The connection between the gut and men's health
The gut microbiota plays crucial role in men's health, particularly in metabolic and cardiovascular health. Key bacteria like Bacteroides and Akkermansia muciniphila are vital for maintaining gut barrier integrity, reducing inflammation, and supporting metabolic functions.
Bacteroides species are essential for fermenting dietary fibers into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which improve gut health and reduce systemic inflammation, lowering the risk of metabolic disorders such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases 1, 2. Dietary changes, like increasing polyphenol intake, can boost Bacteroides levels, further enhancing cardiovascular health3.
A. muciniphila is linked to better metabolic profiles and reduced inflammation, playing a protective role against obesity and related disorders 4, 5. It also supports gut barrier integrity and works synergistically with other beneficial bacteria to maintain a balanced microbiota, critical for men’s overall health 6, 7.