Probiotics are live microorganisms that have health benefits when consumed. They can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, or supplement. Probiotics are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help keep the gut microbiota balanced. This article will discuss the best probiotics for men and their health benefits.
What Is a Probiotic?
A probiotic is a living microorganism, typically a bacteria, that has been shown to have health benefits when consumed. Probiotics are found in fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut, as well as in supplement form. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation.
The Different Types Of Probiotics
There are many different types of probiotics on the market, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Here is a quick guide to the different types of probiotics and what they can do for you.
- The most common type of probiotic is Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is found in yogurt and other fermented foods. This probiotic can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut and has been shown to have various health benefits.
- Another popular type of probiotic is Bifidobacterium lactis, also found in fermented foods like yogurt. This probiotic can help to improve your digestion and reduce your risk of gastrointestinal problems.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus is another probiotic found in Sauerkraut, kimchi and yogurt etc. It aids gut health, relieves Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome symptoms and protects against cavities.
The seven core genera of microbial organisms most often used in probiotic products are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, and Bacillus. Probiotics are also available in supplement form. If you are interested in taking a probiotic supplement, talk to your doctor to see if it is correct.
Should Men Take Probiotics?
Probiotics have many benefits, and studies have shown that they can be especially beneficial for men.
- Probiotics can help with digestive issues, weight loss, and immunity.
- They can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer.
- Some studies have even shown that probiotics can improve sexual health.
What Are The Benefits Of Taking a Probiotic?
Probiotics are naturally present in our bodies and offer several health benefits. In the following section, we’ll take a closer look at probiotics’ benefits for men’s health. From improving gut health to reducing the risk of heart disease, probiotics can profoundly impact men’s overall health and well-being.
1. Healthy Testosterone Levels
Probiotics have many benefits, but did you know that they can also help keep your testosterone levels healthy? That’s right – probiotics can help to maintain healthy testosterone levels in men.
Testosterone is the hormone that is responsible for muscle growth, bone density, and sex drive. So, keeping your testosterone levels healthy is essential for overall health and well-being.
Recent studies have shown men who took a probiotic supplement for eight weeks had higher testosterone levels than those who didn’t take a probiotic supplement.
Another study found that men who took a probiotic supplement for 12 weeks had better sperm quality than those who didn’t take a probiotic supplement. This means that probiotics could help to improve fertility in men.
So, if you’re looking for ways to boost your testosterone levels, don’t forget to take probiotics!
2. Sexual Health
Probiotics are well-known for their digestive health benefits but can also improve sexual health. In men, probiotics can enhance sexual function, performance, mood, and sleep quality.
Sexual function refers to the ability to get and maintain an erection. Probiotics can improve sexual function by reducing inflammation and balancing hormones.
Performance refers to how well you can perform sexually. Probiotics can improve sexual performance by increasing stamina and energy levels. They can improve sexual function in men by increasing libido and improving erectile dysfunction. They can also help with premature ejaculation.
3. Improvement In Mood And Sleep
Mood refers to how you feel emotionally. Probiotics can improve mood by reducing stress and anxiety levels. Some research also suggests that probiotics may positively affect mood and mental health.
In one study, men who took probiotic supplements had significantly improved moods compared to those who did not take probiotics.
Sleep quality refers to how well you sleep at night. Probiotics can improve sleep quality by reducing insomnia and improving sleep patterns.
There Are General Benefits Of Taking Probiotics, Too
Probiotics have many benefits, and they extend to both men and women. However, some benefits are specifically beneficial to men. Probiotics can improve digestive health, mental health, and even sexual function.
- Digestive Health: Probiotics can help with various digestive issues, such as diarrhea, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. They can also help with constipation and gas. They may also help prevent diarrhea associated with antibiotics and traveler’s diarrhea.
- Mental Health: Probiotics can improve mood and reduce anxiety. They have also been shown to help with memory and cognitive function.
- Immunity booster: There are many benefits of a probiotic, including improved gut health, a more robust immune system, and better digestion. Probiotics can also help reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for men prone to conditions like arthritis.
- Reduce the risk of cardiac issues.
How To Take Probiotics?
There are many different ways to take probiotics. You can find them in supplements, fermented foods, and skin care products.
- The best way to take probiotics is by including them in your diet. Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut are excellent sources of probiotics.
- You can also take a supplement that contains live bacteria.
Precaution: When you take probiotics, it’s essential to start with a small dose and gradually increase the amount you take.
