Probiotics are live bacteria or yeast that are found in your gut. They are the good kind of bacteria, not the kind you need antibiotics for. Their purpose is to balance the bacteria in your gut, which includes your throat, stomach and large intestine. They also help harmful bad bacteria, preventing illnesses and other gastrointestinal discomforts.

Benefits of Probiotics in Men

Over the years, probiotics and intestinal health has been focused on in women. The majority of the marketing campaigns for products have been targeted at women. You'd be hard-pressed to find an advert selling a good probiotic for men. While this may have benefitted the producers of these products, they have forgotten that everyone needs a healthy gut. For men, the benefits go beyond good digestion or avoiding IBS. Other gender-specific benefits come with probiotic use.

Cognitive Health

According to a National Library of Medicine study, the gut microbiome is linked to cognitive diseases like Alzheimer's. Using probiotics can help lower stress and anxiety levels, which can improve general mental health in the long term. Probiotic use has also been attributed to lifting one’s mood.

Maintain Testosterone Levels

Adding probiotics to your diet can increase testosterone levels and balance out other hormones, like your androgen hormone. This hormonal balance is particularly important in men over 40 years and those still wanting to have children. Hormonal imbalance can affect fertility and sexual function. 

Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular health is a major health concern in men over the age of 50 years, a cardiac health issue can present as a mini-stroke or even a heart attack . Even though there are other contributing factors to heart problems, there’s also a connection between bacteria and good heart health.

Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans) is a bacteria commonly found in the heart valves of people with heart problems. This unwanted bacteria is usually found in the digestive tract and only gets to the bloodstream when reproducing excessively. Probiotics in your system can fight this bacteria, prevent it from entering the bloodstream, and reaching heart valves. 

Bone Health

Using probiotics increases calcium absorption in the body, and we know calcium is crucial in maintaining good bone density. Since some probiotics can regulate serotonin in the gut, this helps control the rate you lose bone density as you age.

Prostate Health

Healthy gut bacteria have anti-inflammatory properties and these are the same bacteria that could help prevent prostate cancer or improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment.

We looked at the benefits of probiotics for men, but there’s the other side of the coin when there is an excess of probiotics in the digestive system. Some people also react to the products used in the probiotics supplements with common symptoms which include bloating, gas and constipation - which are usually temporary.

You can incorporate good probiotics into your diet with simple foods, like yogurt, especially those that contain live bacteria. If you dislike eating yogurt you can add it to your smoothies and shakes. Pickles are also great to add to meals because they have live cultures from the fermentation process - but use them sparingly as they are high in sodium. Semi-hard cheeses like mozzarella and gouda are also good sources. 

Best Probiotics for Men

Men and women have different requirements for probiotic health, so there are specific probiotics for men. Many options are available there, but these are among the best for men's probiotic health.

Hyperbiotics Pro-Men

  • No allergens
  • Vegan
  • Can be expensive

Bauer Nutrition Biotics 8

  • Includes organic prebiotics
  • Provides relief from gastrointestinal issues
  • Can be pricey

Bio-Kult

  • Easy to ingest, has small capsules 
  • Suitable for all ages
  • People with milk allergies cannot use it

Jarro-Dophilus Gut Calm

  • Ideal for vegans
  • Cost-effective
  • Longer-lasting side effects

Ritual Synbiotic +

  • Vegan 
  • No refrigeration needed
  • Lower CFU count

Transparent Labs Gut Health Probiotic

  • Gluten-free
  • High CFU count
  • Pricey

Wolverine Probiotic

  • Added immune booster formula
  • Affordable
  • Lower CFU count

RenewLife Ultimate Flora Men's Care Probiotic

  • Diverse strain
  • One capsule daily
  • Needs refrigeration

Metagenics UltraFlora Spectrum

  • Strain Diversity
  • Supports Immune
  • Has filler ingredients 

Pure Encapsulations ProbioMood

  • Enhances mood
  • No refrigeration needed 
  • Not suitable for those allergic to dairy

When choosing a probiotic, look beyond the marketing. Go for one with a high CFU (colony forming units) per dose. Go for the dairy-free kind; they will be easier to digest without the added lactose. Check for multiple bacterial strains, which should be written on the label of the ingredients. Lastly, make sure you check the manufacturing date. Most probiotics are good for two years after manufacture. Most importantly, consult a medical professional.

In Conclusion

It is true that  'we are what we eat' and that our bodies need good nourishment to function optimally. A healthy diet is not just about weight management, but also our overall well-being. The gut strengthens many of the body's functions, and the moment it’s imbalanced, it affects the rest of your body. Using probiotics cannot be applied as the only solution for our health issues. Things like exercise, hydration, and a good diet are also important.