What’s the
deal with live and active cultures? Probiotics are good bacteria that can
impact the regulation of intestinal function and digestion. Emerging research
has found that probiotics have the ability to improve brain function, decrease
LDL cholesterol, lower blood pressure, manage irritable bowel syndrome and
other gastrointestinal diseases, lower blood glucose and improve immune
function. Recent research has demonstrated that alterations in gut microbiota are
involved in diabetes and metabolic disorders. Probiotics may be used to alter
gut microbiota and lower glucose; a review and meta-analysis of the research
was performed to assess the effects of probiotics on glucose and insulin.
Seventeen randomized
controlled trials were analyzed in a meta-analysis and explored the effects of
probiotics on glycemic control. These studies included a total of 1,105
participants that were broken into two groups: 551 participants in the
probiotic group and 554 in the control group. These studies ranged from three
to 24 weeks with varying probiotic species and doses among each study.
The results
from four of the trials indicated a significant reduction in fasting blood
glucose levels after probiotic consumption. Eleven studies found a reduction in
insulin after probiotic supplementation. Results indicated that a combination
of probiotic species is more beneficial than one single strand. Overall,
probiotics had a greater effect on fasting blood glucose in participants with
diabetes.
The mechanism
by which probiotics lowers blood glucose is unclear. Researchers propose
strains of lactic acids that have antioxidant properties may decrease oxidative
stress, which is shown to be present in hyperglycemia. Also, low grade
inflammation is observed in obese individuals and those with diabetes;
probiotics may help regulate inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Bottom Line: Consumption
of foods containing probiotics may help to improve blood glucose control.
Probiotics are found naturally in yogurt, aged cheese, kefir and tempeh. They
are also added to certain grains. Include these food sources in your diet for
additional health benefits and reduced risk of chronic disease.
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