Probiotics and Osteoarthritis: A New Approach to Improving Postural Balance
Dr. Kumar’s Take:
A recent double-blind clinical trial provides compelling evidence that probiotics may help alleviate postural imbalance and reduce disease severity in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study highlights the growing importance of the gut-joint axis and the role of intestinal health in managing musculoskeletal conditions. For those suffering from OA, adding a high-quality probiotic supplement may be a worthwhile strategy to complement conventional treatments.
Brief Summary:
This 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of a multistrain probiotic on 147 patients suffering from knee OA. The probiotic group showed significant improvements in postural balance, pain reduction, handgrip strength, and walking speed. Biomarker analysis revealed that these benefits were associated with decreased plasma zonulin (a marker of intestinal permeability) and reduced inflammation, suggesting that probiotics may help repair gut barrier function and lower systemic inflammation in OA patients.
