Improving Heart Health with Probiotics: An Evidence-Based Review

Improving Heart Health with Probiotics: An Evidence-Based Review

Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial for our health. They are commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut. Research has shown that probiotics have numerous health benefits, including improving heart health.

The link between gut health and heart health

We often hear about the importance of maintaining a healthy heart, and we know that things like exercise, a balanced diet, and not smoking can all contribute to good heart health. However, what many people don’t realize is that there is a strong link between gut health and heart health.

Research has shown that the bacteria in our gut play a key role in regulating our immune system and inflammation levels. When our gut bacteria are out of balance, it can lead to chronic inflammation, which is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including heart disease.

The role of probiotics in heart health

Probiotics are believed to promote heart health in several ways. For example:

• Lowering blood pressure: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Some studies have found that consuming probiotics can help lower blood pressure levels.
• Lowering cholesterol: High levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to heart disease. Some studies have found that certain probiotics can help lower LDL cholesterol levels.
• Reducing inflammation: As mentioned, chronic inflammation is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including heart disease. Some studies have found that consuming probiotics can help reduce inflammation levels in the body.

Evidence supporting the use of probiotics for heart health

While the research is still emerging, there is evidence to support the use of probiotics for heart health. For example:

• A study published in the journal Hypertension found that consuming probiotics for 8 weeks helped lower blood pressure levels in subjects with hypertension.
• A review of 26 randomized controlled trials found that certain strains of probiotics were effective at reducing LDL cholesterol levels.
• A study published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases found that consuming a probiotic-rich beverage for 12 weeks helped reduce inflammation levels in subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Choosing the right probiotic

While there is evidence to support the use of probiotics for heart health, it’s important to choose the right probiotic. Different strains of probiotics have different effects on the body, so it’s important to choose a strain that has been studied specifically for heart health.

One strain that has been studied for its potential heart health benefits is Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242. This strain has been shown to help lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation levels in the body.

The bottom line

Probiotics can be beneficial for our overall health, and there is evidence to support their use for heart health specifically. While more research is needed in this area, it’s worth considering adding probiotics to your diet if you’re looking to support your heart health.