The Best Probiotics for Men in 2023 According to a Gut Health Expert

The best all around probiotic supplement for men is OMNI-BiOTiC AB-10. It contains ten strains of probiotic bacteria that work together to balance the gut. The most popular things to look for are probiotics that focus on supporting prostate health, raising testosterone levels, and increasing sperm count.

If you're in a hurry, pick one from our top 3 recommendations below.

If you want to do a bit of research beforehand, you might want to skip straight to the sections about choosing the best probiotic for men and the top benefits of probiotics for men.

Our Top 3 Best Probiotics for Men

Probiotic	Use Case
OMNI-BiOTiC AB-10	Best Daily Probiotic for Men
OMNI-BiOTiC Stress Release	Best Probiotic for Stress Management
OMNI-BiOTiC Hetox	Best Probiotic for Detoxification

1. OMNi-BiOTiC AB 10

This thoughtfully formulated probiotic supplement for men contains ten strains of probiotic bacteria that work together to balance the gut. Studies show that Omni-Biotic AB 10 reduces digestive issues like diarrhea, particularly when your system’s been thrown off balance by antibiotics or infection, for example.

The ten strains chosen for Omni-Biotic AB 10 work synergistically. A lot of men think the more bacterial strains, the better—but it’s not that simple.

While you want to look for probiotics with more than one strain to promote healthy gut diversity, combining the wrong ones could make the supplement less effective.

Some bacterial strains work better in teams, while others compete for resources and should not be included in the same supplement.

A well-thought-out formula is only as good as its delivery system. Probiotics have no benefit if they’re unable to reach the intestines—that's where they actually get to work.

Stomach acid and bile can, and often do, kill off the beneficial bacteria before they have a chance to colonize in the gut.

Omni-Biotic’s supplements come in single-serve powder sachets. The freeze-dried bacteria strains remain potent and free from air exposure until they’re ready to use. This intentional delivery system allows 83% of the probiotic content to reach the intestine alive and active, compared to 7% among ten other leading U.S. capsule brands.

• Type: Highly effective powder formulation with prebiotic nutrients
• Storage: Shelf-stable
• Dose/day: 1-2 sachets per day
• Dietary Considerations: Hypoallergenic, vegan, non-GMO
• Clinical Studies Using the Final Formulation: Yes

2. OMNi-BiOTiC Stress Release

The gut-brain connection—like that feeling of “butterflies in your stomach” when you’re nervous or excited—is a real thing caused by the “gut-brain axis.” When disrupted by short or long-term stress, it can cause havoc on both your digestion and your emotional well-being.

To cope with stress, your body is programmed to prioritize what it thinks will help you survive a perceived threat. It releases hormones that slow digestion, alter metabolism, and create inflammation. Ultimately, this affects your gut microbiome.

But here’s the thing: we know about 95% of the “feel-good hormone” serotonin resides in the gut. When stress throws off the balance of gut bacteria, it also impacts your balance of hormones and neurotransmitters. As a result, your mood, memory, and sleep could suffer, leading to more perceived stress.

Research shows that specific strains of good bacteria can help maintain a healthy feedback loop in the gut-brain axis to stop this cycle. Omni-Biotic Stress Release is an award-winning psychobiotic containing multiple strains like L. planetarium, L. lactis, and B. lactis, which studies suggest can help modulate brain activity.

One thing you don’t have to stress about? Keeping this or any other Omni-Biotic product refrigerated. They’re shelf-stable and come in single-serve sachets so you can seamlessly incorporate them into your daily routine.

• Type: Powder formulation with prebiotic nutrients
• Storage: Shelf-stable
• Dose/day: 1-2 sachets per day
• Dietary Considerations: Hypoallergenic, vegan, non-GMO
• Clinical Studies Using the Final Formulation: Yes

3. OMNi-BiOTiC Hetox

A discussion on men’s health and well-being almost always involves a mention of detoxification. We know the liver is a key detox organ, but rarely is the correlation made between liver function, detoxification, and the gut microbiome. The gut and the liver are, in fact, directly connected by the portal vein.

A healthy gut lining allows beneficial molecules like nutrients from foods and drinks to pass into the bloodstream. At the same time, potential toxins are metabolized appropriately or excreted. Sometimes, however, the intestinal lining becomes too permeable, letting toxins into the bloodstream and eventually onward to the liver. This is called “leaky gut.”

