Here's How Gut Bacteria Can Combat Harmful Effects of High BP

Gut bacteria in our digestive tract can reduce the harmful effects of high blood pressure, finds a new study.

New study finds that bacterial guests in our digestive tract calm the immune cells that drive up blood pressure. The findings of the study are published in the journal Circulation.

To a large extent, our well-being depends on what bacterial guests in our digestive tract consume as researchers have found that beneficial gut microbes can produce from dietary fiber a fatty acid called propionate which can protect against the harmful consequences of high blood pressure.

Combination Therapy for High Blood Pressure - Monotherapy - Options - Reference
Anti-hypertensive agents are still the treatment drugs for hypertension but recent advances indicate that combination therapy may be a more effective form of treatment.

‘Whole-grain products and fruits contain cellulose and inulin fibers, from which gut bacteria produce useful molecules like propionate which works against a range of impairments in cardiovascular function caused by high blood pressure.’
Read More..

"Propionate works against a range of impairments in cardiovascular function caused by high blood pressure," said lead researcher Dominik Muller, Professor at Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association in Berlin, Germany.

"This may be a promising treatment option, particularly for patients who have too little of this fatty acid," Muller said.

The results explain why a diet rich in fiber, which has been recommended by nutrition organizations for many years, helps prevent cardiovascular diseases.

High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is defined as a blood pressure of above 140 mm Hg (systolic) and or 90mm Hg (diastolic).

Whole-grain products and fruits, for example, contain cellulose and inulin fibers, from which gut bacteria produce beneficial molecules like propionate.

For the study, the researchers fed propionate to mice with elevated blood pressure. Afterward, the animals had less pronounced damage to the heart or abnormal enlargement of the organ, making them less susceptible to cardiac arrhythmia.

High Blood Pressure and Herbs � Garlic � Arjuna � Indian Snakeroot � Olive
Drug intervention need not be the only option to help lower your moderately high blood pressure. Lifestyle changes along with herb remedies such as garlic, arjuna, sarpagandha, and olive can serve the purpose.

Vascular damage, such as atherosclerosis, also decreased in mice, the study said.

Source-IANS

Pediatric Hypertension | High Blood Pressure in Children - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention
Pediatric hypertension or high blood pressure in children is usually caused by secondary reasons which need to be investigated and treated.