Gut-Feeling Good: Celebrate Men’s Health Month
with the Power of Probiotics!
June is Men’s Health Month and Father’s Day is on June 15 —a perfect time to celebrate the man in your life and encourage healthy habits that last all year. This month, why not focus on your guy’s gut health by adding probiotics to his routine?
Once considered just a digestive aid, probiotics are now gaining recognition for their wide-ranging benefits for men’s health. Scientific research shows that these beneficial bacteria do more than ease bloating and regulate digestion—they also help manage inflammatory responses, support immune function, and even improve aspects of reproductive health, such as sperm quality and hormonal balance.
Probiotics are linked to enhanced nutrient absorption, improved metabolic health, and potential protection against prostate issues. Therefore, they are valuable to any wellness routine and can address men’s specific health needs. Below, we will explore these needs and the benefits of probiotics for men’s health.
The Gut-Prostate Axis
There is increasing evidence that bacterial imbalance in the gut microbiome, also known as ‘dysbiosis,’ plays a vital role in the underlying biology of prostate disorders.i Many men are concerned about prostate health, and researchers have discovered that probiotic treatment reduces prostate inflammation by decreasing E. coli and E. faecalis in urine cultures.
Gut Dysbiosis & Male Infertility
Infertility affects around 15% of couples of reproductive age, and males are found to be solely responsible for 20-30% of the cases.ii Advanced genetic sequencing technologies have reported that the male testis is not microbiologically sterile, which has resulted in the discovery of the testicular tissue-associated bacterial microbiome and the semen microbiome.iii A recent analysis reported a 50%-60% decline in sperm counts in the Americas and Europe between 1973 and 2011.iv This research indicates that imbalanced bacterial colonization (dysbiosis) is associated with male infertility, characterized by altered bacterial diversity, the dominance of pathogenic species, and imbalances in the genital microbiome. Treatment strategies that have shown potential to improve the genital microbiome and enhance male fertility include targeted antimicrobial therapies, probiotics, dietary improvements that deliver prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation.v
Immune System Support
It is estimated that 70-80% of the body’s immune cells are located in the gut. Therefore, probiotic bacteria and the gut microbiome ecosystem are critical for maintaining a robust immune system. Immune cells in the gut interact with the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, which is significantly influenced by the food you consume. Consequently, diet regulates the bacteria in your gut microbiome, which influences your immune system.vi
Healthy Digestive
Probiotics and the compounds they produce (postbiotic metabolites) support digestion in several ways. They help maintain the intestinal barrier’s integrity, preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. They also aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, increasing nutrient bioavailability. They also promote intestinal motility, facilitating smoother and more regular bowel movements.vii
Mental Health & Mood
From belly to brain, the gut-brain axis is a complex communication network between the gut microbiome and the brain. Key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and glutamate are produced in the gut and send signals to the brain that influence moods and emotions. People with mental health conditions often exhibit altered gut microbiota compositions compared to healthy individuals, suggesting that the state of the gut microbiome can significantly impact mental health.viii
Heart Health
One in five deaths in the U.S. yearly can be attributed to an unhealthy heart. In 2021, that amounted to 695,000 people, including 384,886 men. Heart concerns are the leading cause of death for men in the U.S. Probiotics have shown promise in minimizing unbalanced inflammatory response and other concerns often associated with poor heart health. Research in this field continues, but early indications are hopeful.
Skin Care
Men’s skin differs from women’s in several ways: it is about 20% thicker, contains more collagen, and is oilier due to more active sebaceous glands and larger pores. This makes men’s skin firmer, more prone to acne, less likely to become dry, and more susceptible to regular shaving irritation. Dr. Ohhira’s probiotic skincare offers multiple benefits for men by supporting the skin’s balanced microbiome, which is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and enhancing moisture retention. The probiotics help strengthen the skin’s defense against environmental stressors, soothe freshly shaved skin, and promote a radiant, hydrated, youthful complexion. Additionally, traditional Japanese fermentation and skin-friendly oils ensure high absorbency and nourishment without harsh chemicals, making it ideal for men’s skincare needs.
Weight Management and Metabolism
Obese individuals tend to have less diverse gut bacteria than their lean counterparts, and they also tend to gain more weight than other obese individuals with a greater variety of gut bacteria. While scientists do not fully understand this mechanism, they suspect certain probiotics influence appetite and energy usage.
Researchers believe that probiotics could prevent the absorption of dietary fat, causing an individual to absorb fewer calories. They also believe that probiotics may help regulate appetite and increase fat-regulating proteins. In addition, uncontrolled inflammation can drive obesity, and probiotics help rebalance the inflammation response.
Building a Healthy Microbiome
Probiotics show great promise in boosting men’s health by supporting hormonal, mental, and physical systems. They offer a holistic approach to greater well-being through improved gut health.
Along with a healthy diet, taking Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics daily helps people create and maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Most medical sources consider probiotics generally safe, but it’s always best to consult your medical practitioner before starting. If you are immune-compromised or have had a recent surgery or hospitalization, it is especially critical to check with your doctor before consuming a probiotic supplement.