7 Doctor-Reviewed Benefits of Probiotics for Men

Most marketing of probiotics is geared towards women but men need probiotics as well.  Probiotics are helpful microbes mostly found in our gut but also on our skin and in our mouths. These organisms interact with our body and compete against bad microbes that can cause problems. We will go over 8 reasons why men should take probiotics such as weight loss, better mood, better digestion, less allergies, and more.

1. Less Inflammation

Part of the reason probiotics for men are so critical is their effect on the gut-brain-skin axis or the main point where the gut and brain communicate. Bad bacteria in the gut can cause irritation and inflammation. It is thought that inflammation and irritation of the gut causes inflammatory markers released by the cells lining the gut to make their way into the blood and then to brain.

This inflammation is made worse with certain foods such as fried foods and red meat. Researchers have noticed that these inflammatory markers are associated with mood disorders such as rumination and depression.

The stresses of modern life are not particularly kind to the gut-brain axis. One of the best ways to reinforce or establish a good gut-brain axis is by consuming a healthy diet, rich in fiber and prebiotic foods that support the growth of probiotics.

A well-functioning gut-brain axis not only strengthens digestion, but also cognitive function and feelings of well-being. Click here for our in-depth article on how probiotics support mental health.

2. Better Digestion and Regularity

Probiotics are best known for supporting digestive health and that’s probably the primary reason most people begin taking them. As we get older, the makeup of gut bacteria actually changes. Probiotics have been found to address can reduce diarrhea, constipation, IBS, and actually improve the treatment of H. pylori ulcers.

While taking probiotics is important for maintaining digestive health, their use is also critical when you’re treated for an illness requiring antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics work by destroying bad bacteria in the system, but they also eliminate a lot of good bacteria in the process. That’s why many men and women suffer from diarrhea while undergoing antibiotic therapy. Probiotic supplements can help prevent and reduce antibiotic-related diarrhea.  Click here for our article on the proven benefits of probiotics.

3. Better Immune System

There’s no cure for the common cold, but probiotics can make those annoying symptoms more manageable. A 2014 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that healthy adults and children taking either Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium probiotics were less likely to suffer serious upper respiratory tract conditions during a cold compared to the group taking a placebo.² The group taking probiotics recovered from their colds a day earlier compared to the placebo group and took less time off from work or school.

4. Better Mood

A 2011 French study published in the Journal of Gut Microbes found that the use of L. helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum resulted in less depression and anxiety in human volunteers.⁸ After this combination of probiotics was taken in combination for one month by the volunteers, researchers found a decrease in somatization (the physical symptoms relating to a psychological condition), depression, and anger/hostility.

Another strain of probiotic, L. fermentum, also shows promise in regulating mood and cognitive function. These “psychobiotics” can help men dealing with chronic stress and other factors contributing to anxiety and depression. It’s been established that inflammation plays a huge role in mood disorders, and these probiotics can help elevate mood and support a healthy inflammation response.

5. Skin Health
   

Acne is caused by diet. Foods that cause inflammation and rapid rises in blood sugar are associated with the development of acne. Furthermore, acne lesions themselves are inflamed pores that contain trapped sebum and skin cells.

Inflammation in the gut can cause the release of inflammatory messengers that worsen acne. Taking probiotics can reduce acne and inflammation, not only in the gut but throughout the body as well.¹

6. Reducing Allergies

Much of the studies have focused on the effects of taking probiotics early on in life for allergies with clear evidence for the ability of probiotics to reduce the development of allergies later on in life.^{3, 5}

Two studies in adults found that adding probiotics to your daily regimen can improve allergic rhinitis or allergies that cause a runny nose. Taking probiotics can reduce or stop many allergic symptoms, including those of allergic rhinitis. One study in Japanese adults found that Lactobacillus probiotic reduced the need for allergy medications.⁶ Another study on adults and children found that Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics reduced the allergic response to dust mites^.4

7. Weight Loss

Certain strains of probiotics, combined with diet and exercise, can help eradicate excess fat. A Japanese study published in the November 2013 edition of the British Journal of Nutrition observed subjects as they took a fermented milk supplement containing the probiotic L. gasseri over three months. The study found an average loss of 8.5 percent belly fat mass in the participants. Once the individuals in the study stopped using the supplement, they regained the weight within one month.⁷ L. gasseri also plays a role in metabolism regulation.

What Men Should Look for in a Probiotic

Choose probiotics containing the strains found to boost or alleviate conditions for which you are seeking help. Studies have found that multi-probiotic supplements are better than single-probiotic supplements. You also want a probiotic containing high colony forming units (CFUs), which is the number of bacteria in the sample. At minimum, look for a probiotic containing 10 billion CFUs. Make sure the probiotic features a delayed-release system like Nexabiotic Advanced probiotics to maximize efficacy.

Once you begin taking probiotic supplements, you should notice benefits within a week. If you notice any probiotic side effects here’s how to minimize them.

Probiotics for Men

 

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038963/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4054664/
3. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2008.02942.x
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15653517
5. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02472.x
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21395878
7. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effect-of-lactobacillus-gasseri-sbt2055-in-fermented-milk-on-abdominal-adiposity-in-adults-in-a-randomised-controlled-trial/304E3E2EE11E0D3D4F5D85E7046118A1
8. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.4161/gmic.2.4.16108