Now two strains of potentially blood pressure-lowering probiotics have been identified that could lower blood pressure back to normal levels. New methods for lowering blood pressure are particularly important because around 40 percent of the world’s adult population is affected by high blood pressure and this increases the risk of dangerous diseases.
In a new study involving experts from the University of Hong Kong (HKU), the blood pressure-lowering effects of Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus were examined in hypertensive mice. The results can be read in the English-language specialist journal “mSystems”.
Probiotics against high blood pressure
High blood pressure not only increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, but also of many other serious illnesses. However, recent study results have shown that probiotics could protect against high blood pressure, the team reports.
In the current research, two new strains were added to the list of potential blood pressure-lowering probiotics. In experiments with hypertensive mice, these caused blood pressure to return to normal levels, the researchers continued.
The two probiotics are Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. The studies made it clear how these probiotics changed the intestinal flora of the mice over a period of 16 weeks. The researchers also identified special microbes and metabolic pathways that could explain what the protective effect of probiotics is based on.
“There is numerous evidence of a blood pressure-lowering effect of probiotics and probiotic fermented foods in both in vitro and in vivo experiments,” reports study author Dr. Jun Li in a press release.
Link between sugar consumption and high blood pressure
Previous studies have linked rising rates of high blood pressure worldwide to increasing sugar consumption. Because sugar is known to increase blood pressure.
The team explains that this is due to different mechanisms, for example increased insulin resistance or salt binding. In addition, there has been increased focus on the effects of sugar on the intestinal flora in recent years.
The researchers therefore examined the effects of the two probiotic strains on mice that suffered from high blood pressure due to consuming a diet high in fructose. The team measured the blood pressure of the hypertensive mice every four weeks over a 16-week period.
Significant reduction in blood pressure
It was found that the two probiotics actually contributed to significantly lower blood pressure in the animals, compared to mice that also consumed a diet high in fructose and did not receive any treatment with probiotics.
The experts add that after treatment with the probiotics there was no longer any difference to the blood pressure values of mice that only drank water. According to the researchers, this suggests that probiotic interventions can keep blood pressure at a normal level. (as)
