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A new study found that regular consumption of probiotics, or the “good” bacteria found in yogurt, milk and cheese, may help control blood pressure.
Probiotics are well known to benefit gut health, the immune system, and possibly even brain health.
Researchers in Australia found eating probiotics lowered patients’ blood pressure 3 points on the top number, and 2 points on the bottom.
“Over a large group of people, when you look at a population, a lower blood pressure by even two or three points can have an impact on important things the risk of stroke, death and heart attack, so we take very seriously a small decrease in blood pressure,” says Dr. Harmony Reynolds with NYU Langone Medical Center.
Researchers say probiotics with multiple bacteria are better than those with single bacteria.
Patients had to consume probiotics, regularly, for at least 8 weeks, to see a modest drop in blood pressure.
But Dr. Reynolds says it’s not clear that a supplement is as beneficial as getting probiotics from your food.
“Sometimes if people change their diet, exercise more, and probiotic is part of that healthy eating plan, they can avoid medicine, and I love to see that.”
Researchers say more studies are needed before doctors can recommend probiotics for high blood pressure and prevention.
Agencies/Canadajournal
