Are Probiotics Good for Heart Health?

Probiotics are live bacteria that, when ingested, provide certain health benefits to us.
Probiotics are usually bacteria like Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. However, not all probiotic products are created equal and they can have different effects on your body.
In fact, your gut contains trillions of bacteria, which affect your health in many different ways.
The bacteria in your gut have a role in controlling the amount of nutrients you get when you digest certain foods. Therefore, they play an important role in, directly affecting your weight.
The bacteria in your gut can also have effects on your blood sugar, brain health and heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure and fighting inflammation.
Probiotics products can help restore the balance of healthy gut bacteria, which in turn can improve your heart health.

2.1. Probiotics Can Lower Cholesterol Some studies have shown that certain probiotic products can lower blood cholesterol levels, especially in people with high cholesterol levels.
There are two main types of cholesterol: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often considered “good” cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often considered “bad” cholesterol.
A summary of the results of 15 studies, specifically examining the effects of Lactobacilli. This review found that probiotics containing Lactobacillus significantly reduced both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
The review also found that the two Lactobacillus probiotics, L. reuteri and L. plantarum, were particularly effective in reducing blood cholesterol levels.
In a study of 127 people with high cholesterol, taking L.reuteri for 9 weeks significantly reduced total cholesterol by 9% and LDL cholesterol by 12%.
A larger meta-analysis combining the results of 32 other studies also showed a significant beneficial effect of Probiotics on lowering cholesterol. In this study, it was found that L. plantarum, L. acidophilus and B. lactis were particularly effective.
Probiotics are also more effective when used in people with higher cholesterol, when taken for longer periods of time, and when taken in capsule form.
There are several ways that probiotics can lower cholesterol:
Probiotics can bind to cholesterol in the gut to prevent the body from absorbing it. Probiotics also help produce certain bile acids, which help metabolize fats and cholesterol in your body. Some probiotics can produce short-chain fatty acids, which are compounds that can help prevent cholesterol from forming in the liver. 2.2. Probiotics can lower blood pressure High blood pressure is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and it can be lowered by certain types of probiotics.
A study of 36 smokers found that taking Lactobacillus plantarum for 6 weeks significantly reduced blood pressure. However, not all probiotic products are effective for improving heart health.
A separate study conducted in 156 people with high blood pressure found that two probiotics, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, had no beneficial effects on people with high blood pressure when taken in capsule or tablet form. yogurt products.
However, other large reviews that incorporate results from studies have found the overall beneficial effects of certain Probiotics products on blood pressure.
One of these studies found a reduction in blood pressure under the following conditions:
When blood pressure was initially high When multiple probiotics were taken at once When probiotics were used for more than 8 weeks When probiotics were taken in doses High A larger study that combined the results of 14 other studies, including a total of 702 people, found that probiotic fermented milk also significantly reduced blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.

2.3. Probiotics can also lower triglycerides Probiotics can also help lower blood triglycerides, which are fats that can contribute to heart disease when their blood levels are too high.
A study of 92 people with high blood triglycerides found that taking two probiotics, Lactobacillus curvatus and Lactobacillus plantarum for 12 consecutive weeks, significantly reduced blood triglycerides.
However, other reviews that combine the results of many other studies have found that probiotics may not affect triglyceride levels.
Two of these meta-analyses, one that combined 13 studies and one that combined 27 studies, found no significant beneficial effects of probiotics on triglyceride reduction in blood.
Overall, more human studies are needed before conclusions can be drawn on whether probiotics can help lower blood triglycerides.
2.4.. Probiotics can reduce inflammation Inflammation occurs when your body activates your immune system to fight infection or heal a wound.
However, this phenomenon can also be caused by a bad diet, smoking or unhealthy lifestyle, and if it happens over a long period of time, it can contribute to cardiovascular disease.
A study of 127 people with high cholesterol found that taking the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri for 9 consecutive weeks significantly reduced inflammatory chemicals such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen.
Fibrinogen is a substance that helps blood clot to heal wounds, but it can also contribute to plaque formation in the arteries in heart disease. CRP is a chemical produced in the liver that is involved in inflammation.
Another study done on 30 men with high cholesterol found that taking a supplement containing fruit, fermented oatmeal and the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum for 6 weeks also significantly reduced fibrinogen .
Probiotics are products with live microorganisms that have certain health benefits. There is good evidence that certain probiotics can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and fight inflammation.
However, most of the participants in these studies already had high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Also, not all types of probiotic products are created equal and only some may benefit heart health.
Overall, if you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, certain types of Probiotics products may be helpful, in addition to other medications, lifestyle and dietary changes.

Reference source: healthline.com