Probiotics are safe for most people, but it’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor before starting any new supplement.
How To Choose The Best Probiotic For You?
Choosing the best probiotic for you can be tricky. There are many things to consider, such as your specific needs and health goals.
With some research, you can find the perfect probiotic for your needs. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best probiotic.
1. Consider Your Health Goals. What are you hoping to improve with a probiotic?
- If you want to improve digestive health, choose a probiotic with strains targeting that area.
- If you’re trying to boost your immune system, look for a probiotic with strains known for their immunity-boosting properties.
2. Know Your Options. Probiotics come in many forms, such as capsules, powders, and liquids. Some need to be refrigerated, while others don’t. Depending on your preferences and lifestyle, one form may be more convenient than another.
3. Choose a Quality Product. Not all probiotics are created equal. When choosing a probiotic supplement, look for one made by a reputable company and contains high-quality ingredients (billions of microorganisms).
4. Talk To Your Doctor. You must talk to your healthcare provider if you have any medical conditions or take medication.
The Top Probiotics For Men
There are a lot of different probiotics on the market these days. But which one is the best for men? Based on our research, here is a list of the top probiotics for men.
1. Renewlife Ultimate Flora® Men’s Care Probiotic (Total CFUs: 90 Billion)
The 90 billion CFU Renew Life Ultimate Flora® TM Men’s Care Probiotic provides two mixes of 12 carefully chosen probiotic strains to support the immunological, respiratory, colon, and digestive health of men.
2. Genuine Health Extra Strength Probiotic 50 Billion CFUs Daily Care
This is one of the most recommended probiotics for men. It improves gut health and contains 50 billion CFUs.
3. Mindbodygreen Probiotic Plus (Total CFUs: 32 Billion)
The only mix in the world with this combination of four strains is mindbodygreen’s probiotic+ with B. lactis Bi-07, B. lactis B420, B. lactis HN019, and L. acidophilus NCFM. It is created particularly to reduce bloating, help digestion, and improve your gut microbiota. These probiotic strains have been scientifically shown to enhance gut health and preserve important, routine digestive system processes.
4. Metagenics UltraFlora Spectrum (Total CFUs: 30 billion)
Through a combination of 7 advantageous probiotic strains, this probiotic supplement offers multifaceted daily probiotic support for the upper and lower GI tracts for immunological and digestive health.
5. Nature Made Digestive Probiotics Ultra Strength (Total CFUs: 30 billion)
In order to promote healthy gut flora, Nature Made’s Digestive Probiotics Ultra Strength provide 30 billion CFUs distributed among 12 probiotic strains (from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria genera).
6. Garden of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics Once Daily Men’s 50 Billion CFU Guaranteed Review
This probiotic is designed specifically for men’s health. It contains 50 billion CFUs and 34 different strains, making it one of the most potent probiotics on the market. It also comes with a money-back guarantee, so you can be sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
7. NOW Supplements, Probiotic-10 25 Billion, 60 Veg Capsules Review
NOW Supplements’ Probiotic-10 is another excellent choice for men. It contains 25 billion CFUs and ten different strains. It’s vegetarian and vegan friendly and free of GMOs, soy, gluten, and dairy.
Best Probiotic Foods For Men
Probiotics are found in fermented foods. Here’s the list of top 11 foods that contain a rich amount of probiotics:
Yogurt
Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, may positively affect your health, and yogurt is one of the most incredible places to get them.
Kefir
Kefir is a fermented probiotic milk drink and is mixed into either cow’s or goat’s milk to create the drink. While they may resemble grains of wheat or rice, kefir grains are cauliflower-like cultures of lactic acid bacteria and yeast.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a slightly fermented cabbage made with finely shredded cabbage and lactic acid bacteria. It is a staple in many cultures, particularly in Eastern Europe, and is one of the oldest meals known to humankind.
Tempeh
For those unfamiliar, tempeh is a soybean food that has been fermented. It compacts into a patty and has a taste likened to nuts, soil, or mushrooms.
Kimchi
Fermented and hot, kimchi is a popular Korean condiment. You can make it with cabbage, although other vegetables may also be used.
Miso
Miso is a popular seasoning in Japan. Soybeans, salt, and a fungus called koji are fermented to create this traditional food. Soybeans are only one of several possible constituents in miso; others include barley, rice, and rye. The most common use of this paste is in miso soup, a typical Japanese breakfast.
