Did you know that the small intestine is also known as “the second brain”? You can’t count on it to solve math problems or anything, but every aspect of your daily life gets more complicated when your gut isn’t healthy. The good news is that men’s probiotics can improve gut health greatly. What are probiotics, though, and how can they help? Keep reading and find out.
Science Corner
Several diseases give bacteria a bad name, but not all bacteria are bad for you. In fact, many of them help regulate your digestive system and other body functions. The “good” bacteria are known as probiotics, and you can find them in a wide range of foods. For instance, fermented foods and drinks, like cottage cheese and kombucha, are rich in probiotics.
The extensive data analysis suggests that probiotics balance “good” and “bad” bacteria in our digestive system. However, how this process occurs in our body remains largely unknown. Nevertheless, probiotic supplements are recommended by several doctors, as they’re also connected to other health benefits.
The positive effects are well documented, though. Besides improving the digestive system, it also positively affects mental health. Additionally, it alleviates ulcerative colitis, urinary infections, and bloating. In men, probiotics contribute to the regulation of prostate health.
Different Types and Functions
Not all probiotics are the same. Four kinds of probiotics affect your gut health differently. Here’s what you need to know about them.
Lactobacillus
There are mainly two kinds of lactobacillus: rhamnosus and acidophilus. The first option is linked to weight loss, resulting in a more balanced composition of bacteria. The second subgroup primarily counters yeast infections, but also has other beneficial effects on gut health, like balancing the levels of bad bacteria.
Bifidobacterium lactis
The bifidobacterium lactis helps to counter the side effects of milk consumption. It’s a particularly important probiotic for those who have problems processing lactose. Additionally, it alleviates the pains related to digesting dairy products.
Saccharomyces boulardii
This probiotic is mainly used against constipation and traveler’s diarrhea. The saccharomyces boulardii helps eliminate the bad bacteria, restoring the stability and healthy functioning of the intestine.
Main Benefits
There are plenty of benefits in keeping your microbiota in shape. You can reap those benefits by taking a rich probiotic diet and reinforcing it with supplements. Here are a few reasons for you to start thinking of your bacteria right now.
Strengthened Immune System
Keeping a healthy balance of probiotics in your gut can help your immune system as a whole. They reduce the risks of chronic diseases, and patients with respiratory infections responded better to treatments when they had this part well regulated.
Disease Prevention
Those microorganisms can prevent many diseases, including Crohn’s disease. They are particularly efficient in preventing health problems related to the digestive system. Good bacteria are also associated with better blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and overall heart conditions.
Mental Health
Gut health is the first thing that crosses our minds when discussing probiotics. However, a healthier gut has many benefits, such as improved mental health. It happens because of the close connection between gut conditions and the brain.
Probiotics and Prostate Health
Men have particular reasons for keeping a balanced microbiota. Apart from the diseases previously mentioned (and many others that wouldn’t fit in an article), those bacteria can prevent various prostate diseases. Those diseases become more common with age, but a balanced microbiota can keep them away.
Cancer
Nobody knows for sure yet what causes cancer, but there are many theories. Some of them link the development of tumors to inflammatory issues. The main point behind this theory is that the DNA can be damaged by inflammation, increasing the likelihood of cancer. If this theory is correct, a healthy microbiota plays an important part in cancer prevention.
Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, isn’t a bacterial infection and is very common in men over 70. Also referred to as “enlarged prostate,” this condition is also connected to other urinary disorders. You can improve the health of your urinary system and make it more resistant to such infections by taking probiotics regularly.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammatory disease that causes pain in the prostate. Common symptoms include excessive urinating during the night, dribbling and increased urinary frequency during the day. About half of the male population is likely to have it at least once in their lifetime.
A weakened immune system facilitates this occurrence of inflammation. Your gut health is vital since about 80% of the immune system is connected to it. Here’s where probiotic supplements and diet can help.
Tasty and Healthy
Now that you know the benefits of a balanced microbiota and the risks of not having one, it’s time to do something about it. Pharmaceutical supplements are great, but they aren’t your only source. Besides, there are also risks related to excessive consumption of such supplements. While side effects aren’t dangerous, they can be pretty inconvenient, like diarrhea, flatulence and stomach discomfort.
There are natural and tasty ways to keep your intestinal flora healthy. Consider including the items below in your daily diet.
Sauerkraut and Kimchi
The first comes from German cuisine, while the second is Korean. Both involve fermented cabbage and can do wonders for your microbiota. You can enjoy them as side dishes, adding zinc, iron and potassium to your plate. When buying sauerkraut, prefer the unpasteurized version.
Cheese
Eating cheese is another delicious way of keeping your microbiota happy. Some kinds are more probiotic than others, though. Cottage cheese, mozzarella, cheddar and gouda, known as “semi-hard cheese,” are the best ones in this case.
Yogurt
Like most fermented foods, yogurt contains bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria. Include yogurt in your diet for more efficient weight management and strengthening your bones and heart. Additionally, it reduces the risks of different types of cancer, like colon and breast. Kefir, a Turkish fermented milk drink, can also give you similar benefits.
Miso
If you love Japanese food, you’ve probably tried miso already. It’s a fermented seasoning with soybeans, rye, rice and barley. The salty seasoning is rich in fiber, protein, copper, manganese and vitamin K. Studies link miso consumption to reduced cancer risks, fights obesity and controls cholesterol and blood pressure.
