The gut microbiome is a fascinating and important part of a person’s health. So how do probiotics for men factor into your overall health?
Probiotics can help maintain the balance in your gut by boosting levels of “good” bacteria, which helps to keep you healthy.
But what about men?
Probiotics are often marketed as something for women specifically, but there are also specific strains of probiotics that can be beneficial for men too.
For those looking to improve their immune systems and maintain digestive health, this blog post will explore the facts behind why it’s important for men to take a daily dose of probiotics too.
Why is it important for men’s health?
Men’s health is becoming more popular, with more men proactively seeking out ways to improve their general health and well-being. Supporting gut bacteria is one efficient approach to do this.
The usage of probiotic supplements is one of the various approaches to support gut health.
For many people, the idea of taking a probiotic supplement just for men seems like an unnecessary expense. But recent research has shown that probiotics may have benefits for male health as well as female health.
In fact, one study found that probiotics helped reduce prostate inflammation in African-American males by up to 40%.
Are there specific probiotics for men?
It can be difficult to determine which supplements to take because there are so many. It’s simple to obtain a daily probiotic pill, but whether men should hunt for gender-specific strains and products is a key concern.
Clinical studies have revealed that sex hormone levels in men and women may influence the microbiome composition.
Before any firm conclusions can be formed, more research is required. Until that time comes, the scientific community will most likely stick to the current assumption that each gender’s microbiome is the same.
According to this concept, probiotic supplementation instructions for men and women are the same, thus men should look for a supplement that supports their individual health needs and symptoms in the same manner that women should.
One issue that appears to differ between men and women in the incidence of various health conditions, which could influence why a male might consider taking a probiotic.
According to the Office for National Statistics, Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD) is the leading cause of death for British men, whereas dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease are the leading causes of mortality for British women.
The most prevalent health disorders vary depending on where you live and how old you are, but there is a handful that appears to be universal.
Later in this post, we’ll look at the many strains that have been studied for certain health concerns, but first, let’s look at how probiotics can assist and what kind of advantages to expect.
Probiotic benefits for men
Most people can benefit from probiotics as long as they aren’t critically ill or have immune-suppressing illnesses.
Probiotics help the microbiome by adding good microorganisms to it. These “good guys” play an important role in digestive, immunological, mental, skin, metabolic, and interpersonal health, among other things.
Unfortunately, modern lifestyles are not microbiome-friendly; we’re all busy juggling work, family, and social obligations, and may opt for quick and simple fast or convenience foods that are often higher in fats, sugar, and salt.
All of these causes can lead to dysbiosis, a microbial imbalance in which beneficial microorganisms are diminished.
Dysbiosis has been linked to a variety of diseases, so it’s always a good idea to think about gut health as part of any wellness regimen.
Probiotics may be able to help rebalance dysbiosis, but selecting the right strain is crucial.
Which probiotic strains are best for men?
As previously stated, no gender-specific microbial patterns or probiotic strains have been discovered.
The majority of clinical studies include both men and women, and high-quality trials randomize participants so that each group contains an equal number of men and women.
Individuals who identify as non-binary or transgender will be included in the research for general health issues.
Some health issues, such as vaginal or prostate cancer, may necessitate the use of a specific gender for the experiment, but some outcomes, such as vaginal health research, may be applicable to trans males.
Let’s have a look at various probiotics for gut health and typical men’s health issues:
Men’s digestion
Because men’s energy demands are generally higher, it’s critical for them to digest and absorb nutrients effectively.
Probiotics can help to maintain a healthy gut environment by providing digestive enzymes that help break down the foods we eat.
One of the most common health concerns is IBS which impacts a lot of men in the UK. It is believed that about 11% of men have IBS within the UK.
Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM®, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, and Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 are some of the best probiotic strains for gut health.
In clinical trials, L. acidophilus NCFM® was found to significantly relieve stomach pain and bloating in hundreds of people.*
Men’s heart health
According to the British Heart Foundation, 7.4 million people in the UK have heart or circulatory diseases, with 3.9 million of these being men.
Smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, stress, elevated cholesterol, and high blood pressure are all risk factors for heart disease.
