There are trillions of bacteria in the human body, many of which are found in the stomach. The microbiome is a collection of bacteria, viruses, and fungus. We all know that a person's. However, scientists are attempting to determine whether our gut microorganisms can influence the ageing process.

Because so little is known about why we age the way we do, this type of research could provide valuable insight into anti-aging techniques. Is there such a thing as an anti-aging microbiome, for example? So far, a group of clinical researchers has discovered the following.

The Importance of Gut Health

As we become older, our gut health has an impact on almost everything. The gut microbiome influences body functions such as digestion and the central nervous system, in addition to determining how we digest food.

The difficulty is that an imbalance of beneficial and bad bacteria might result in health problems. Weight gain, excessive blood sugar, and high cholesterol are just a few of the problems that might arise, according to.

The Gut Microbiome and Aging

While we all know that gut bacteria is important for our health, there are still some unanswered concerns concerning how gut health affects how we age. Can changing our gut microbes help us live longer and better lives?

Marina Ezcurra, Ph.D., a lecturer in neuroscience at the Queen Mary University of London's School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, is seeking for solutions. She and a group of scientists decided to investigate how the microbiome affects gastrointestinal ageing.

Ezcurra's Method of Research discusses how he studied ageing in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), also known as a roundworm. These worms survive for 2 to 3 weeks and develop a variety of diseases, just like humans.

Experts can assess its development, stress, fertility, and even lifespan resistance. C. elegans has also been used in other research projects. They're a model that's been utilised to investigate human ailments like.

Worms are used by scientists for a variety of reasons.

These primordial organisms are roughly 1-millimeter in length and feed on bacteria, according to an article from the genetics centre at the.

Worms are used by scientists to perform study because they share many biological traits with humans. They have a neurological system with a brain, are capable of reproduction, and are genetically determined.

The Results

Escherichia coli was fed to the C. elegans. The researchers next developed 4,000 mutant E. coli strains, each with a single gene removed. These strains were subsequently fed to C. elegans, yielding some interesting results.

Only 29 of the 4,000 bacterial genes studied helped the worms live longer. In addition, 12 of them were shown to protect the worms from tumour formation as well as a substance known as amyloid-beta, which has been related to Alzheimer's disease in people.

A Diabetes Drug Could Help You Live Longer

Another fascinating discovery in Ezcurra's research is a diabetes medicine called metformin. It's an oral drug that lowers blood sugar levels and lowers cancer risk.

In order to target age-related chronic disorders, the researchers delivered this medication to mice and C. elegans. They discovered a delay in ageing in the presence of bacteria, but not in the absence of bacteria.

As a result, according to Medical News Today, metformin may cause a chain reaction that activates a biological mechanism that regulates ageing.

Bacteria Could Have Anti-Aging Properties

Researchers uncovered another element that can slow down the ageing process in addition to metformin. Colonizing the gut with certain bacteria strains, in particular.

Two bacteria strains from the C. elegans microbiome have been found to slow intestinal ageing. This means that anti-aging effects can be achieved without needing to eliminate bacterial development.

What This Could Mean in the Future

C. elegans research is just the beginning. Microbiome variety is vital for human health, according to Ezcurra, and understanding how it's linked to nutrition might help people maintain their health and quality of life without invasive surgery or medicines.

Ezcurra discussed her future objectives to discover more about how microbiomes and anti-aging are linked. Ezcurra told Medical News Today that the next stage in his research is to employ C. elegans to ask specific questions regarding the role of the microbiome in human health.

Gut Health Positive Habits

A Well-balanced Diet

One of the many things you can do to live a healthy and long life is to take care of your gut health. It all comes down to what you put into your body, with your food being the most crucial aspect in maintaining a healthy stomach.

Your diet should include a wide variety of foods. illustrates how the bigger the number of bacteria species you have, the more health benefits they may be able to provide. Because Western diets tend to be lacking in variety, it may be time to make some modifications.

Consume Fibre-Rich Foods

Make sure you eat enough of fruits, veggies, legumes, and beans as the first modification you can make. “The finest sources of nutrients for a healthy microbiome are fruits and vegetables,” according to Healthline. Fruits and vegetables are high in fibre, which is absorbed by particular bacteria in your gut and hence promotes their growth.

Legumes and beans are also good sources of fibre. If you're having trouble deciding, consider the following:

Raspberries

Artichokes

Lentils Broccoli Green peas

Beans

Grain (whole)

Foods that have been fermented

Fermented foods are also beneficial to the microorganisms in your gut. Lactobacilli, a type of bacteria that can help you, are abundant in fermented foods.

Kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, and tempeh are all good examples of nutritious foods. Yogurt that is plain and natural can also help with gut health. Simply avoid the high-sugar flavoured yoghurts.

More Healthful Eating Habits

There are other strategies to promote gut health through your diet besides eating a varied range of foods. Here are a few examples:

Limit your intake of artificial sweeteners.

Prebiotic foods should be consumed.

Consume entire grains.

Eat a plant-based diet.

Polyphenol-rich foods should be consumed.