An overtaxed liver can impact metabolism and cardiovascular health. When the detox system falls behind, circulating levels of insulin, cholesterol, glucose, and inflammatory cells aren’t as tightly regulated.

Omni-Biotic Hetox is a unique probiotic explicitly created to support healthy liver function and detoxification. The bacteria strains in this formula work synergistically to help maintain tight junctions in the intestinal lining (reducing the occurrence or severity of “leaky gut”) while also promoting the production of beneficial byproducts. The goal is to reduce the toxic load on the liver by strengthening the gut barrier and gut-liver axis.

This targeted supplement comes in powder form. Like all Omni-Biotic products, the final product was tested in clinical studies to ensure its efficacy. It was also manufactured so that a clinically-relevant number of bacteria actually reach the intestine.

• Type: Highly effective powder formulation with prebiotic nutrients
• Storage: Shelf-stable
• Dose/day: 1 sachet per day
• Dietary Considerations: Hypoallergenic, vegan, non-GMO
• Clinical Studies Using the Final Formulation: Yes

4. HUM Gut Instinct

Like Omni-Biotic products, this brand discloses the exact sub-strain used in its probiotic formula. HUM Gut Instinct contains ten strains of bacteria that are generally considered to support digestive health and immune function.

The company appears to be transparent about the science it’s collected on its products but doesn’t seem to have research to share on this particular supplement yet.

• Type: Capsule
• Storage: Shelf-stable
• Dosage/day: 1 capsule per day
• Dietary considerations: Vegan. No: wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, or peanuts. However, it’s made in a facility that processes these ingredients.
• Clinical studies using final formulation: No

5. Ancient Nutrition SBO Probiotics for Men

This probiotic uses “soil-based” strains to support a healthy gut and immune function. Soil-derived bacteria strains like B. coagulans, B clausii, B. subtilis are probiotics that form hardy spores in the gut. These spores help them survive the harsh conditions of the digestive tract.

Many soil-based organisms (SBOs) are considered “transient” because they don’t colonize in the human intestine. They may stay for a while but will eventually leave your system, unlike bacteria that naturally populate a healthy gut.

There is currently some debate about the efficacy and safety of SBOs. Anecdotally, some people report remarkable improvements while others experience adverse effects—the science is still emerging.

We recommend checking with a healthcare provider who understands probiotics and your specific health concerns before trying soil-based probiotics like this one to avoid unwanted side effects. Also, note that this supplement contains additional ingredients, including fermented plants and mushrooms, zinc, and selenium.

• Type: Capsule
• Storage: Shelf-stable
• Dosage/day: 2 capsules once per day
• Dietary considerations: Keto, Paleo, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan
• Clinical studies using final formulation: No

6. Culturelle Daily Probiotic

Culturelle Daily Probiotic contains just one bacterial strain—Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. While L. rhamnosus GG is a well-studied and effective strain to include in a supplement for digestive wellness, we know the gut thrives with microbial diversity.

To optimize digestive health, you’re likely better off choosing a product that includes multiple probiotic strains proven to work together.

• Type: Capsule
• Storage: Shelf-stable
• Dosage/day: 1 capsule per day
• Dietary considerations: No dairy, wheat, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, and non-GMO
• Clinical studies using final formulation: It’s unclear if Culturelle studied the final product in clinical studies

7. Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Men

This product claims to be formulated for men’s “colon health” and immune support. However, its ingredients are nearly identical to the corresponding probiotic for women. It contains 15 strains of “raw” probiotics (bacteria derived from fermented foods) plus a prebiotic.

While choosing a product made from raw fermented foods may sound appealing, failing to isolate strains makes it hard to know if they actually work well together or will colonize in a human gut.

• Type: Capsule
• Storage: Shelf-stable
• Dosage/day: 1 capsule per day
• Dietary considerations: Dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, raw, vegetarian, and non-GMO
• Clinical studies using final formulation: No

8. Jarro-Dophilus Gut Calm

The label on this relatively simple supplement lists three sub-strains of bacteria plus the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. It’s delivered in a delayed-release capsule to help the bacteria survive stomach acid. Jarro Formulas earns a good reputation in consumer satisfaction by Consumer Labs.

If you’re considering this product, keep in mind that some people are sensitive to yeasts like S. boulardii and may end up with undesirable results.

