A Vaginal Probiotic Men Can Use? Yes, Hear Us Out…
Vaginal probiotics may seem exclusive to women’s wellness, but our formulation is different. HUM’s Private Party isn’t just a vaginal probiotic, it’s also a urinary tract health supplement. In addition to clinically-studied strains that support vaginal microbiome health, our formula also includes a powerful ingredient that supports urinary tract health. The best part? This particular ingredient is effective for both women and men.
That’s right: HUM’s Private Party can also be used as a urinary tract health supplement for men. How does it work, exactly? Through cranberry PACs, which are powerful compounds that promote a healthy urinary tract. Read on to learn how cranberry PACs can support men’s urinary tract health and what to look for in urinary tract health supplements for men.
What Are Cranberry PACs?
“Cranberries are made up of beneficial bioactive compounds called PACs,” explains Gaby Vaca-Flores, RDN, CLE, and senior education and scientific affairs manager at HUM Nutrition. “These bioactives are a type of flavonoid that provide antimicrobial benefits.” PACs, or proanthocyanidins, are phytochemicals in the polyphenol family. Due to their extremely high antioxidant content, they provide antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits as well cardio- and neuroprotection. They’re naturally found in flowers, seeds, and dark berries. Cranberries are especially rich in A-type PACs, which are particularly effective for supporting urinary tract health.
How Do Cranberry PACs Support Urinary Tract Health?
Think of cranberry PACs as frontline fighters for your urinary tract. “One of the main ways that cranberry PACs provide benefits is by disrupting the bioactivities of bacteria within the urinary tract,” Vaca-Flores says. “This action can help address imbalances that occur when too much bad bacteria builds up in the mucosal lining of the urinary tract.”
Cranberry Juice vs. Cranberry Supplements: Which Is Better?
You’ve likely heard that drinking cranberry juice can help with UTIs. It’s true: Drinking cranberry juice concentrate or eating cranberries can help boost your daily dose of cranberry PACs, which may provide some benefits to your urinary tract health. “The challenge, however, is knowing how many cranberries to eat or drink to get a clinically-effective dose of PACs for significant benefits,” Vaca-Flores explains. “Factors like fruit quality and juice processing can make it challenging to determine how many cranberry PACs are in a given serving of cranberries or juice.” That’s why taking a supplement with a proper amount of cranberry PACs is the best option if you want to truly support your urinary tract health.
What to Look For in Urinary Tract Health Supplements
When it comes to urinary tract health supplements, you want to make sure you’re getting the right dose. “For best results, you should look for a cranberry supplement that provides a standardized amount of cranberry PACs (like HUM’s Private Party), as this ensures you’re getting a dose that is actually effective,” Vaca-Flores says. “Studies show that cranberries, standardized to provide 36 milligrams of PACs, are the most effective for providing urinary tract health benefits.”
Can Men Really Take Private Party as a Urinary Tract Health Supplement?
Don’t let the fact that it’s also a vaginal probiotic deter you: Private Party can be a very effective urinary tract health supplement for men. That’s because it’s formulated with a significant level of cranberry PACs. “One of the great things about cranberry PACs is that they support urinary tract health for both men and women,” Vaca-Flores says. “For this reason, men who are interested in supporting their urinary tract can benefit from trying Private Party.”
FAQ
Who should take cranberry PACs?
Anyone concerned about their urinary tract health can benefit from taking cranberry PACs. While women more commonly experience UTIs, men can experience them too.
Are there any risks to taking cranberry PACs?
“Cranberry PACs are generally considered safe for use with little to no known side effects in adults,” Vaca-Flores says. However, there’s mixed evidence showing people who are predisposed to kidney stones should avoid excessive amounts of cranberries. Cranberries contain calcium oxalates, a mineral that can lead to kidney stones when accumulated. If you’re prone to kidney stones, consult your doctor before adding cranberries or cranberry-containing products to your daily routine.
Do I need to store Private Party in the fridge?
While some probiotics need to be stored in a cold environment, Private Party is shelf-stable. You can keep it anywhere you’d like—and bring it with you while you travel—without worry.
