Probiotics, also called as the beneficial or good bacteria, are the microorganisms that are present in the gut. Good bacteria are mainly found in the intestines and are part of the intestinal flora. Men can get their daily dose of probiotics from fermented foods that include yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, etc., but it would greatly benefit them if they also take a high-quality probiotic supplement.
Selected foods may feed the beneficial bacteria but might not add on to the volume of active bacteria or provide the varieties that your body and mind need to function optimally. Hence, supplements and probiotics for men ensure that they get large amounts of many different beneficial bacteria.
Why Should Men Take Probiotics Regularly
Let us look at some benefits of probiotics for men.
- Strengthens Immune System
- Fights Diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease
- Alleviates Diverticular Disease
- Reduces Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Tackles Ulcer Problems
- Reduces Antibiotic-Associated and Chemotherapy Related Diarrhea
- Promotes Weight Loss
- Reduces Anxiety and Depression
- Lower Risks of Cardiovascular Diseases
With each passing day, proof and evidence suggesting that probiotics play a role in significant role in strengthening one’s immune system is growing. Several probiotic strains help in boosting immune functions. This further helps in reducing the occurrence of common cold and flu. With the use of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, adults and kids with acute respiratory tract infections saw a decrease in sickness. L. plantarum and L. paracasei reduced the risk of acquiring common cold infections and significantly reduced symptoms. In short, probiotics help in building a stronger immune system.
Studies have suggested that if there any changes in the microflora present in the gut, it can play a small role in the development of diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Alterations in the intestinal environment and gut bacteria catalyzed with some dietary habits may cause toxins to leak out of the intestinal tract. This has an impact on key factors responsible for diabetes such as inflammation, insulin resistance and body weight. Probiotic food helps in maintaining healthy bacterial balance in the gut. Additionally, probiotic supplements are effective in preventing diet-induced insulin resistance in adults. They play a critical role in the development and management of diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, which is also known as Type 3 diabetes.
Men suffering from uncomplicated diverticular diseases such as diverticulosis or diverticulitis can benefit from probiotics. A detailed, one-year study was conducted with a standard treatment medication (mesalazine), a probiotic (L. casei subsp. DG), and placebo in a double-blind, placebo-controlled amongst 210 individuals. L. casei was found to be as effective as mesalazine. The combination of the two worked the best.
Probiotics help in reducing irritable bowel syndrome and similar symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, constipation, gas, and abdominal pain. A recent study with a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial established that a multi-strain probiotic supplement resulted in significant improvement in symptoms over a 12-week period. Some probiotics even help in preventing a relapse of Crohn’s disease and support remission of ulcerative colitis, which are two primary types of inflammatory bowel disease. Two studies have shown that showed that when patients took L. rhamnosus GG versus placebo, recurrences in inactive Crohn’s disease were prevented.
Gastrointestinal ulcers are mainly caused by the bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori, which probiotics can tackle with ease. They effectively reduce H. pylori infection and ulcers. When used with therapies that include bismuth, levofloxacin and various quinolones, probiotics can further reduce side effects and improve compliance.
You can develop a risk of diarrhea after taking antibiotics for infections such as pneumonia or bacterial prostatitis or after undergoing chemotherapy. According to a research, probiotic supplements can help in treating this condition with great success.
Certain probiotic strains help in cutting down excess fat. A study conducted in more than 200 individuals showed that regular use of Lactobacillus gasseri helped in cutting down 8.5 percent of belly fat mass in a three-month period. When they stopped taking the probiotic supplements, the fat returned within four weeks. Other research shows that L. rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis are beneficial for obesity prevention and weight loss, enabling you to get a lean, healthy body.
Popping in antidepressants and drugs to treat anxiety and depression is not a healthy option. If you suffer from either of them, turn to probiotics instead. Two probiotic strains, L. helveticus and B. longum, are quite effective in reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression in those diagnosed with clinical depression.
Recent studies have indicated that probiotics have the ability to reduce cholesterol, which further alleviate the risk of cardiovascular disease. If you are planning to lower your cholesterol levels, probiotics could be a good inclusion in your diet.
As you can see, probiotics offer more benefits than just good digestion. So take them regularly and enjoy excellent health.