• Type: Capsule
• Storage: Shelf-stable up to 77 degrees F
• Dosage/day: 1-2 capsules per day
• Dietary considerations: Vegan, gluten-free
• Clinical studies using final formulation: Unknown

9. Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Men

Another “raw” probiotic supplement by Garden of Life, this one contains 31 strains of bacteria derived from Bulgarian yogurt concentrate. This product, presumably because of its “full-spectrum” of probiotics, aims to support digestion, immunity, stress management, and cardiovascular health, particularly during times of heavy exertion.

Unfortunately, Garden of Life doesn’t test its final products, so there’s no evidence to back up these claims.

This supplement also contains additional minerals, enzymes, and raw food ingredients. So remember to check the label to make sure these extra ingredients align with your health goals.

• Type: Capsule
• Storage: Shelf-stable
• Dosage/day: 1 capsule 3 times per day
• Dietary considerations: Gluten-free, soy-free, raw, non-GMO, contains dairy
• Clinical studies using final formulation: No

10. Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic Complete

Ther-Biotic Complete offers 12 probiotic strains in a base of prebiotic inulin designed to survive the intestinal tract with proprietary technology. Rather than target a specific health concern, it aims to cover the basics: gut health, immune system modulation, and inflammation.

The label tells you how much of each strain is in each serving but doesn’t list the sub-strain. Unlike other probiotics on this list, Klaire Labs states this product is suitable for children but defers to a healthcare professional for dosing.

• Type: Capsule or powder
• Storage: Refrigeration required
• Dosage/day: capsule: 1 per day with food; powder: ¼ tsp per day with food
• Dietary considerations: Hypoallergenic, produced in Kosher-certified facility
• Clinical studies using final formulation: Unknown (Yes?)

11. Renew Life Ultimate Flora Men’s Care Probiotic

Each delayed-release capsule in this product contains 12 strains of probiotic bacteria for general digestive, colon, and immune support. While there’s no mention of the final formula being tested in its entire formulation, the company discloses the exact sub-strains used in the product and offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.

• Type: Capsule
• Storage: Shelf-stable up to 77 degrees, but refrigeration recommended
• Dosage/day: capsule: 1 per day
• Dietary considerations: Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, non-GMO
• Clinical studies using final formulation: Unknown, but has a money-back guarantee

12. Seed Daily Synbiotic

This ambitious supplement claims to provide “whole body” benefits with 24 broad-spectrum probiotic strains. Its unusual delivery mechanism consists of a capsule containing a prebiotic on the outside and probiotics on the inside. Also interesting is how the company groups the 24 specific substrains by the areas of the body they target.

Studies were conducted on the final formula, which presumably back up the company’s claims of quality and efficacy. However, the marketing could mislead customers into thinking this supplement offers features and benefits other products don’t, like FODMAP compatibility and California Prop. 65 compliancy.

• Type: Capsule
• Storage: Shelf-stable
• Dosage/day: capsule: 2 per day at the same time
• Dietary considerations: Free from gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, sesame, corn, glycophosphate/AMPA, and binders. Prop 65 compliant and not of animal or soil origin
• Clinical studies using final formulation: Yes

13. Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Men 50 & Wiser

Aging comes with a fresh set of health concerns including more frequent constipation, depression, loss of bone density, and memory loss. Probiotics can help with these concerns at any age. Like the Garden of Life products listed above, we’re not sure if this particular supplement lives up to its claims, but it includes digestive enzymes that may be especially useful for older men. This is because as we age, we naturally make fewer digestive enzymes which can impact nutrient absorption and the GI tract as a whole.

This probiotic contains other minerals as well as raw food ingredients so just remember to read the full label.

• Type: Capsule
• Storage: Shelf-stable
• Dosage/day: 3 capsules per day
• Dietary considerations: Gluten-free, soy-free, raw, non-GMO, contains dairy
• Clinical studies using final formulation: No

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How To Choose the Best Probiotics for Men

If you’re stumped on which probiotic to choose, rest assured you’re not the only one. Even healthcare professionals have a hard time keeping up. Ultimately, the best probiotic for you is the one that you feel works—for you. That said, here are some things to look for:

Bacteria Strains

When choosing a probiotic supplement, consider the strains of bacteria listed on the label. Remember that bacteria function differently on a substrain level, so ideally, you’re looking for a product that discloses the exact substrains used in the formula. (They appear as a combination of letters and numbers after the strain, i.e., Lactobacillus acidophilus W55 or Lactobacillus acidophilus W37).

