The Top Probiotics for Men — Organized by Health Issues

Our gut is often referred to as our second brain, which is why it is essential to keep it healthy. When the gut isn’t healthy, various aspects of health may suffer.

Common areas affected by gut dysfunction in men include mental health, heart health, digestive health, and sexual health. Fortunately, specific probiotic strains may support your body’s ability to address these issues.

To get it out of the way, here's our product recommendation: Pure Probiotic G.I. Keep reading to learn how probiotics can help you.

The Gut-Brain Connection

There is much to be said about how an unhealthy gut may negatively impact brain function. Within the gut exists an entire ecosystem comprised of various microbes and also a neural network — the enteric nervous system — which controls digestive tract and communicates in a bi-directional way with the brain.

The enteric nervous system contains more neurons than your spinal cord.

Bacteria that live in your gut influence the nervous system in multiple ways:

• They are able to produce neurotransmitters that act locally on the enteric nervous system
• They interact with the gut-brain axis via modulation of afferent sensory nerves
• They produce bacteria metabolites — including short chain fatty acids — that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, serotonin release, and influence memory and learning processes
  

Mounting evidence suggests gut microbiota plays a considerable role in shaping behavior and may be a factor in several psychiatric and neurological disorders. (Hoban et al., 2017)

Signs of gut dysbiosis

• Diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Constipation
• Sugar or carbohydrate cravings
• Fatigue
• Bad Breath
• Acne or eczema
  

Supplements may promote a more balanced gut. It’s recommended you look for supplements that contain the following species of probiotics — and at least 10 billion CFU's:

• Bacillus coagulans
• Lactobacillus gasseri
• Bifidobacterium bifidum
• Bifidobacterium longum
• Bifidobacterium breve
• Bifidobacterium infantis
• Lactobacillus helveticus
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Heart Health

Bacteria in the gut is potentially a risk factor for heart disease.

Poor gut microbiota can affect cholesterol levels, plaque in the arteries, and blood pressure. Poor gut health has also been linked to obesity and diabetes.

Each of these conditions is related to a specific system within the body and can place an individual at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

One of the most significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease is hypertension. It can lead to stroke, premature death, and disability.

A recent study found that gut bacteria can produce chemicals that alter blood pressure. A closer look revealed that the microbiomes seen in those with hypertension are different than the bacteria microbiomes in healthy individuals. A lack of diversity was an overriding theme. (Al Khodor et al., 2017)

Some specific probiotics species have been found to trap cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and prevent obesity and diabetes by helping individuals stay at a healthy weight or induce weight loss. (Ettinger et al., 2014)

These species include:

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Lactobacillus sakei
• Lactobacillus plantarum
• Lactobacillus reuteri
• Bifidobacterium breve
• Lactobacillus casei
• Lactobacillus bulgaricus
• Lactobacillus acidophilus

Digestive Health

Digestive health issues often seen in men include heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Symptoms can be debilitating and include:

• Gas
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Abdominal pain
  

A contributing factor toward poor digestive health is dysbiosis — meaning the gut doesn't have enough healthy bacteria to combat harmful bacteria.

Healthy bacteria produce anti-bacterial substances, which help to keep levels of bad bacteria and microorganisms down. However, a healthy microbiome can be negatively impacted by antibiotics, poor diet, and prolonged stress.

When there's a lack of good bacteria, an overgrowth of harmful bacteria can make it hard to digest food. Poor gut health may also cause inflammation, bacterial overgrowth, holes in the intestinal lining, and colon spasming — which may further increase the risk of digestive conditions.

Once one of these conditions develops, other conditions are likely to develop. For example, men can develop prostatitis, a bacterial infection that inflames the prostate. Prostatitis often arises alongside irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Taking a probiotic may support a strong immune system. Probiotics may also reduce inflammation.

Below are a few specific probiotic species associated with digestive health:

• Bacillus coagulans
• Lactobacillus gasseri
• Bifidobacterium bifidum
• Bifidobacterium longum
• Bifidobacterium lactis

Sexual Health

Probiotics may address inflammation contributing to erectile dysfunction (ED) and low libido; however these conditions typically stem from a number of contributing factors.

ED is often the result of restricted blood flow. This restricted blood flow may indicate a cardiovascular issue. Other potential causes of ED include:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome
• Stress
• Depression
• Anxiety
  

Probiotics from whole foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and fermented vegetables are excellent sources that may promote a balanced gut.

Gut microbiota strongly influences the regulation of the immune system and can help to keep inflammation under control.

Inflammation is a hallmark of cardiovascular disease. Probiotics can also help to curb the inflammatory response by repairing epithelial barriers. (Rao & Samak, 2013)

Low libido may be a result of gut dysbiosis and inflammation due to the influence on mood and general health. Healthy gut microbiota is responsible for regulating inflammation — inflammation reduces testosterone in men along with other factors including nutrition and hormonal production. (Tremellen et al., 2017)

A healthy gut may aid the body in producing a healthy amount of testosterone, which may increase libido.

Aside from fermented whole foods, there are several different species of probiotics that help may address symptoms of inflammation, and, as a result, could increase testosterone.

These species include:

• Lactobacillus reuteri
• Lactobacillus plantarum
• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Bifidobacterium lactis
• Bifidobacterium breve
  

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