We often take supplements to help improve or maintain our good health. Out of the many products available, probiotics are probably the most popular.
However, probiotics are rarely understood well, and oftentimes, the negative connotation of probiotics being “bacteria” may make others hesitant to consume them.
But what do probiotics do for men?
Probiotics can offer several health benefits for men, including supporting mental well-being, maintaining healthy testosterone levels, assisting in weight management, and potentially reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
In this article, we will discuss what probiotics are as well as the benefits of probiotics for men.
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What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are defined by the World Health Organization as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.”
This means that probiotics need to be alive, in the form of bacteria or yeast, and are beneficial to the body. These are oftentimes called “good” or “healthy” bacteria for just this reason.
There are several possible sources of probiotics. These can come in the form of food and drinks, such as yoghurt, pickles, miso, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
You can also acquire probiotics through probiotic supplements that contain different strains of probiotics. This is because different types of probiotics will have different effects on the body.
The most common types of probiotics are lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. There is also a special type of yeast known as Saccharomyces boulardii that is commonly included in supplements as well.
Each serving of probiotics often has multiple strains of bacteria, often numbering in the billions.
Probiotics vs Prebiotics
There may be some confusion as to the definition of prebiotics and probiotics. Some may even use them interchangeably. This is wrong, however.
The Mayo Clinic provides a good and clear distinction between the two.
Probiotics help improve and maintain the number of beneficial flora within the body. These are live organisms that provide you with beneficial effects and are typically found in the guy.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, are foods designed to keep these florae in good health and functioning properly. Prebiotics are typically fibre-rich foods such as grains and certain vegetables.
Bananas, onions, soybeans, garlic, and artichokes are also good sources of prebiotics.
A good combination of both prebiotics and probiotics in your diet, as well as a consistent physical exercise regimen, is required to ensure good gut health and overall physical well-being.
Should Men Take Probiotics?
Men should take probiotics because they have many positive impacts on their health. While probiotics can benefit both males and females, the effects on the male anatomy cannot be overlooked.
The section below will discuss the benefits of probiotics for men in further detail.
While there are no dietary recommendations yet for probiotics intake, some recommend taking around 1 to 20 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of probiotics as part of their daily diet.
This can come from both natural food sources as well as supplements.
What Do Probiotics Do for Men?
Probiotics can benefit men in several areas, not just physically but mentally as well. For this reason, many experts recommend a daily dose of probiotics, even for children as young as one year old.
Here are some benefits of probiotics for men that might convince you to upgrade your diet and nutrition with some good bacteria.
Promote Good Gut Health
The main benefit of probiotics to men is that they improve the functions of the digestive tract. Probiotics provide a good balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, maintaining proper digestive functions.
This means that common digestive issues such as diarrhoea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, and acid reflux disease can be eased by a regular dose of probiotics.
Probiotics can also help in promoting good and healthy bowel movement by ensuring that the gut functions properly.
Boost the Immune System
A good balance within the gut can help ease off the pressure from the immune system that is constantly fighting off bad bacteria. This means that you will be less likely to get sick and be infected by viruses and other harmful bacteria.
There have also been studies that show that probiotics can replenish good bacteria that are usually killed off as an after-effect of taking certain antibiotics, making them part of a good recovery plan after a sickness or infection.
Some studies have also been made on using probiotics as a means of treatment for skin diseases like eczema. It has also shown promise to help ease allergic reactions, as these conditions are often linked with a weak or compromised immune system.
Probiotics can also reduce inflammation of the body, which is a big risk factor for a lot of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and strokes.
Improve Nutrient Absorption
Probiotics optimize the functions of the digestive tract, which means that they also help in improving one of the main tasks of the intestines, which is absorbing nutrients from the foods that we consume.
A healthy gut translates to a more efficient energy conversion system within the body, ensuring that nutrients taken in are not gone to waste.
It also helps in preventing malnutrition as a result of bad bacteria impeding the absorption of vital nutrients that the body needs to function properly.
Helps in Weight Loss
Good gut health, a big benefit of taking probiotics, can also result in weight loss. Due to nutrients being more properly absorbed by the body, you can take advantage of the benefits of the foods that you eat, especially fibre.
Good digestive function also means that you will have an increased metabolism as you can now digest foods more easily.
There have also been studies that show that probiotics help the body prevent storing extra calories as fat by producing hormones and special proteins that help the body properly regulate metabolism as well as the fat-storage process.
Improve Prostate Health
Probiotics help promote good prostate health as it reduces prostate inflammation. It has been shown to both minimize the risk as well as the effects of prostate cancer as well.
Not only that, but probiotics have also shown promising results when it comes to reproductive health. A healthy gut correlates to increased production of testosterone as well as the production of more sperm.
It also helps keep the urinary tract healthy and prevent the prevalence of urinary tract infections or UTIs.
Help in Muscle Building
Increased absorption of nutrients means that your body can potentially get more exposed to protein. This protein is essential for both muscle building and recovery.
With the additional testosterone boost, those who take probiotics on a regular basis can expect an improved ability to lift weights. Increased strength and better muscle development are two key benefits of taking in good bacteria in your gut.
Improve Mental Health
An improved gut biome cause can cause stress levels to drop. This is because probiotics can assist in lowering cortisol levels, a hormone commonly linked to increased levels of stress.
High cortisol levels have been linked to more incidences of depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. Taking probiotics regularly can help prevent these conditions from occurring or worsening.
Side Effects of Probiotics
While it is generally accepted that probiotics are good for you, there are some possible side effects to taking good bacteria into your system.
Ironically, one of the most common side effects of probiotics is gastric discomfort. You may also experience diarrhoea, gas, or bloating, among other conditions.
These side effects may be caused by the sudden change of the microflora in your gut. Usually, these side effects will only last for a few days, or at least until your body gets used to the changes in your body.
It may also be possible to have mild to severe allergic reactions, especially those with certain disorders linked to the immune system. Those who have gone through surgery can also have complications from taking probiotics.
As such, it is always recommended to ask your doctor before taking any type of probiotics, especially in supplement form.
While probiotics are generally safe to consume, it is always better to be safe and seek the advice of a medical professional.