Supplements should contain a combination of strains proven to work together to target your specific health goal. While the average consumer can’t be expected to know the function of every substrain, choosing a brand that clinically tests its final formulation—like Omni-Biotic—takes the guesswork out.

Also, certain bacteria strains, like some found in fermented food, don’t colonize the human microbiome. This is one reason a supplement may be more beneficial than food-derived probiotics.

Finally, read the label carefully to see if the probiotic strains are derived from the soil. Some people swear by soil-derived strains, like B. coagulans, B. clausii, B. subtilis, but those with compromised immune systems may want to avoid them or consult with a healthcare provider first.

CFU Count

You may wonder why none of the product descriptions above included the CFU count. That’s because the number of CFUs (Colony Forming Units) listed on the label usually doesn’t amount to the number of colonies that actually reach your gut.

Many of the probiotic supplements you’re likely to find on the market advertise anywhere from 1 billion to 100 billion CFUs when the product was manufactured. But then the product is shipped, stored by the retailer and customer, and makes its way through the body. By this time, much of the beneficial bacteria can die off from the effects of heat, humidity, and the acidic digestive system.

So what’s a savvy consumer to do? Focus on the brands offering supplements that are shelf-stable, protected from humidity, and manufactured in a stomach-acid and bile-resistant way.

This is what makes Omni-Biotic a good choice. It has developed a unique powder delivery mechanism that makes sure a vast majority of the CFUs reach your intestines alive, active, and able to target the health concerns for which they were formulated.

Clinical Studies

The world of dietary supplements is like the wild west. Consumers spent over $150 billion globally in this largely unregulated industry last year and are projected to spend about $275 billion a year by 2028.

Brands are free to make all kinds of claims on the efficacy and safety of their products. This doesn’t just put the general public at risk of throwing away their money. It’s also legitimately dangerous.

When shopping for high-quality probiotics, consider the research done on the final formulation. Note that many brands use bacteria strains that are well-tested in general but don’t test how all the ingredients work when combined.

A company that invests resources in clinical studies to ensure the quality and efficacy of its products will be proud to share that information with you. It shouldn’t be hard to find. You can easily find information on Omni-Biotic’s clinical studies on the website or reach out to customer service.

Storage

Probiotics are living microorganisms. Just like you wouldn’t buy a dead goldfish for your fish tank, we know you don’t want inactive bacteria in your probiotic. While it’s harder to tell if the organisms in your supplement are still viable, the way it’s stored can give you a good clue.

Be wary of supplements that require refrigeration. Even with the best intentions and attempt at quality control, there’s a risk that at some point in the supply chain, it was kept out of refrigeration too long at the expense of its potency.

Instead, look for shelf-stable products. They’re not only more convenient, but they can also withstand the conditions associated with transportation and storage. All of Omni-Biotic’s products are shelf-stable. They’re also packaged in individual servings to limit their exposure to air.

Delivery Mechanism

Probiotics come in different forms (delivery mechanisms), including powder, capsules, gummies, chewable tablets, and liquid. Each has its pros and cons, and most people opt for a capsule or powder. Ultimately, the form that gets as many live cultures into the intestines is what will be the best choice for you.

Capsules are convenient because they can be easily transported and quickly swallowed. However, some types of capsules protect the probiotics they contain from the acidic digestive environment better than others. Technology is emerging with “delayed-release” capsules designed to attempt to minimize this problem.

Powdered probiotics have benefits and drawbacks, too. One benefit of a powder is you can adjust the dose. If you’re starting out, for example, and want to build up to full serving size, powders make that easy. You can also add them to different liquids to suit your preferences.

The downside to powders? Their formulation can be just as vulnerable to heat, humidity, and acidity as capsules. This is especially true if the servings aren’t individually packaged.

Omni-Biotic products come in powders that are formulated—and clinically shown—to survive the acidity of the gastrointestinal tract. Omni-Biotic’s powder ensures an 83% probiotic survival rate compared to 7% in ten top U.S. capsule brands! The individual sachets also protect them from heat and humidity.

Benefits of Probiotics for Men

Generally speaking, men and women have slightly different needs. This also applies to probiotics. While there are many benefits that everyone can enjoy from taking a probiotic supplement, there are also more targeted benefits, depending on the formula, some of which are geared towards men and others towards women.

For example, probiotics can be a powerful way to support vaginal health as well as a healthy pregnancy. Men, on the other hand, might be looking for support with their metabolism, liver health, immune health and physical fitness.

