Can These 2 Probiotics Lower BP? Study

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, representing nearly 120 million individuals. Moreover, the CDC remarks that:

• Hypertension exposes people to a heightened risk of heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death in the U.S.
• High blood pressure was either the primary or a contributing factor in nearly 700,000 U.S. deaths in 2021.
• A systolic blood pressure exceeding 130 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure surpassing 80 mmHg indicates that a person has high blood pressure.
• Fewer than 25% of adults with high blood pressure have it under control.
• High blood pressure incurs approximately $131 billion in costs for the United States each year.

Given the widespread prevalence of high blood pressure and its associated health hazards, identifying effective preventive measures is of utmost importance.

A study named “Probiotics Bifidobacterium lactis M8 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus M9 Prevent High Blood Pressure via Modulating the Gut Microbiota Composition and Host Metabolic Products” delved into the potential antihypertensive impacts of specific probiotic strains. The study, carried out on mice fed a high-fructose diet, discovered that Bifidobacterium lactis M8 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus M9 might assist in preventing hypertension.

This research concentrated on how these probiotics could influence blood pressure through alterations in the gut microbiota and related metabolic pathways.

Although the data is encouraging, additional research is necessary to validate these effects in humans, especially considering the small sample size of the animal model employed.

Nevertheless, it’s a potentially significant finding and another reminder to keep blood pressure in check and incorporate probiotics as a key component of your wellness routine.

Study Findings

Researchers probed into how probiotics affect blood pressure in mice given a high fructose intake. They determined that two types of probiotics, Bifidobacterium lactis M8 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus M9, contributed to the reduction of blood pressure.

The probiotics – frequently found in cheese and yogurt – seemed to lower blood pressure by modifying the composition of the gut microbiome.

Key discoveries encompassed:

• Blood Pressure Reduction: The probiotics notably decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 16.92% and 15.39% and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by 18.56% and 20.62%, respectively.
• Microbiota Changes: Treatment with these probiotics led to increased levels of Lawsonia and Pyrolobus (bacteria associated with lower blood pressure) and decreased levels of Alistipes and Alloprevotella (bacteria associated with higher blood pressure). Collectively, these alterations were associated with a decrease in blood pressure.
• Metabolic Pathways: The probiotics influenced diverse metabolic pathways related to vascular smooth muscle contraction, serotonergic and cholinergic synapses, and lipid and vitamin metabolism, all contributing to the regulation of blood pressure.
• Mechanistic Insights: There was a notable correlation between the reduction of Alistipes and the decreased biosynthesis of steroid hormones, suggesting a mechanism through which the gut microbiota can influence blood pressure via hormonal changes.

Drawbacks

While the study presented promising outcomes, there were certain limitations, such as:

• Animal Model: The findings are based on a mouse model, which might not directly apply to humans.
• Short-Term Study: The duration of the study was relatively brief, and the long-term effects and safety of probiotic usage were not evaluated.
• Limited Scope: The study focused on specific strains and a high-fructose diet, which may not encompass all potential dietary influences on blood pressure.

Despite the drawbacks, researchers remain enthusiastic about the findings.

“Accumulated evidence supports an antihypertensive effect of probiotics and probiotic fermented foods in both in vitro and in vivo experiments,” stated computational biologist Jun Li, Ph.D., at the City University of Hong Kong, in a press release. Her team collaborated with that of microbiologist Zhihong Sun, Ph.D., at Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, on the study. “So we believed that the dietary intake of probiotic foods would effectively complement traditional hypertension treatment.”

Considering there is other evidence demonstrating that probiotics are beneficial for blood pressure, this makes sense. For instance, a 2020 systemic review and meta-analysis “discovered a moderate and statistically significant reduction for either SBP or DBP with probiotics supplement compared with controls,” with researchers concluding that “probiotics hold potential for the dietary treatment of hypertension.”

Meanwhile, a 2023 study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology determined that “probiotics can alleviate hypertension symptoms through four mechanisms: regulating vascular oxidative stress, generating short-chain fatty acids, restoring endothelial cell function, and reducing inflammation.”

Other Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

In addition to probiotics, several alternative strategies can aid in managing and reducing blood pressure:

• Dietary Changes: Decrease sodium intake, increase consumption of potassium-rich foods and other foods that lower blood pressure, and adhere to the DASH diet.
• Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activities such as walking, jogging or swimming.
• Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercise.
• Stress Reduction: Practices like meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises can reduce stress.
• Limiting Alcohol and Tobacco: Reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking can have a significant impact on blood pressure levels.

These combined approaches, along with potential probiotic treatments, offer a comprehensive strategy for managing high blood pressure.