We dug into the research—and tapped into some health experts—to find out. While it’s impossible to put an exact number on how many folks have suboptimal gut balance or GI needs, it’s safe to say that a large number of people are affected. And thanks to a reliance on processed foods, low-fiber diets, and increasing stress levels, the number is only increasing. Since taking a daily probiotic is completely safe for most people (although you may experience some initial side effects), according to integrative physician Bindiya Gandhi, M.D., there’s no harm in trying one to see if it works for you. If you have health concerns or conditions, double-check with your doctor first, though. While there haven’t been any studies exploring the direct link between erectile function and probiotics, research shows that probiotic supplementation may boost levels of serotonin 1by increasing the amount of tryptophan (the precursor to serotonin) in the blood.* According to a study published in Andrology, supplementing with probiotics may help increase testosterone levels while also normalizing other important sex hormones—a combination that may improve sperm quality.* It’s worth noting, though, that the researchers from the study used prebiotics, too. This also ties into sexual health since suboptimal testosterone levels can directly affect your libido. On the other hand, when your testosterone goes up, so does your sex drive. Testosterone also regulates muscle mass and strength and bone density and is involved in the production of red blood cells. Important all around! Aside from these specific benefits for men, there are general benefits of taking probiotics, too. Probiotics: Narrowing down the best probiotics for men takes the same due diligence ,as with any other category, but don’t feel like you’re boxed into specific brands just because they say “for men.” While quality is always important when it comes to supplements, board-certified internist Vincent M. Pedre, M.D., says, “That goes triple for probiotics.” According to Pedre, what you’re actually getting doesn’t always match the claims on the bottle. Here are some easy-to-follow guidelines that can help you narrow down the choices: Plus, save 10% on your first order with promo code MBG10. Aside from some potential specific benefits for men, there are also general benefits to consider, like promoting proper digestion and nutrient absorption, easing bloat, and supporting a healthy weight.* All of these benefits make it worth adding a high-quality probiotic supplement to your routine (after you get the OK from your doctor).
