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Promoting gut health among men n South Africa: Men’s probiotics

Opinion & Analysis
The most popular probiotic supplements in South Africa include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces boulardii and Bifidobacterium bifidum.

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that work in the digestive system for good health. They improve your digestion, boost the immune system, reduce inflation, and promote overall well-being. The most popular probiotic supplements in South Africa include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces boulardii and Bifidobacterium bifidum.

South Africa is known for being Africa’s land of milk and honey. The country also has a free health system where anyone can be treated, despite their nationality. As the health system is burdened with local and migrant patients, getting the assistance you need takes a while. Therefore visiting your closest pharmacy would be the best as you’ll find some of the finest probiotics for men. Taking your probiotics could reduce your visits to the doctor. 

Selecting A Probiotic for Men

When selecting a probiotic, it's essential to seek specific health benefits. Having the best probiotic means you can maintain a healthy gut flora balance. They are also known to assist with nutrient absorption. With so many products on the shelves, selecting the right probiotic supplement can be extremely difficult. This article will explore the benefits of probiotics for men and how much of this product they should take. 

Benefits of Probiotics for Men

By taking the necessary dosage as per your prescription, you're likely to experience the following: 

  1. Stronger Immune System

Gut health is closely connected to the overall well-being of a person. Gut health controls the comprehensive immune system, and if not well maintained, it poses many problems. Most probiotics support and maintain a healthy immune system and system function. Some brands also have added ingredients that support oral health by balancing microbes in the mouth.

  1. Better Digestion and Gut Health

Having the best probiotic supplement and eating a well-balanced diet can assist in digesting while keeping it on track by maintaining good gut health and reducing constipation and bloating. 

  1. Have a Healthy Body Weight and Body Composition

Some probiotics are meant to control your body weight and help build muscle; this results in better body composition as you feel and look healthier. By promoting regular bowel movements and getting rid of toxins by reducing and relieving occasional constipation, you're likely to feel better. 

  1. Have Better Mental Health 

Some probiotics support cognitive health by facilitating a healthy inflammation response and supporting better nutrient absorption that helps with regular brain activity. Some probiotics include extracts such as organic mushrooms and Ashwagandha root extract. Their elements are known to promote cognitive health and functions.

  1. Have a Healthy Male Sexual Reproductive System

Specific formulas in some strains are capable of increasing serum testosterone levels. This is essential in men as it assists in building muscle and maintaining a healthy sexual function. 

  1. Have Improved Sleep 

Probiotics can improve sleep quality by regulating the production of neurotransmitters and reducing inflammation. 

The Dosage

When purchasing a probiotic, always read the information on the product bottle or insert leaflet to see the recommended dosage. Commonly an adult is supposed to take three capsules daily with water. Additionally, you can include fermented foods in your diet as these have a multitude of probiotics. This also ensures you diversify the healthy microbial strains.  These are best for gut flora. 

Always remember that different strains of probiotics have other effects on your health, and some probiotics are created for a specific job. Potency and viability are also factors to consider, as this refers to the amount of bacteria per dose. The live bacteria is commonly measured in colony-forming units (CFU). Higher potency means more bacteria. An excellent probiotic should have high potency and high viability. 

The recommended dosage of probiotics also varies depending on your health status, age and a specific strain of probiotic. Remember to always consult a healthcare professional before taking any of these supplements. 

Side Effects 

Most probiotics are safe, although some individuals report bloating, diarrhoea and gas. These commonly stop after a few days. Since the primary aim of most probiotics is to maintain a healthy cut, we could look at this as a way of removing waste from your system.

List of Probiotics for Men

Most probiotics come in capsule, pill or powder form, with supplements containing a range of unique microbial strains. Here are a few strains that are best for men: 

  • Bacillus coagulans
  • Lactobacillus bifidobacterium
  • Lactobacillus reuteri
  • Saccharomyces boulardii
  • Lactobacillus plantarum
  • Bifidobacterium bifidum
  • Bacillus subtilis
  • Lactobacillus bifidobacterium
  • Bacillus clausii
  • Lactobacillus fermentum
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus

Always ensure the probiotic is survivable by providing beneficial microbes. Some probiotic supplements die off before they even reach the large intestine. There are also forms of yeast, known as soil-based organisms (SBOs), which can withstand any form of gut environment, and commonly don't need refrigeration. 

Specific SBO formulas have been specifically formulated for men by supporting men’s health. They work to boost muscle mass, strength, and testosterone levels and also support a healthy gut and immune system. 

The Verdict

Promoting gut health is essential in South Africa because men could live healthier, longer lives. The South African probiotic market is also huge, with a range of products. Always remember to do your research and consult a healthcare professional before starting any probiotic course.

 

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