Good gut bacteria may be the secret to longevity
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- Research indicates that the gut microbiomes of healthy older adults often resemble those of much younger individuals, suggesting a link between gut health and longevity.
- Microbiome expert Colleen Cutcliffe highlights that a healthy gut supports metabolism, muscle strength, brain function, and immunity, all of which decline with age as gut diversity diminishes.
- To maintain a youthful gut, Cutcliffe recommends consuming fiber- and polyphenol-rich foods (like leafy greens, berries, lentils, and green tea), reducing stress, staying active, and avoiding excessive antibiotic use.
- Signs of an unhealthy gut include irregular bowel movements such as constipation or diarrhea, which can indicate low microbial diversity or bacterial overgrowth.
- Certain beneficial bacterial strains, including Christensenellaceae, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia muciniphila, are linked to healthy weight, immunity, and metabolism, and replenishing these strains may improve overall health and aid in disease prevention.
