Probiotics might help lower blood pressure

Regularly consuming probiotics, or the “good” bacteria found in yogurt, milk and cheese, may help control blood pressure, according to a new review of past studies.

Researchers found that consuming the proper amount of probiotics over at least two months appeared to modestly lower blood pressure, Reuters reported.

Past studies have shown probiotics can have a positive effect on blood sugar, cholesterol and certain hormones - all of which can impact blood flow, she noted.

The new findings do not mean people should replace their blood pressure medication with probiotics and it is still unclear which strain or combination of strains might work best.

The new review, published in the journal Hypertension, combined the results of nine studies that randomly assigned participants to take probiotics or not.

The studies included a total of almost 550 people.