researchers fed mice a high-fructose diet to induce hypertension. They then treated half of the mice with B. lactis and L. rhamnosus. The mice that received probiotics showed significantly lower blood pressure levels than the untreated mice fed a high-fructose diet. Surprisingly, the probiotic-treated mice displayed blood pressure levels similar to those of a control group that only consumed water, indicating that probiotics might help maintain normal blood pressure levels.
The researchers further explored the link between the gut microbiome and blood pressure by using genetic sequencing. They found that a high-fructose diet led to an imbalance in bacterial populations, with a decrease in Firmicutes and an increase in Bacteroidetes, but treatment with probiotics restored the control group levels. Additionally, they uncovered new microbial signatures associated with lower blood pressure, including high levels of Lawsonia and Pyrolobus bacteria, and low levels of Alistipes and Alloprevotella.
While the implications of these findings warrant further investigation, the researchers believe these results could pave the way for probiotics to supplement traditional hypertension treatments.
It is worth noting that both Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus are common probiotic strains found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, and miso. Probiotics are also available in supplement form, and it's essential to feed them prebiotics to help them function effectively.
In conclusion, the preliminary findings from this study provide promising evidence that the probiotic strains Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus have potential in managing blood pressure by modulating the gut microbiome. Further research is necessary to establish their clinical effectiveness and to uncover the underlying mechanisms of their benefits.
Sources
["Two probiotics identified as promising hypertension treatments" - EurekAlert!]["Probiotics Bifidobacterium lactis M8 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus M9 prevent high blood pressure via modulating the gut microbiota composition and host metabolic products" - mSystems]["Bifidobacterium lactis" - International Probiotics Association]["Lactobacillus Rhamnosus 101: Sources, Benefits, and Uses" - Physician's Choice]["Can fermented or probiotic foods with added sugars be part of a healthy diet?" - ISAPP]
1) The study's findings suggest that incorporating foods rich in Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, such as yogurt, kefir, or kimchi, could potentially contribute to heart health by managing blood pressure, thanks to their role in modulating the gut microbiome.
2) Aside from their potential impact on blood pressure, a balanced diet that includes probiotics may promote overall health and wellness by maintaining a healthy gut environment and supporting cardiovascular health.
3) Understanding the role of probiotics like Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus in managing medical-conditions like high blood pressure could lead to novel health-and-wellness strategies that complement traditional treatment options, especially when coupled with appropriate fitness-and-exercise and nutrition habits.
