Probiotics found in yogurt, fermented and sour milk, cheese and dietary supplements not only improve the functioning of your gut but can also help lower high blood pressure.
"We believe probiotics might help lower blood pressure other than improving total cholesterol, reducing blood glucose and insulin resistance and regulating the hormone system," explained Jing Sun, senior lecturer from Griffith Health Institute and School of Medicine at Griffith University in Australia.
During the study, researchers analysed results of nine high-quality studies examining blood pressure and probiotic consumption in 543 adults with normal and elevated blood pressure.
They found that regular probiotic consumption lowered systolic blood pressure (the top number) by an average 3.56 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) by an average 2.38 mm Hg.
The positive effects from probiotics on diastolic blood pressure were greatest in people whose blood pressure was equal to or greater than 130/85, which is considered elevated.
Probiotics with multiple bacteria lowered blood pressure more than those with a single bacteria, the study found.
"Additional studies are needed before doctors can recommend probiotics for high blood pressure control and prevention," Sun suggested.
The research appeared in the journal Hypertension.