The results of this meta-analysis suggest that probiotic consumption with daily doses from 109 to 1012 CFU for a duration of 3 to 9 weeks may improve BP. The magnitude of improvement is greater among those with elevated BP, when daily dose of probiotic consumption is ≥1011 CFU and when intervention lasts ≥8 weeks.
But did you also know that eating probiotics can help regulate your pressure levels? Yup, that's right! According to research conducted at the Griffith Health Institute and School of Medicine in Australia, consuming probiotic-packed foods (not just supplements) can help.
Recent studies have indicated that the development of hypertension is related to the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in both animals and humans.
It is also used increasingly in bodybuilding supplements for its effect on growth hormone levels. Researchers at Yakult have previously reported findings showing that a fermented milk product containing the amino acid may lower blood pressure in people with mild hypertension.
When the gut microbiome is out of balance, the body can experience a state of stress. In this state, it can produce harmful byproducts that can lead to elevated blood pressure. One of these byproducts is trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), which has been linked to plaque build-up inside the arteries.
“The supplements can be costly, and there isn't enough evidence to prove a benefit or confirm lack of harm.” Probiotics are microscopic organisms — including certain bacteria and yeast — that live in the digestive tract and are also found in a variety of foods and dietary supplements.
Side effects may include mild stomach upset, diarrhea, or flatulence (passing gas) and bloating, mainly when probiotics are first started. If you experience these symptoms, proponents of probiotics recommend you lower the dose to allow your body to adjust to the changing, hopefully healthier, gut environment.
Regularly taking probiotics has generally been shown to be safe, according to the NIH, especially Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The most common side effect is gas. Some cases of infections have resulted in severe illness in immunocompromised or severely ill patients after taking probiotics.
Clinical research published earlier this year has found that probiotics can significantly improve health in those at risk of heart disease7. An important connection exists between the gut microbiome, probiotics and heart health8.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often the pain reliever of choice for people with high blood pressure (hypertension) because most other options are types of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), which can raise blood pressure.
If you have high blood pressure, you may want to avoid certain vitamins and supplements because they can further raise your blood pressure. Some of these vitamins and supplements include vitamin D, St. John's wort, ephedra, arnica, and sodium. Before you consider using any vitamins and supplements, talk with a doctor.
Research from our group and others strongly suggests that the gut microbiome contributes to salt-induced inflammation and hypertension.
Probiotics help replenish the population of bacteria in your gut, and Yakult does a good job of that. Yakult has 6.5 billion LCS bacteria per bottle! It does a wonderful job at keeping your gut microbiome healthy and populous. Plus, your gut bacteria don't just support your digestion.
Research shows the best time to take a probiotic is first thing in the morning before eating breakfast or before going to sleep at night.
However, people who are very ill and people who have a weak immune system should be cautious about eating or drinking probiotic products or taking probiotic supplements. Common side effects of consuming probiotics might include gas and bloating.
Overall, the results showed that consuming probiotics could significantly reduce SBP by 3.56 mm Hg and DBP by 2.38 mm Hg. The reduction in BP reported by the current meta-analysis was similar to that reported in a recent meta-analysis of salt reduction of <2 g per day36 and resistance training.
High levels of stress can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure. Stress-related habits such as eating more, using tobacco or drinking alcohol can lead to further increases in blood pressure.
They found that in both sets of participants, bacteria of the genus Odoribacter were significantly rarer. Those with the lowest levels of Odoribacter had the highest blood pressure readings.