Eating yogurt may help lower high blood pressure. That's because yogurt contains probiotics, a natural bacteria that's believed to help with digestion. Probiotic supplements are also widely available.
When Australian researchers examined 9 previous studies of more than 500 patients, they found that eating probiotics lowered patients' blood pressure 3 points on the top number, and 2 points on the bottom. Patients had to consume probiotics, regularly, for at least 8 weeks, to see a modest drop in blood pressure.
Researchers say probiotics with multiple bacteria are better than those with single bacteria.
However, they add that more studies are needed before doctors can recommend probiotics for treating or preventing high blood pressure .
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