Microscopic life forms within humans could potentially unlock the secrets to human longevity, according to researchers.
In the realm of science reporting, Emma Frederickson, a former freelance reporter with a knack for covering topics like climate change, conspiracy theories, and weird biology, has now taken on the role of an editor. Her latest focus is on the intriguing connection between our gut microbiome and longevity.
Recent studies, such as one published in Nature Metabolism, suggest that a more diverse gut microbiome could lead to healthier, longer living individuals. This diversity, researchers believe, could be a key factor in promoting good health and extending lifespan.
However, the connection between the gut microbiome and longevity is not as straightforward as it may seem. Dr. Freedberg, a researcher in this field, explains that while the microbiome may not be a fountain of youth, it doesn't mean our lifespan is completely out of our control.
One unique approach to manipulating the gut microbiome is through fecal transplants. In this procedure, patients receive stool from a donor who hasn't taken antibiotics and doesn't have a gut infection. The beneficial bacteria from the healthy stool then becomes a part of the patient's own microbiome, eventually dominating the bad bacteria. Dr. Freedberg suggests that this method could be used as a unique solution to fight off C. diff infections.
Researchers like Dr. Freedberg hope to eventually mimic the formula for a healthy microbiome and grow the bacteria, rather than relying on a donor. This could potentially open up new avenues for treating various health conditions.
One fascinating case study involves Maria Branyas Morera, a supercentenarian who died at the age of 117 years and 168 days. The team from the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute in Spain studied Branyas' long life and found genetic factors that may have contributed to her healthy aging. Branyas, who consumed around three yogurts a day, is believed to have encouraged healthy bacteria growth through her diet.
The researchers also suggested that Branyas' lifestyle choices, including her favourite snack, may have also played a role in her longevity. Her cells behaved younger than her chronological age, she had genetic mutations that staved off cancers, and she had a highly efficient metabolism.
Another 2021 study, also published in Nature Metabolism, claims that the state of the gut microbiome can be predictive of a person's survival. Those with less microbiome uniqueness used more medications and were more likely to die during the study period, while those who showed increasing uniqueness were more mobile than their peers.
It's important to note that while probiotics may have less extreme effects on healthy humans compared to the power of good bacteria in the gut microbiome, they are only known to notably improve a handful of conditions, including pouchitis, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and possibly health in preterm infants.
Factors like cardiovascular health, being a healthy weight, having a good strong heart, not smoking, and not drinking excessively are more important in longevity, according to Dr. Freedberg.
A 2021 study from a team at Stanford found that diets rich in fermented foods increase bacterial diversity. This could potentially have a positive impact on our gut microbiome and, by extension, our health and longevity.
The gut microbiome, which refers to all the non-human microbes living in your digestive tract and the things they produce, includes everything from the mouth to the anus. Understanding and harnessing the power of this complex ecosystem could pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in medicine and health.
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