Our diet has long been known to influence blood pressure levels. Recent research shows that the communication between the gut and the brain, called “the gut-brain axis,” may play a role in the diet-related decrease in blood pressure. To investigate this, we are looking for individuals with high blood pressure.

To be eligible for this study, you need to be:
• 18-75 years of age
• BMI 18.5-35 kg/m2 (check here)
• High blood pressure in the category of hypertension (i.e., systolic blood pressure >140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg, to be confirmed in the clinic)
• Intake of whole grains lower than 4-6 serves per day (females) and 6 per day (males)

You cannot participate in this study if:
• You are using anti-hypertensive medication (current or in the past 4 weeks) 
• Systolic blood pressure higher than 160 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure higher than 100 mm Hg
• Have used oral antibiotics in the past 3 months
• Have used probiotics within the past month (pills only, natural sources such as yogurt are okay)
• Currently using laxatives
• Have diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
• Are pregnant or have plans to conceive while participating in the trial
• Have any gastrointestinal diseases (including inflammatory bowel disease, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, chronic constipation, chronic pancreatitis or other malabsorption disorder) and/or diagnosed mental health disorders (anxiety and depression)
• Have a compromised immune system, regularly use steroid treatment or GLP-1 agonists

 

This study involves:
• 4 visits to The Alfred Centre (South Yarra, Melbourne)
• Collection of blood, urine and faecal samples
• Participation in an acute study where blood pressure is monitored after the consumption of 60mls of apple cider vinegar
• Taking a dietary supplement in the form of a shake twice a day for 28 days

• Nerve activity recording
• Filling in questionnaires and doing cognitive tests
• Wearing a blood pressure monitor (for 26 hours, four times)
• Measuring blood pressure at home for 28 days
• Wearing a heart rate monitor device during the trial

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