Why that probiotic curd is a must daily: It controls blood pressure, says study

Bacterial metabolism can affect the immune system, causing inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, all of which affect control of blood pressure.

OTHER PROTECTIVE FUNCTIONS OF PROBIOTICS

By restoring balance in the gut microbiota, our digestive system works more efficiently. This reduces body weight, boosts immunity and breaks down the bile, in the process impacting cholesterol.

All one needs to do is increase the levels of good bacteria associated with lower blood pressure (Lawsonia and Pyrolobus), and decrease the levels of bad bacteria associated with higher blood pressure (Alistipes and Alloprevotella).

When your gut microbiota is not healthy, your intestinal lining may have tears and holes through which toxins and partially-digested food seep into the bloodstream instead of being excreted. This triggers inflammation and compromises your immunity.

A lot of ongoing research shows that imbalance in intestinal bacteria and inflammation may play a role in the development of common chronic diseases. Way back in 2014, nine studies looked at the effects of probiotics on blood pressure and found that participants, who included adults with normal and high blood pressure, had modest drops in both systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure. The people who showed the greatest reduction were those with elevated blood pressure (130/80 mm Hg or above). Participants who consumed foods or supplements with large concentrations of bacteria, or several different strains, saw the greatest improvement. But it took eight weeks or longer for the benefits to show up. Studies show that probiotics even help in UTIs.

WHERE CAN I FIND PROBIOTICS?

Both the strains mentioned in the study can be found in dairy products like curd, kefir and buttermilk.

Now certain strands of good bacteria need to be present in sufficient amounts in your curd for it to be an effective metabolism booster. Home-made curd does not have them in required concentration. A probiotic curd or yoghurt comes packed with good bacteria. It is difficult to assess how much of the good bacteria in home-made curd can reach our intestines alive and survive the stomach juices and bile. Yogurt has more live strains.

Probiotic curd/yogurt is a must inclusion in your daily diet because it is rich in protein, which lends satiety, besides being a storehouse of calcium, Vitamin B12, riboflavin, phosphorus and magnesium. Calcium restricts the creation of excess cortisol, or the stress hormone, which stops the body from gaining weight. So, in that sense curd can help in fighting cortisol. Probiotic curd is rich in minerals such as potassium and magnesium, which make it easier for the excess water in the cells to escape and reach the bladder with ease, maintaining blood pressure levels. However, I prefer supplements for a more focused approach.

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