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Home arrow Health arrow Gut Health arrow What Do Probiotics Do for Men? 6 Perks for Men's Health

What Do Probiotics Do for Men? 6 Perks for Men's Health

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Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
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Fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
Last update: July 25, 2023
6 min read 1558 Views 0 Comments
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Men and women can benefit from probiotics, but what exactly can men expect from consuming healthy bacteria? In this post, you can learn all about probiotics for men and why they might be a good addition to your daily regimen.

What do probiotics do for men

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that work to restore balance in your body. One of the most appealing reasons for taking probiotic supplements is their ability to boost your digestive and immune health. Both men and women can enjoy better health with the help of good bacteria.

While these benefits are inclusive of both sexes, men’s and women’s probiotic needs can differ. Moreover, they can deliver different results, and certain bacterial strains are better suited to male and female health.

This article discusses what probiotics can do for men’s health.

What Do Probiotics Do for Men? 6 Benefits You Should Know About

Probiotics boast many health benefits. You might consider taking probiotic supplements to alleviate specific health issues or to boost your general health. Are you unsure about the benefits of probiotics? If so, just keep on reading.

Here are 6 ways you can benefit from introducing probiotics to your diet.

#1 Improves skin conditions

A growing body of research suggests that probiotics can help treat and prevent some skin conditions. These include acne, eczema, atopic dermatitis, and allergic inflammation. An altered gut microbiome often accompanies many skin diseases. 

In addition, you might experience skin irritations when your gut health is off-balance.

Furthermore, taking probiotics has the potential to speed up wound healing. That’s because the gut microbiome plays a vital role in the body’s immune system. They can help to reduce inflammation, fight off infection, and strengthen your skin’s natural defense barrier.

#2 Reduces gastrointestinal conditions

Are you looking for relief from gastrointestinal problems?

Probiotics are well-known for their effects on gut health. They feed your gut flora while restoring the balance between good and bad bacteria. An imbalance is a primary culprit of common digestive ailments like bloating, excess gas, stomach cramps, and general discomfort.

Research is ongoing on using particular probiotic species for complex gastrointestinal diseases. If you are someone who suffers from conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or ulcerative colitis, probiotic therapy could help.

You do need to be patient when trying a new probiotic supplement. The introduction of bacteria, although friendly, can temporarily disturb the digestive tract. Some men might develop painful gas or constipation in the first few weeks of taking probiotics.

#3 Boosts immunity

The digestive system contains mucous membranes that support the immune system. Probiotics can improve immune function by replenishing the active gut bacteria to protect immune cells. A healthy gut microbiome makes it tough for germs to enter and spread in the body.

A strong immune response relies on multiple micronutrients. Probiotic strains support healthy nutrient absorption, ensuring your body gets what it needs to function properly. Faster immune responses prevent you from getting sick by fighting off harmful infections.

All men can benefit from a boost to the immune system. It can be difficult to recognize if your chosen probiotics are working to improve your immune health. Some people might notice fewer episodes of feeling tired and unwell or that they recover from illnesses more quickly.

#4 Might help to support healthy testosterone levels

Testosterone production tends to decline with age, but probiotic microbes can promote youthful serum testosterone levels. Certain medications and health conditions can also affect your T levels. There are some promising benefits for those who take a probiotic supplement.

A study revealed that a proprietary blend of prebiotics and probiotics improved sperm quality and testosterone levels in infertile men. Previously, a handful of studies in aging mice have identified similar improvements in testicular function following probiotic therapy.

#5 Supports mental health

People with anxiety and depression often experience unpleasant gastrointestinal problems. Probiotics can support mental health by modulating the microbiota. Poor gut health can impact your mood, making it essential to maintain a healthy gut-brain connection.

Depression and suicide are among the leading causes of death in men in the US. Mental health issues in men are common but often go untreated. It’s vital to seek help, and in the meantime, you can take care of your digestive system and see if you notice changes to your mental state.

#6 Improves prostate health

Another benefit of probiotics for men is that they may prevent or delay the development of prostate cancer. Chronic inflammation can contribute to prostate cancer development and its progression. A good thing about probiotics is that they have anti-inflammatory effects on the body.

