Probiotics are microscopic organisms, usually bacteria, that possibly provide you with beneficial health effects, such as treating gastrointestinal illnesses and hypertension. A number of different types of probiotics exist, with some proven to be safer and more beneficial than others. Both the type and the amount of probiotics in a product is important.
Effect on Blood Pressure
Probiotics may lower your blood pressure through a few methods. These beneficial organisms may lower your cholesterol, improve insulin sensitivity, regulate renin and improve the absorption of phytoestrogens, all of which lower blood pressure, according to an article published in 2009 in the "International Journal of Molecular Science." However, the possible beneficial effects of probiotics on hypertension are preliminary results, and not sufficient for doctors to make recommendations for the use of probiotics to treat hypertension.
Sources
Fermented foods are often good sources of probiotics, although not all of them contain these live microorganisms. Possible sources include yogurt, buttermilk, miso and tempeh, as well as juices, soy products and other foods that have been fortified with probiotics. Yogurts that contain probiotics will say on the label that they contain "live active cultures." You can also purchase probiotic supplements.
Possible Side Effects
Probiotics do not usually cause serious side effects in healthy people. However, some people experience bloating, gas, infections or overstimulated immune systems. These side effects are more likely if you are elderly or have a compromised immune system, or if you give probiotics to infants and small children.
Considerations
You should speak with your doctor before trying probiotics to help with your hypertension, and you should continue your conventional medical treatment. Probiotics do not work for everyone, and some types of probiotics are more effective for certain conditions than others. Even if they do work, it can take a few weeks of daily use to see the effects of probiotics. Choose your probiotic supplement wisely, as many supplements do not contain the amount of probiotics listed on the label, according to a 2009 article published in "Newsweek."
References
- MSNBC.com; Probiotics: More Hype Than Help?; Elisa Zied, R.D.; Oct. 31, 2008
- "International Journal of Molecular Science"; The Improvement of Hypertension by Probiotics: Effects on Cholesterol, Diabetes, Renin, and Phytoestrogens; Huey-Shi Lye, et al.; September 2009
- "Newsweek"; New Report Claims That Many Probiotics Provide Fewer Live Cells Than Listed on Labels; Johannah Cornblatt; Nov. 16, 2009
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; An Introduction to Probiotics; August 2008
