{"id":74163,"date":"2025-01-27T03:51:21","date_gmt":"2025-01-27T11:51:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/?p=74163"},"modified":"2025-01-27T03:51:22","modified_gmt":"2025-01-27T11:51:22","slug":"gut-health-and-longevity-what-your-microbiome-says-about-how-long-youll-live","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/blog\/gut-health-and-longevity-what-your-microbiome-says-about-how-long-youll-live\/","title":{"rendered":"Gut Health and Longevity: What Your Microbiome Says About How Long You\u2019ll Live"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve ever had a gut feeling about longevity, you\u2019re not far off. That\u2019s because gut health is a critical component of healthy aging<\/strong> and lengthened lifespans<\/strong>. The gut microbiome<\/strong> has a profound influence on the immune system. It also affects inflammation which when it becomes chronic can lead to a wide variety of diseases as we get older. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having a healthy gut requires some lifestyle adjustments. But making these changes can not only reverse aging<\/strong> but improve how you feel. Here\u2019s how to achieve a diverse gut microbiome<\/strong> and extend your longevity<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growing Older While Growing a Healthy Gut<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By 2055, there will be 1.5 billion people worldwide over the age of 65 – twice as many as today. That\u2019s one reason healthy aging<\/strong> and longevity<\/strong> is such a popular topic. Yet it\u2019s not about miracle drugs or the right mix of supplements. Because looking at healthy agers reveals that far more than genetics, their lifestyles often determine not only how long they live but how well. In fact genetics accounts for just 20% of longevity<\/strong>. That rest is determined by the choices we make. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aging is a complex but clearly defined process. In one study, the author concluded that, \u201cThere is compelling evidence that aging is not an exclusively cell biological phenomenon and that it is coupled to a general alteration in intercellular communication, offering opportunities to modulate aging at this level.\u201d The way our cells communicate and how this breaks down over time means that there are issues that can be addressed – even methods to reverse aging<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, the idea that chronological age is less important than biological age<\/strong> has gained support. Simply put, biological age is the age of your cells. It\u2019s often a direct result of lifestyle choices including diet, exercise, coping well with stress, and getting sufficient sleep. One of the areas most tied to healthy aging<\/strong> and longevity<\/strong> is gut health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a tiny, diverse community dwelling inside your stomach. It consists of trillions of microorganisms including viruses and fungi but mainly bacteria. Located in a part of the large intestine called the cecum, this \u201cgut microbiome<\/strong>\u201d primarily transforms food into fuel. However, its health has implications for everything from a well-functioning immune system to cardiovascular disease. Individual\u2019s gut microbiomes <\/strong>are unique – influenced by everything from diet to stress levels to the environment. They evolve to meet our needs. The ones that change the most over a lifetime and have the highest diversity tend to belong to the healthiest among us. In fact, the gut microbiomes<\/strong> of healthy agers over 100 have common, familiar characteristics including the fact that they resemble the gut microbiomes<\/strong> of far younger people and have a greater quantity of beneficial, probiotic bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the effects of gastrointestinal microorganisms on the body have been studied since long before microorganisms were even identified, the word \u201cmicrobiome\u201d was coined less than 25 years ago by Joshua Lederberg. He used it \u201cto signify the ecological community of commensal, symbiotic, and pathogenic microorganisms that literally share our body space and have been all but ignored as determinants of health and disease.\u201d Shortly after the human genome project finished its work sequencing the complete set of human genes, a new project developed to create a full inventory of microbial genes and genomes in four microbial colonization sites in the human body including that of the gut microbiome<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cataloging the trillions of microorganisms who make up the gut microbiome\u2019s complex community, the project identified not just bacteria but protozoans, fungi, non-living viruses and many other residents of our gastrointestinal tracts. Today the connection between the gut microbiome<\/strong> and inflammation is a source of extensive longevity research<\/strong>. While beneficial as a short-term response to injury or infection, when inflammation becomes chronic and doesn\u2019t abate it can lead to all sorts of health problems including some cancers. Reducing inflammation often means improving your gut health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diet is a primary driver of this. The bacterium dwelling in the gut microbiome do best on a healthy collection of dark, leafy greens like spinach salad, fruits, bean, peas, and other legumes along with whole grains including brown rice and whole wheat products. “Those foods contain fiber,\u201d explains April Pawluk, strategic program manager at the Harvard Chan Microbiome in Public Health Center. \u201cOur bodies don’t break down fiber for food; fiber passes through to the gut and microbes feed on it. It gives them a good environment to grow.