Studies show that the gut microbiome of prostate cancer patients differs from that of healthy individuals. Altering the composition of gut microbes with probiotic treatment may, therefore, benefit prostate health.

Do Men Need Probiotics?

Men need probiotics to maintain good overall health. Taking a supplement with probiotic bacteria increases the number of beneficial microbes in the gut to help restore balance. Like most people, men can miss out on important health benefits without adding probiotics to their routine.

Probiotics can help the male body in several ways. Enhancing immune function, easing digestive issues, and supporting physical and mental health are just a few advantages. They can be especially useful for men with digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome.

Men might need probiotic supplementation if their gut flora falls off-balance. This can occur from factors such as infection, diet, poor sleep, and inactivity. The dose of beneficial bacteria will overtake the harmful bacteria, promoting the return of a healthy gut microbiome.

Can a Man Take Women’s Probiotics?

Generally, probiotic administration is not gender-specific. Still, men and women can benefit from different formulas comprising different probiotic strains. Sometimes, dietary supplements might target women with little evidence to support the product’s formula.

The right probiotic supplement for you to take depends on your personal needs and what you want to achieve. For example, a probiotic supplement targeting females might contain more Lactobacillus strains to promote healthy vaginal microbiota and reproductive tract health.

Check the label to determine the ingredients and which bacterial species a product contains. You can then decide if the product is a better choice for men or women. For clarity on probiotics, it can help to discuss your concerns with your healthcare professional.

Do Probiotics Have an Effect on Testosterone?

Taking probiotics may have a positive impact on your testosterone levels. The gut microbiota is thought to be connected to testosterone, as certain bacterial strains can promote testosterone metabolism. However, only some probiotic products will deliver strong results.

You may be able to find men’s probiotics that contain effective strains of bacteria. For example, Lactobacillus reuteri is known to modulate testosterone levels in mice. Testosterone is crucial for men as it regulates sex drive, fat distribution, muscle mass, and sperm production.

There are some other things you can try to boost testosterone secretion. You can start with lifestyle changes, like improving your diet, getting sufficient sleep, and exercising.

Running is one way to boost testosterone. It will also help you lose weight, and maintaining a healthy weight will naturally increase your body’s T levels.

Eating probiotic foods, including fermented foods, as part of a balanced diet can deliver good bacteria without the need for supplements. Fermented Momordica charantia, for example, contains pharmacological activities that may increase and restore testosterone levels.

A Word From a Nutritionist

Men taking probiotics can enjoy improved overall health, from better gut health to enhanced reproductive health. The live microorganisms return the good and bad bacteria to normal, producing a long list of advantages to both physical and mental wellness.

Men and women can acquire perks, particularly regarding digestive health. Still, the benefits of probiotics for women can differ slightly from men. Look for high-quality probiotics from trustworthy brands that contain strains with reported benefits for the male body.

Probiotics are not the only way to improve your health as a man. Concentrating on eating a nutritious diet, drinking enough water, working out regularly, and sleeping well will aid your journey to greater well-being. You can also practice self-care and manage your stress levels.

Conclusion

Several health benefits make probiotics for men a good idea. Eating probiotic-rich foods or adding a dietary supplement to your regimen could result in better digestion, immunity, and mental well-being. Just remember to find the most effective probiotic strain for your health needs.

For instance, you might wish to discover the best probiotic for bloating if you are experiencing recurring gas and abdominal pain. Keep in mind that probiotics take time to work. Don’t expect magic overnight!

Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
Edibel Quintero is a medical doctor who graduated in 2013 from the University of Zulia and has been working in her profession since then. She specializes in obesity and nutrition, physical rehabilitation, sports massage and post-operative rehabilitation. Edibel’s goal is to help people live healthier lives by educating them about food, exercise, mental wellness and other lifestyle choices that can improve their quality of life.
The article was fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
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HR_author_photo_Edibel
Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
HR_author_photo_Rosmy
Fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
Last update: July 25, 2023
6 min read 1558 Views 0 Comments
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