Probiotics are the good bacteria that live in your small and large intestines. This world of bacteria in the gut is called the microbiome or microbiota. These microorganisms in our gut microbiome promote health from the inside out. They assist with many important functions in the body and that's just the beginning of the benefits of probiotics.

Unfortunately, many of us do not have enough of the good bacteria in our gut, which leads to a disruption in the healthy function of our bodies.

This happens because of external factors, such as stress, an unhealthy diet, alcohol consumption, and a common reliance on OTC medications (to name a few) damage our gut microbiome and kill off many of the good bacteria.

Early warning signs include digestive discomfort, including diarrhea, constipation, bloating and gas. This can lead to a weaker immune system, skin flare-ups, brain fog and regular headaches.

Over months and years, dysbiosis (imbalance) in the gut can contribute to more serious health issues, like Alzheimer’s and chronic liver disease.

It’s key to make sure that there are enough good bacteria in your digestive system and one way to do so is by taking a probiotic supplement. Let’s take a look at 14 benefits men will feel from taking a probiotic supplement.

Probiotics Replenish The Good Bacteria in Your Gut

By taking a probiotic supplement you are replenishing the good bacteria in your gut so that they can continue to help your body function at its highest level.

There are many different probiotic species and strains. The human gut contains 400-600 probiotic species and billions of probiotic bacteria altogether!

You can think of a species as a family and a strain as a family member.

The “families” vary more and are involved in different functions. The “family members” are similar in each probiotic species, however, they also perform slightly different functions in the body.

With that in mind, it will come as no surprise, that it is most effective to take a probiotic supplement that is designed to address your personal health goals.

Probiotics Can Help with Diarrhea

There are four common causes for diarrhea and probiotics can help in every case.

Foreign Pathogens

Diarrhea is a natural and highly effective way that the body gets rid of harmful substances, including pathogens (bad bacteria, viruses and fungi). The body responds by getting rid of these dangerous invaders as fast as possible. This happens when you have a stomach bug, food poisoning and traveler’s diarrhea.

Specific strains of probiotic bacteria can fight certain bad bacteria and viruses. Probiotics also positively influence the gut microbiome so that there is less room for pathogens to flourish.

Certain Medications (Antibiotics)

Certain medications, like antibiotics, severely compromise your gut microbiome. Probiotics restore and maintain a healthy gut microbiome when taking strong medications. Research shows that probiotics can significantly reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Inflammation in the Bowels

Some chronic diseases, like inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s, are often associated with diarrhea. In addition, certain foods cause inflammation in the gut, including dairy, gluten and processed sugar. Probiotics strengthen the gut barrier function, which is compromised when the gut gets inflamed.

Physical and Emotional Stress

Stress also causes inflammation in the gut, leading to diarrhea. In stressful times, your body produces hormones that speed up the movement of your large intestine and you experience this as diarrhea.

Specific probiotic bacteria assist in the production of hormones and neurotransmitters, which are used by the gut and brain to communicate with each other. In simple terms, this means that probiotics ensure that the gut and brain communicate in a healthy way.

Reduce Digestive Disorder Symptoms

Probiotics are a powerful way to support your gut if you have a digestive disorder. Many digestive disorders, such as IBS and leaky gut, go along with a change in your gut microbiome and inflammation in the gut. In many instances, the number of bacteria and the diversity of bacterial species go down drastically in individuals with digestive disorders.

Probiotics May Support Mental Health

Probiotics influence mental health in several ways.

Healthy Gut-Brain Connection

The gut and the brain stand in constant communication with one another. Probiotic bacteria help to produce and metabolize the messenger signals that are sent via the bloodstream to the brain. Therefore, the composition of gut bacteria can influence the messages that get sent to your brain and impact your mental wellbeing.

For example, up to 95% of your happiness hormone Serotonin, as well as a significant amount of the pleasure neurotransmitter Dopamine, are produced in the gut. Both of these substances are directly linked to mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

Inflammation

Inflammation in the gut is commonly linked to inflammation in the brain, also known as neuroinflammation. A clinical study by Leblhuber, et. al, published in Current Alzheimer Research in 2018 investigates that a dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota in the elderly can cause a leaky gut, which may result in silent systemic inflammation and promote neuroinflammation – a relevant pathomechanism in the early course of Alzheimer’s disease. The rebalancing of the gut microbiome can reduce inflammation in the gut and throughout the body, including the brain.

