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Probiotics are a mixture of live beneficial microorganisms found in your body. They are made up of good bacteria that you can consume through fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut and dairy-based foods like yogurt and kefir. While there are various bacteria that are probiotics, the most commonly found in foods we eat are listed on labels as the following live and active cultures: L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, L. acidophilus, bifidus, L. casei, and L. rhamnosus. There is also a form of yeast that works as a probiotic S. boulardii.
Probiotics help your body fight off harmful bacteria, promote a healthy gut, and may even help you manage your weight. Some of the issues that probiotics may be recommended for treating or preventing are diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, H. pylori ( a type of bacteria that infects the stomach and in some cases can lead to ulcers). Here are some of the best probiotic foods and supplements for men.
Foods with Probiotics
Fage Total yogurt
Yogurt has been long known to be an excellent source of probiotics, and even for those who are lactose intolerant, L. acidophilus — a common probiotic — may make it easier to digest. It may also reduce irritable bowel syndrome and symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Fage Total yogurt available in 0%, 2% and 5% fat and contains L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus, L. acidophilus, bifidus and L. casei. While it is excellent straight from its container, it also pairs well with fruit for a quick snack. You can also make a meal out of it by adding granola or nuts and sweeten with honey. It also works well in place of mayonnaise and sour cream.
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Lifeway Organic Kefir
If you like smoothies, protein shakes or shakes in general, drinkable yogurt products such as kefir is a good option. It is easy to grab and go and available in several flavors like blueberry, strawberry, peach, and also unflavored. Lifeway organic low-fat kefir is up to 99% lactose-free, gluten-free, and made with organic, non-GMO ingredients plus is jam-packed with live and active cultures, including L. lactis, L. rhamnosus, streptococcus diacetylactis, L. plantarum, L. casei, L. acidophilus and L. reuteri which may reduce the duration of diarrhea. It also contains 11g of protein and 376 mg of potassium making it a good after-workout drink to help with muscle recovery and contraction.
Health-Ade Kombucha Tea
Yogurt is thick, and not everyone enjoys its texture; a lighter beverage is Kombucha, a fermented tea containing bacteria and yeast. Health-Ade Kombucha Tea offers a Paradise Pack that includes flavors of tropical punch, passion fruit tangerine and watermelon containing antioxidants and living probiotics. They are made from fruits and veggies that have been cold-pressed, a method meant to preserve the vitamin, mineral and fiber content.
Eden Organic Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is most often used as a topping for hot dogs or in a Reuben sandwich. And Eden organic sauerkraut is made with organic cabbage grown in nutrient-rich organic soil then hand-harvested. It is wheat and gluten-free and fermented for at least six weeks allowing healthy compounds to develop.
McClure’s Pickles
Another fermented food that contains probiotics is pickles. The salty brine they’re cured in creates conditions for beneficial lactobacillus to facilitate the fermentation process producing lactic acid. And added bonus of the fermentation method is that it helps your pickled foods develop a sour flavor and preserves them. McClure’s Pickles’ spicy goodness makes a good addition to your favorite sandwich or burger, plant-based or regular.
Supplements with Probiotics
Zuma Nutrition Multi-Strain Probiotic
Another effective way of consuming probiotics is through supplements like Zuma Nutrition Multi-Strain Probiotic Complex. It contains eight forms of live and active cultures such as L. Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Lactis, L. Casei, L. Salivarius, and L. Plantarum. The brand recommends taking 1-2 capsules daily on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating.
Nature Made Digestive Probiotics Ultra-Strength Gummies
Nature Made has a long-standing reputation for developing supplements delivered via pills, melts and gummies, the form of the brand’s Digestive Probiotics Ultra-Strength. It contains 8 billion live cells (CFU) per serving, two times that of their other iterations. Plus, these are kind of tasty.
Vitafusion Probiotic
Vitafusion launched in 1998 and introduced their probiotic supplement in early 2018, containing two probiotic strains, Bacillus coagulans, and Bacillus subtilis and 5 billion CFUs per serving, made to survive in the stomach. It contains no no high-fructose corn syrup, gluten, dairy, gelatin and synthetic dyes.
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Once Daily Men’s Probiotics
Created to support healthy digestion, Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Once Daily Men’s Probiotics is dairy, gluten, soy-free and vegetarian. It contains a blend of 15 probiotic strains, including Acidophilus, L. Casei, Lactobacillus Gas, and also a prebiotic fiber blend. Prebiotics are an essential part of having a balanced gut flora as they feed the good bacteria.
SBO Probiotics, Men’s
SBO Probiotics contains a mix of soil-based prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, which experts are finally getting a better understanding of. Postbiotics are basically the byproduct that occurs from the fermentation caused by probiotics and may help insulin work more effectively. Additionally, SBO Probiotics contains zinc and selenium, which both support immune health.