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand a diet heavy in processed foods filled with added sugar and salt leaves those same microbes practically starving. “In the absence of diversity-promoting nutrients like fiber in our diets, the genes of our gut microbiome can produce chemicals that could increase our risk for developing different diseases,” points out Pawluk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This chemical reaction can shorten your lifespan<\/strong>. Anyone concerned about lowering their biological age, reverse aging and improving overall health can start with a simple at-home blood test<\/a>. While many companies charge hundreds of dollars for similar tests, Kyla\u2019s is just $99. The cost may even be covered by your insurance. Start by taking a short quiz so you can choose the best test<\/a>. After ordering, you\u2019ll receive the testing kit along with instructions for sample collection in just a few days. Collect a few drops of blood and mail your sample back to our labs postage free.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Soon, you\u2019ll receive detailed results. You\u2019ll learn if there were inflammation markers in your blood – a warning sign for elevated cancer risk. You\u2019ll discover the current state of your hormonal and cardiovascular health along with how well your liver is functioning. There will be information about vitamin and mineral deficiencies. You can even discover your brain health risks and make changes to your lifestyle that will support cognitive function and overall well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best of all, by downloading the Kyla app<\/a> you\u2019ll be able to enjoy a brand new, cutting edge feature. While there may not be a biological age test<\/strong>, using data driven analytics and your test results the Kyla app can estimate your biological age<\/strong>. It can even tell you your expected lifetime duration.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, this number isn\u2019t set in stone. You\u2019re in control. So if you’re worried about your biological age <\/strong>and want to lengthen your lifespan<\/strong>, there are things you can do. It\u2019s even possible to reverse aging <\/strong>by making some simple lifestyle changes. Using graphs on the app, you\u2019ll be able to visualize your progress. And by consulting with a Kyla doctor,<\/a> you\u2019ll learn how to lengthen your lifespan<\/strong>. That means you will be making the first steps to a healthy gut and increased longevity.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extending The Lifespan of Gut Bacteria <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One effect on longevity<\/strong> is the way bacteria in the gut microbiome<\/strong> changes, Many beneficial bacteria which are vital to healthy aging<\/strong> begin to decline like Bifidobacterium which as one study notes \u201cconfer positive health benefits to their host via their metabolic activities.\u201d The key to increasing their population is through plant-derived carbohydrates and probiotics which can stimulate the growth of some bifidobacterial species. Probiotics found in foods like yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso soup, kombucha, and pickles contain living microorganisms that can benefit the consumer when they are eaten in sufficient quantities. Probiotic supplements are also an option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other helpful bacteria that often decline as we get older include the Lactobacillus species which conveys similar benefits. Meanwhile potentially pathogenic microorganisms multiply. Often diets high in processed foods increase the gut\u2019s permeability, causing leakage of these pathogens and subsequent chronic inflammation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why taking control of one’s diet is so important.  Along with consistent consumption of fiber and complex carbohydrates, adding probiotic rich food to your meals can make a real difference in the composition of your gut microbiome<\/strong>. Improving your gut health can deliver not just a longer lifespan<\/strong> but a longer healthspan. Increasingly doctors are focusing on this as a sign of healthy aging<\/strong>. Healthspan are the years you enjoy a disease-free life. Because after all, extending your life expectancy isn\u2019t very valuable if it’s time spent battling a chronic condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why Kyla<\/a> is so focused on programs that can actually reverse aging<\/strong> and lengthen longevity<\/strong> while improving your overall good health. One important step is to actively reduce biological age<\/strong> which in the future could lead toward achieving age escape velocity<\/a>. This is when your efforts at combating aging and disease will add more than a year of lifespan<\/strong> for every year you\u2019re alive.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you take control by improving your gut health and testing for numerous conditions that can reduce longevity, <\/strong>you will extend your healthspan. The Kyla app<\/a> allows you to take proactive steps to reduce the effects of aging. it also empowers its users to take a data-driven approach to improving their health, potentially enhancing longevity and well-being through personalized insights. So download the Kyla App today<\/a> and start improving your gut health as you embrace longevity<\/strong>-extending habits.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sources<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. L\u00f3pez-Ot\u00edn, Carlos et al. \u201cThe hallmarks of aging.