Your dietary changes may be linked to how you age, according to new research. Studies show that their diet and the microorganisms living within their gut determined the health of elderly people.
Older people can experience extremely different rates of aging based upon factors including what they eat on a daily basis and their gut bacteria.
Although our dietary choices seem to be a common theme to living a long and healthy life, many of us do not take our gut health into consideration. These studies indicate that the microbiota living in our guts can contribute to obesity and possibly brain health.
To investigate the variation of health between younger and older people, researchers conducted an in-depth study on 178 elderly people without taking their genetics and any previous conditions into account. The gut microbiota of these individuals indicated that their intestinal flora varied depending on where they lived and their general overall health. Those living in long-term assisted-living communities were found to be frailer than those in independent communities. This difference can be contributed to the ways in which individuals eat when moving from community to long-term care.
Researchers compared these findings to a study conducted in 2011 where diets high in fats and animal proteins were examined. Those people who ate less of these food products and more carbohydrates and plant-based foods had a different assortment of bacteria in their digestive tract.
It was determined that what we put in our body could ultimately lead to us living a longer life. If the microbiota in our gut is working effectively and efficiently, while synthesizing vitamins and helping to promote metabolism, our bodies can more easily combat frailty.
These studies also lead professionals to believe that altered gut bacteria in elderly people could impact on cognitive function and mood. Despite all, your gut plays a major role in your health and lifestyle. Your chances of living longer are on the rise!
– The Alternative Daily