Healthy Nutrient Absorption

Your gut bacteria maintain a healthy small and large intestine, which is key for proper nutrient absorption. Many of these nutrients are critical for proper brain function. An imbalance of gut bacteria and inflammation in the gut negatively impact nutrient absorption.

Probiotics Can Improve Your Metabolic Health

Several studies have investigated the connection between our gut microbiome and metabolic health. The insight: An imbalance in our gut microbiome can have an impact on our metabolism and metabolic disorders, such as Type 2 Diabetes.

In a clinical study, patients with Type 2 Diabetes took OMNi-BiOTiC® HETOX once daily for six months and made no lifestyle changes.

Results showed a significant improvement in insulin resistance and inflammatory markers related to fat tissue surrounding the body, as well as a reduction in cholesterol levels.

Probiotics May Help with Weight Loss

Multiple research studies indicate that the composition of the gut microbiome is linked to a person’s body weight.

While research is still in its early stages, it has shown that certain types of probiotic bacteria are more common in thin people and other types are more common in overweight individuals. Depending on which type of bacteria you have more of, your weight can be affected.

In addition, if your gut microbiome is out of balance, there is an opportunity for bad bacteria and other pathogens, such as Candida, to grow. Many of these pathogens send signals to the brain that encourage the body to crave sugar because sugar is what these pathogens survive on. The more sugar you eat, the better these pathogens can thrive!

Probiotics Can Boost Your Immune System

80% of the immune system lives in the intestines! Probiotics keep the gut healthy and with that promote a strong immune system.

Furthermore, intense, strenuous exercise without enough time to rest and recover creates oxidative stress in the body. This can manifest in inflammation in the gut and lead to leaky gut. Maintaining a strong gut flora via probiotics protects your gut, so that you can spend more time exercising and promoting your fitness.

Probiotics May Help with Certain Allergies

By strengthening the gut barrier, probiotics decrease the chance for unwanted food particles to enter the bloodstream through a “leaky gut.”

If food particles would enter the bloodstream, the immune system would detect this as invaders and trigger an immune response. We would experience this immune response and inflammation as nausea, stomachache, digestive discomfort, headache and skin rash, to name a few.

An allergy is simply a misdirected reaction, sometimes even an overreaction, of the immune system. Probiotics help to balance a healthy immune function and with that help protect against the onset of allergies, food intolerances and chronic skin issues.

On that note, specific probiotic bacteria can directly protect against exaggerated inflammatory processes and autoimmune disease by increasing the production of IL-10. This is a messenger substance that helps the body manage inflammation.

Support Prostate Health

According to the American Cancer Society, next to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. In a recent study, researchers examined the relationship between the gut microbiome and types of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) used to treat advanced prostate cancer.

They found that gut bacteria may influence clinical response to ADT and modulate the anti-tumor effects of other drugs used for advanced prostate cancer treatment. More research is needed to determine this for sure, but early signs point to there being a way to target the gut microbiome via probiotics, prebiotics and fecal transplants and with that enhancing ADT and other forms of treatment.

In addition, it might be that probiotics can help with benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate). Benign prostatic hyperplasia is commonly associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in men. Specific probiotic strains have the ability to inhibit pathogens leading to UTIs and that’s how the connection can be explained. That said, evidence is not sufficient to claim anything for sure.

Probiotics Can Help with Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are commonly caused by an infection of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori). H. pylori is present in more than half of the world’s population and in most people it never causes any problems.

However, in some people this bacterium can lead to the formation of an ulcer, causing abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, frequent burping, bloating and unintentional weight loss. H. pylori can be treated with antibiotics (and supplemented with probiotics).

There is a growing amount of research that shows that probiotics can help manage an H. pylori infection, by increasing the eradication rate, improving symptoms and lowering treatment-associated side effects.

Probiotics Can Raise Testosterone Levels

Testosterone levels in men decrease with age, leading to reduced spermatogenesis, libido and sexual function, increased body fat, decreased muscle and bone mass, low energy levels, fatigue, poor physical performance, depressed mood, and impaired cognitive dysfunction.

A study with aging mice that were given the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri in their drinking water resulted in larger testicles, increased serum testosterone levels and spermatogenesis, compared to their regular diet counterparts.

Even more notably, a recent clinical study found a significant improvement in testosterone levels and sperm count in infertile men undergoing a probiotic/prebiotic therapy. Nonetheless, additional research, and especially clinical studies in humans are required in this area.

