When it comes to urinary and prostate health, you might be surprised to learn that dysbiosis—-an imbalance of gut flora—-may play a role. For men over 50, probiotics offer a natural and low-risk way to maintain a healthy gut while protecting prostate and urinary wellness.
In this article, we will cover probiotics for men, including which types support prostate and urinary health, the best probiotics for bloating, supplement suggestions, the best time to take probiotics, and more.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are sources of live bacteria that support a healthy microbiome; distinctive from prebiotics, which are sources of dietary fiber that provide nourishment for healthy gut bacteria, allowing them to thrive. You can get probiotics in supplements or in the diet with fermented foods.
What are signs my body needs probiotics?
Occasional gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or general digestive discomfort are signs the body could use probiotics. Other indicators may include chronic inflammation in the gut, prostate, or urinary tract; problems with allergies, recurrent infections, or poor immunity; or metabolic indicators of elevated cholesterol or poor fat metabolism.
The Role of Probiotics for Men’s Health
How do probiotics support prostate and gut health?
The gut and prostate are connected through what researchers identify as the gut-prostate axis. Inflammation in the gut increases inflammation in the urinary tract, which can contribute to prostate and urinary discomfort and increase risks for developing some conditions. For men over 50, probiotics may also have the following benefits:
- Strengthens immune system
- May help manage bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort
- May support colon health and regularity
- May promote stable mood, positive mental outlook, and cognition
- Supports metabolism and nutrient absorption from food
Best Types of Probiotics for Men 50+
Certain probiotic strains may be more beneficial for supporting men’s health.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum – Studied for supporting men’s reproductive and prostate health.
- Bifidobacterium psychaerophilum – may promote balanced gut and urinary health through production of beneficial short chain fatty acids.
- Lactobacillus paracasei – studied for use with antibiotics for persistent urinary discomfort and diarrhea.
- Bifidobacterium lactis – may help reduce occasional discomfort and gas, making it one of the best probiotics for bloating in men.
Why timing matters for probiotics
Timing is critical if you take probiotics alongside an antibiotic. In that case, don’t take them at the same time, but be sure to wait 2-3 hours in between; consult our healthcare practitioners for specific advice on when to take probiotics if you take prescriptions. Probiotics, otherwise, can be taken any time of day, with or without food.
Choosing a probiotic supplement
When shopping for probiotic supplements, it is important to consider your health goals, preferences, and lifestyle. If you will never take a probiotic that is kept in the fridge because it is out of sight, then opt for shelf-stable; one is not necessarily better.
Look for probiotics that have a strain designation—the unique string of letters and numbers that follow the species name. This is important because probiotic benefits are highly strain-specific, and research findings apply exclusively to the exact strain studied.
For more insight on how to identify and choose probiotic supplements, check out the NIH Probiotics Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
The Best Probiotic Supplements for Men
Check out these top-rated probiotics for men available right here at Professional Supplement Center.
Garden of Life Probiotics for Men
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Prostate + Shelf-Stable: This formula contains 15 strains of Lacto and Bifido bacteria along with a clinically studied and patented extract of cranberry to support healthy urinary flow. It has an organic prebiotic fiber blend and vitamin D. Each 2-capsule serving size of this shelf-stable formula offers a potent 50 billion CFU.
Codeage Men’s Multivitamin Fermented
Codeage Men’s Multivitamin Fermented: This multi-vitamin formula contains an array of minerals, herbs, probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and antioxidants. With extracts of mushroom, hawthorne, and antioxidants from lutein and CoQ10, amongst others–his formula contains everything you need in just 2 capsules daily.
Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic 90 Billion Men’s Care
Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic 90 Billion Men’s Care: Featuring 90 billion CFU per capsule, this comprehensive probiotic blend contains 12 clinically-studied strains of both lacto and bifido bacteria to support colon, immune, digestive, and men’s overall health. This once-per-day formula is stored in the refrigerator and is free of GMOs, gluten, soy, and dairy.
Discover more top-rated probiotic formulas available right here at Professional Supplement Center. Shop Probiotics!
The Takeaway
Men over 50 face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining strong immunity, digestion, prostate, and urinary health. Probiotics offer a natural way to support these systems by promoting a diverse microbiome—a key mediator for inflammatory signaling. Certain probiotic strains have demonstrated the ability to support men’s health specifically, namely by lowering inflammation in the gut, which nourishes the prostate-gut axis.
Probiotics must be consumed to have a benefit, so consistency is key. Refrigerated probiotics are not necessarily better quality than shelf-stable options, so it’s important to choose whichever suits your lifestyle. You can get probiotics in your diet by eating fermented foods, which are naturally rich in healthy bacteria.
Probiotics are generally safe and have a low risk of side effects. For personalized guidance, consult your healthcare practitioner before starting probiotics, especially if you take medications.
Explore more ways to support your health with Multivitamins for Seniors — shop Multivitamins for Seniors!
FAQ
What is the best probiotic for men over 50?
Men over 50 should look for strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum in a blended formula. These are the most effective probiotics for bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort.
Can I get enough probiotics from food?
Yes, you can get enough probiotics from consuming fermented foods, including but not limited to yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, and kefir.
When is the best time to take probiotics?
Probiotics can be taken any time of day with or without food. Capsules may be opened up and put on yogurt or mixed into a beverage. If taking an antibiotic, it is best to avoid taking the probiotic at the same time of day, but to take them 2-3 hours apart. Always consult your practitioner or pharmacist on specific advice before adding a probiotic to your routine.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Kimberlee Springer, an Austin-based nutritionist from Nashville, TN, is your go-to for all things wellness. When she’s not talking vitamins, you can find her decoding planetary symbolism, walking her dog, or bird-watching with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store.