Kombucha
Fermented black or green tea is what makes kombucha what it is. Bacteria and yeasts form a cooperative colony to produce this well-liked tea. Its popularity as a food source extends well beyond Asia. It is also available for purchase on the internet.
Pickles
Cucumbers are preserved in a saltwater solution to create pickles, also known as gherkins. They are allowed to ferment utilizing the lactic acid bacteria already present in the environment. As a result of this procedure, they will become sour.
Buttermilk
Many types of fermented dairy beverages go by the name “buttermilk.” Buttermilk may be either conventional or cultured. Buttermilk has few calories and fat, but it does provide several essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, riboflavin, calcium, and phosphorus.
Natto
Like tempeh and miso, natto is a fermented soybean product. It’s made from Bacillus subtilis, a kind of bacterium. Traditional Japanese cuisine almost always includes natto. It’s a typical breakfast dish that’s made by mixing rice with it. It smells and tastes different from everything else and is quite tasty. Protein and vitamin K2, which contribute to strong bones and heart health, may be abundant in natto.
Cheese
Although most cheeses undergo fermentation, this does not guarantee that they are loaded with healthy bacteria. To find foods with active cultures or living cultures, read the labels. Some cheeses, such as Gouda, mozzarella, cheddar, and cottage cheese, maintain their beneficial bacteria even after age.
Conclusion
Probiotics are an essential part of a man’s diet. They help improve gut health and can positively affect overall health. When choosing a probiotic supplement, it is necessary to choose one that contains live and active cultures. Look for a supplement that has been third-party tested for quality and safety. Also, be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label. Probiotics are generally safe for most men, but some may experience side effects such as gas or bloating. If you experience any adverse effects, stop taking the probiotic and consult your doctor.
FAQs
What are the effects of discontinuing probiotic treatment?
Within three weeks of discontinuing supplementation, your gut flora will have returned to its pre-supplementation state. By “feeding the beneficial bacteria,” you could induce more permanent improvements. Bacteria, being living entities, need nourishment to thrive.
Does taking probiotics make you fat?
People often think probiotics cause weight gain or not. As it turns out, specific probiotic strains do help with weight gain. Since lactobacillus acidophilus may affect intestinal bacterial development, this strain is suspected of contributing to weight gain.
When taking probiotics, why do I start having loose motions?
Taking probiotics will increase the size and frequency of your stools, which are good indicators of your general health. Their goal is to help you have more consistent bowel movements by enhancing the microbiota in your digestive tract.
How long should I take probiotics?
People often provide different answers when asked how long probiotics should be taken.
- Some probiotics, like those used to treat diarrhea, may begin to take effect in as little as two to three days.
- Probiotics may work best when taken for an extended period, maybe months, to treat chronic ailments or boost the immune system.
When you take probiotics, what happens to your body?
Some individuals get gas, bloating, or diarrhea when they first start taking probiotics. Due to changes in the composition of the microbiota in the digestive tract, the resident bacteria may start creating more gas than usual, making one feel bloated. However, these adverse effects often disappear within a few days to a few weeks of taking the probiotics.
Who should not take probiotics?
There have been instances of adverse effects, including infections caused by probiotics.
Following people should not take probiotics without a doctor’s prescription:
- Those with compromised immune systems.
- Those recovering from surgery.
- Those who are terminally sick are at the most significant risk of complications.
If you have any of these conditions, you should not take probiotics.
References
Kechagia, M., Basoulis, D., Konstantopoulou, S., Dimitriadi, D., Gyftopoulou, K., Skarmoutsou, N., & Fakiri, E. M. (2013, January 2). Health benefits of probiotics: A Review. ISRN nutrition. Retrieved September 8, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4045285/
Sorenson, S. (2017, December 1). 7 men-specific health benefits of probiotics. Hyperbiotics. Retrieved September 8, 2022, from https://www.hyperbiotics.com/blogs/recent-articles/7-men-specific-health-benefits-of-probiotics
Palsdottir, H. (2022, January 6). 11 probiotic foods that are super healthy. Healthline. Retrieved September 8, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-super-healthy-probiotic-foods
K. Tremellen, & K. Pearce. (2017, September 15). Probiotics to improve testicular function … – wiley online library. Onlinelibrary. Willey. Retrieved September 8, 2022, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/GHYG753SMGYEURYCNI6Y?target=10.1111/andr.12400