There isn’t a lot of study on the use of probiotics for heart health right now, although some probiotics may be able to help with some of the risk factors for heart disease.
Super strain Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52, for example, has been found to reduce psychological discomfort and emotional hostility, which may lead to high-stress levels and hence increase the risk of heart disease.
Other bacteria strains (such as Lactobacillus Plantarum CECT 7527, Lactobacillus Plantarum CECT 7528, and Lactobacillus Plantarum CECT 7529) have been demonstrated to lower cholesterol levels in a gold standard experiment, which could be a contributing factor. These probiotic strains are also compatible with statin medications.*
Inflammation is detected often in people with heart disease, usually at the site of damage. Many probiotic strains are known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Probiotics from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genus were found to have anti-inflammatory effects in a 2006 clinical assessment study via stimulating immune system cells in the gut.
Certain probiotics appear to be able to restore immunological balance by lowering pro-inflammatory responses and increasing anti-inflammatory responses.
Men’s mental health
Approximately one out of every eight men has a mental health problem. Managing your mood and well-being is vital to stay healthy these days.
This could be due to a variety of factors, such as increased societal demands or an unwillingness to seek help, but there is also a clear link to the gut.
This could be due to a variety of factors, such as increased societal demands or an unwillingness to seek help, but there is also a clear link to the gut.
This is known as the gut-brain axis.
Scientists don’t fully understand this link, but we do know that the intestines manufacture 90% of serotonin (the happy hormone), and gut bacteria play a role in its processing.
Microbes in the gut, including species like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which are often used in probiotic supplements, produce GABA, a neurotransmitter associated with good mood and sleep.
The L. acidophilus Rosell-52 and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175 strains, as previously mentioned, have been proved to benefit our mental health. The effects of these strains on symptoms of low mood, anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), and sleep disturbance were evaluated in a 2019 pilot trial, with considerable beneficial results. *
Another gold standard clinical trial, in which the strains were proven to enhance depression ratings in those with significant depressive disorders, backed up these findings.
Another gold standard clinical trial, in which the strains were proven to enhance depression ratings in those with significant depressive disorders, backed up these findings.
Probiotics for prostate health.
Prostate issues affect nearly 30 million men worldwide, according to ‘The Men’s Health Resource Center’.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, and prostatitis are among them. There has been very little research done explicitly on the impact of probiotics on prostate health.
Probiotic products specifically marketed for prostate health tend to include other vitamins, minerals, or botanicals (such as cranberry) which are more commonly used for urogenital health..
However, there has been a modest amount of probiotic research that has generated promising effects so far. In one clinical research, investigators looked at the microbial communities in the sperm of 46 healthy men and another 21 individuals with chronic prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate).
The healthy samples had larger amounts of the friendly bacteria Lactobacilli, but the samples from patients with prostatitis had higher levels of the inflammatory bacteria Proteobacteria. The significance of this finding is unclear, and more research is needed to determine whether probiotic supplementation can effectively affect the seminal microbiota.
The seminal microbiota may make a significant impact on male reproductive health. It has been successfully proven in studies that the microbial makeup of infertile men’s sperm differs from that of fertile males.
Supplementing with Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT 8361 and Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 for 6 weeks improved sperm quality metrics and sperm motility, according to a clinical trial.
In the long run, this could pave the way for the therapeutic use of probiotics in the treatment of male infertility or subfertility.
Probiotics for respiratory health
Whether or not you believe in ‘man flu,’ it is undeniable that many men suffer from respiratory problems and require immunological support.
Smoking, a poor diet, a high level of activity, and stress are just a few of the things that might harm our immune systems.
Probiotics have been found to have a positive impact on immunological function and infection resistance, according to a growing body of research.
In a Japanese study, smokers who took Lactobacillus casei Shirota® saw an increase in NK cell activity. NK cells are white blood cells that are vital in fighting viral infections. Smokers have a reduced number of these cells.*
*Daily intake of Lactobacillus casei Shirota increases natural killer cell activity in smokers.
465 healthy adults were given the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04 for 5 months in another gold standard trial. The probiotic decreased the occurrence of upper respiratory tract infections by 27%.
