Researchers at the City University of Hong Kong explored how probiotics in everyday foods like yoghurt, cheese and sauerkraut influence blood pressure. Their findings appear in the journal mSystems, providing new insight into gut health and cardiovascular risk factors.
Fermented foods and dairy products often include beneficial probiotics. These microscopic organisms can help rebalance the body’s microflora, supporting the natural function of organs while sometimes suppressing harmful bacteria. Probiotics are known for supporting a healthy microbial community in the gut, and this balance can have cascading effects on overall health.
To investigate whether probiotics could help manage hypertension, the researchers designed a 16 week study using mice. The animals were split into four groups. The first group received water enriched with fructose to raise blood pressure. The second group drank fructose water and received the probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis. The third group consumed fructose water plus Lactobacillus rhamnosus. The fourth group acted as the control and did not receive probiotic supplementation.
At the outset, the mice that drank the fructose solution showed higher systolic blood pressure SBP and diastolic blood pressure DBP. SBP indicates the peak pressure in the arteries during heartbeats, while DBP reflects arterial pressure during the intervals when the heart rests between beats. The measurements highlighted how diet can influence vascular tension from the start of the experiment.
By the end of the study, mice treated with probiotics experienced a notable reduction in blood pressure. SBP fell by about 15 to 17 percent and DBP decreased by roughly 18.5 to 20 percent. The results point to a potential role for specific probiotic strains in moderating the body’s response to a high sugar intake. The strains Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus are commonly found in foods such as milk and cheese, as well as fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi. These foods can be part of a heart friendly eating pattern when paired with other healthy habits.
Experts emphasize that combining probiotic rich foods with lower salt consumption and regular physical activity often enhances the effect on blood pressure. The study suggests that dietary choices, especially those involving fermented foods and probiotic rich products, can contribute to blood pressure management alongside other lifestyle measures. It is important to note that these findings come from an animal model and further research in humans is needed to confirm the benefits and determine optimal strains and doses. Still, the work adds a piece to the broader picture of how gut health intersects with cardiovascular risk.
Earlier discussions by medical professionals addressed common myths about intestinal bacteria and their impact on health. The emerging evidence highlights a growing recognition of the gut ecosystem as a key player in managing conditions like high blood pressure, rather than simply a passive background system. This evolving perspective underscores the potential of diet to influence heart health through the microbiome.