\u201d Cell. November 21, 2013. https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3836174\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Saura, C. Sahu. et all. \u201cThe Human Microbiome: History and Future,\u201d Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences. October 24, 2020. https:\/\/journals.library.ualberta.ca\/jpps\/index.php\/JPPS\/article\/download\/31525\/21588\/83781<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. \u201cTypical Intestinal Bacteria,\u201d Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. https:\/\/www.otsuka.co.jp\/en\/health-and-illness\/fiber\/for-body\/intestinal-flora<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Velasquez, Manuel T et al. \u201cTrimethylamine N-Oxide: The Good, the Bad and the Unknown.\u201d Toxins November 8, 2016. https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5127123\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Goldman, Heidi. \u201cHealthy gut, healthier aging,\u201d Healthline. July 18, 2023. https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/staying-healthy\/healthy-gut-healthier-aging<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Ruairi, Robertson.  PhD. \u201cHow Does Your Gut Microbiome Impact Your Overall Health?\u201d Healthline. April 3, 2023. https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/gut-microbiome-and-health<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. \u201cImmune System: What Does Your Gut Microbiome Do?\u201d Cleveland Clinic. https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/25201-gut-microbiome<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Dix, Megan Dix, RN, BSN and Erika Klein. \u201cSigns of an Unhealthy Gut and What to Do About It,\u201d Healthline. January 29, 2024. https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/gut-health#gut-microbiome<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. \u201cHow To Pick the Best Probiotic,\u201d Cleveland Clinic. October 12, 2022. https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/how-to-pick-the-best-probiotic-for-you<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. John, G.K., Mullin, G.E. \u201cThe Gut Microbiome and Obesity.\u201d Current Oncology. June 2, 2016. https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s11912-016-0528-7<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. Ridaura, Vanessa K et al. \u201cGut microbiota from twins discordant for obesity modulate metabolism in mice.\u201d Science (New York, N.Y.) September 6, 2016. https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3829625\/ <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. Xiong, Ruo-Gu et al. \u201cThe Role of Gut Microbiota in Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Disorders as Well as the Protective Effects of Dietary Components.\u201d Nutrients July 23, 2023. https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10384867<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  13. Oliero, Manon. \u201cUnderstanding the gut microbiota\u2019s impact on longevity,\u201d Gut Microbiota For Health. March 27, 2024 https:\/\/www.gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com\/understanding-the-gut-microbiotas-impact-on-longevity\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  14. O’Callaghan, Amy, and Douwe van Sinderen. \u201cBifidobacteria and Their Role as Members of the Human Gut Microbiota.\u201d Frontiers in Microbiology. June 15, 2016, https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4908950\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  15. Pang, S., Chen, X., Lu, Z. et al. \u201cLongevity of centenarians is reflected by the gut microbiome with youth-associated signatures,\u201d Nature Aging. April 6, 2023. https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s43587-023-00389-y<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  16. Dempsey, Elaine, and Sin\u00e9ad C Corr. \u201cLactobacillus spp. for Gastrointestinal Health: Current and Future Perspectives.\u201d Frontiers in Immunology. April 6, 2022. https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9019120\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  17. \u201cWhat are probiotics?\u201d Cleveland Clinic. October 30, 2023. https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/treatments\/14598-probiotics<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    If you\u2019ve ever had a gut feeling about longevity, you\u2019re not far off. That\u2019s because gut health is a critical component of healthy aging and lengthened lifespans. The gut microbiome has a profound influence on the immune system. It also affects inflammation which when it becomes chronic can lead to a wide variety of diseases […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":71840,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[{"id":518,"name":"Gut Health","slug":"gut-health","link":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/blog\/category\/gut-health\/"}],"tags":[517],"featured_image_url":"https:\/\/s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/kyla.com-wordpress\/p\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/02024045\/shutterstock_2442519635-1-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74163"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=74163"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74163\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":74164,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74163\/revisions\/74164"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/71840"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=74163"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=74163"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=74163"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}