A separate probiotic containing L. acidophilus NCFM® and B. lactis Bi-07 was given to a different set of subjects in this investigation. In this group, the rate of infection was also lower.
A milk preparation containing the probiotic strain Lactobacillus paracasei CASEI 431® reduced the duration of flu-like symptoms by 3 days after taking the influenza vaccine in large-scale research involving 1104 healthy participants.*
Probiotics for men over 50
Probiotics for men over 50 is a new and exciting discovery in the world of health. It has been shown to help with prostate conditions, immune system problems, and more.
There are no age-related probiotics after we reach adulthood, though we do know that a certain group of friendly bacteria, Bifidobacteria, can decline as we age. These are especially beneficial to digestion and immunity.
Bifidobacteria are prevalent in the intestines of healthy babies and children, and their decline may explain why older individuals have more colds and flu, have digestive problems, and have irregular periods.
Slow stool transit is also frequent in Parkinson’s disease, which affects mostly elderly adults and is 1.5 times more common in males than in women.
Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12®, a premium probiotic strain, has been shown to improve bowel movements and immunological function in people of all ages, including the elderly.*
*Effect of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12®, on defecation frequency in healthy subjects with low defecation frequency and abdominal discomfort: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial
Probiotics for weight loss
Men are more prone to obesity and metabolic disorders than women. Probiotics and weight reduction research is still in its early stages, with mixed results; nevertheless, probiotics are becoming increasingly closely linked to metabolic health, and there are promising outcomes with probiotics in people with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
There is some preliminary evidence that Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 can help people with metabolic syndrome lower their BMI, cholesterol, and inflammatory markers.*
In a pilot investigation, L. acidophilus NCFM® was demonstrated to maintain insulin sensitivity in people with normal and reduced insulin sensitivity. Both of these findings are encouraging, however, it should be highlighted that these were small studies, and further research is needed to validate their efficacy.
Men’s probiotic supplements are a good option for those with gut problems. They can also help to maintain healthy male hormones and immunity levels, as well as promote weight loss.
Men’s probiotic supplements
Probiotic supplements come in a variety of forms, from liquids to powders, but most adults choose capsules since they are easier to incorporate into their morning breakfast routine.
Before drinking their morning protein shake, some gym attendees like to open their capsules or add a powder sachet.
Don’t forget about your nutrition; friendly bacteria can even be found in food! Fermented foods like Kefir, Kimchi, and Sauerkraut are some of the finest probiotic foods for men (and women!).
All of these are beneficial bacteria sources that can help with gut health.
Steps to improve men’s health
- Because there is minimal evidence that men’s and women’s gut microbiomes differ, look for strains that have been examined for the health issue you’re wanting to assist, as well as general gut support.
- Don’t forget to evaluate your nutrition and lifestyle as well; males can help their gut health by:
- Increasing physical activity—running, football, badminton, or even boot camp if you’re feeling really energetic!
- Reduce your alcohol consumption—a few beers here and there is OK, but it’s all about moderation!
- Sleep! Strive to establish normal sleep cycles, as interrupted sleep cycles might have a negative impact on our microbiome.
- Increase your fibre intake while lowering your sugar and salt intake. Sugar encourages dysbiosis by feeding harmful bacteria in the gut.
In conclusion
The next time you’re looking for a probiotic, consider taking one that is specifically formulated to help balance the bacterial environment in your gut.
If you’re a man with an interest in improving your health, then probiotics may be the answer. With all of the benefits that they provide, it’s hard to deny their importance in one’s diet.
Probiotic supplementation is worth considering for men who want to improve their gut microbiome and overall well-being.
FAQs – Probiotics for Men
How many probiotics should a man take?
Adults, on the other hand, are commonly given doses of five to ten billion colony-forming units per day. Probiotics should only be taken once a day. Some people may suffer loose stools for a few days after starting to take probiotics, but this will pass. Probiotics taken at the conclusion of a meal may help alleviate symptoms.
Should men take probiotics every day?
Regularly taking probiotic pills can provide a lot of advantages to males. Probiotics can assist support men’s prostate health, enhance testosterone levels, and increase sperm counts, in addition to the usual benefits that people receive regardless of sex.
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