That's just one benefit of taking probiotics taking probiotics as you age. There's an increasing body of evidence that probiotics are helpful as you get older.

Probiotics Can Increase Sperm Count

There is a theory that male infertility can be caused by bacteria in semen. A study analyzed the most predominant bacteria in the sperm of 97 men in relation to the quality of the sperm.

What they found was that the most abundant species were Lactobacillus, Pseudomonas, Prevotella and Gardnerella. The proportion of Lactobacillus and Gardnerella was significantly higher in the good sperm samples, while that of Prevotella was significantly higher in the low-quality samples.

This underlines that there is a connection between bad bacteria in semen and infertility. In addition, this means that probiotic bacteria might be able to promote the health of sperm.

Fighting Diverticular Disease

Diverticular disease is a common condition that causes small bulges or sacs to form in the wall of the large intestine (colon). Research shows that recurrence rates of diverticular disease decreased significantly in patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease after taking 12 months of a multispecies probiotic supplement.

Maintain and Restore Bone Health

Our beneficial bacteria restore and maintain our intestinal health. This allows our gut with its billions of probiotics to properly sort through what we ingest and absorb all the nutrients we need and excrete any waste. Probiotics assist our body in getting the vitamins and minerals it needs to maintain bone health, also in old age.

Other Factors for Digestive System Health

Eat Enough Fiber

Fiber serves as the food for your gut bacteria and is very important to promote their healthy function. In addition, fiber helps to form the mucus that transports your stool out of your intestines, and thus aids in regular bowel movements.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated also keeps things moving in your digestive tract.

Avoid Inflammatory Foods

As discussed, certain foods cause inflammation in the gut. These include foods rich in dairy, gluten, processed sugar and trans fats. Furthermore, sugar often serves as food for pathogens.

Move Your Body Regularly

Several studies have established a link between regular physical activity and healthy bowel movements.

Manage Your Stress

The gut is especially sensitive to stress and many beneficial bacteria in the gut die off during stressful times. This causes inflammation in the gut, which leads to tight junctions in the gut barrier-breaking and resulting in leaky gut. Pathogens can now travel into the bloodstream, causing inflammation throughout the body, which manifests as digestive discomfort, as well as short-term and longer-term illness.

Introducing Probiotics into Your Daily Regimen

Probiotic Foods and Drinks vs. Supplements

You can introduce probiotics to your daily regimen by opting for probiotic-rich foods and drinks, as well as by taking a probiotic supplement.

There are benefits to adding probiotic foods and drinks to your diet, but more so there are potential issues to consider.

If you’re looking for a truly effective digestive and gut health, it’s best to reach for a multispecies and multistrain, specifically combined probiotic supplement that is tailored to your needs and manufactured in a way that can prevail through the harsh GI tract.

How Many CFUs To Take?

CFU stands for “Colony Forming Units.” It’s a measure of how many viable bacteria are in your probiotic. But, higher CFU doesn’t equal a better probiotic.

What is so much more important is to look at the research the probiotic is based on, the science behind the combination of probiotic species and strains, the product’s delivery mechanism and the composition and ingredients of the supplement.

Best Time To Take Probiotics?

It is always good to read the instructions on how to take a probiotic supplement, as this might vary depending on the product. There are benefits of taking a probiotic supplement on an empty stomach.

When Will You Feel Benefits?

This varies depending on each person’s state of health and the quality of the probiotic supplement. Generally speaking, if you are taking a high-quality probiotic supplement, you will likely feel a positive impact on your digestion in the first few days of taking it. The additional health benefits should become apparent after a few weeks or months.

That said, given the external stressors we are confronted with on a daily basis, it is highly beneficial to add a probiotic supplement to your long-term, daily wellness routine. This will rebuild and then maintain your health and vitality from your core.

Best Probiotic for Men’s Health

If we had to pick one probiotic supplement that’s great for men, we’d go with the probiotic that reduces stress.

This probiotic contains specific strains that support a strong gut barrier, reduce inflammation in the colon, and act on the gut-brain axis promoting healthy cognitive function, including positive mood, focus and concentration, and memory.

It’s a powerful probiotic for the modern man, who is always on the go, stressed because he’s juggling family, work and friends, and perhaps not eating the healthiest of diets.

However, probiotics work best when they address your personal health goals. If you are struggling with specific health issues, such as diabetes, IBS, weight gain or a skin condition, make sure to opt for a probiotic supplement that best supports you.