What is the relationship between different gut microbiome (gastrointestinal microbiota) types and their impact on the aging process?

From the Guidelines

The most beneficial gut microbiome type for healthy aging is one rich in Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which can be promoted through a diet high in fiber, diverse plant foods, and fermented foods, as supported by recent research 1.

Key Findings

• A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports a diverse gut microbiota, which is essential for healthy aging 1.
• Increasing fiber intake through foods like whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables promotes regular bowel movements, supports gut health, and feeds beneficial gut bacteria 1.
• Consuming probiotic and prebiotic foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, garlic, onions, bananas, and asparagus, provides nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria and supports gut health 1.
• Limiting processed foods and added sugars is crucial, as they can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and contribute to inflammation 1.

Gut Microbiome Composition

• The gut microbiome composition significantly impacts aging processes, with distinct gut types or enterotypes characterized by different dominant bacterial species 1.
• Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii are beneficial bacteria that strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote good digestion 1.
• Akkermansia muciniphila is essential for preserving gut health, reducing inflammation, and improving gut barrier function 1.

Dietary Recommendations

• Consuming diverse plant foods (aim for 30+ different types weekly) and including fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi can help maintain gut diversity and function 1.
• Limiting processed foods and artificial sweeteners is essential for promoting beneficial bacteria and reducing inflammation 1.
• Considering intermittent fasting may enhance gut barrier function and support healthy aging 1.

Gut-Brain Axis

• The gut-brain axis is a mutually beneficial interaction between the gut bacteria, the gut, and the brain, with the gut microbiota affecting the brain and behavior through neurotransmitter synthesis, inflammation control, and immune system modulation 1.
• A healthy gut microbiome may support cognitive function during aging, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced gut microbiota throughout life 1.

From the Research

Relationship Between Gut Microbiome and Aging

The relationship between different gut microbiome types and their impact on the aging process is complex and influenced by various factors.

• The gut microbiota composition can be altered by lifestyle, diet, antibiotic therapies, and other stress conditions, which may lead to acute and chronic disorders 2.
• Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, can be administered for the prevention or treatment of some disorders, including lactose malabsorption, acute diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease 2, 3.
• The health claims of probiotics range from regulating bowel activity and increasing well-being to exerting antagonistic effects on gastroenteric pathogens and lowering serum cholesterol 3.

Impact of Probiotics on Gut Microbiome

Probiotics can affect the health condition in the intestine by producing organic acid, competing with pathogens, and maintaining cell homeostasis.

• A probiotic cocktail comprising Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains can modulate the expression of gap junctions dysregulated by intestinal pathogens, leading to the modulation of homeostasis and reduction of inflammation symptoms in the intestine 4.
• The administration of live combined Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Enterococcus can improve irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and alter the gastrointestinal flora 5.
• Probiotics such as Bifidobacterium lactis M8 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus M9 can prevent high blood pressure via modulating the gut microbiota composition and host metabolic products 6.

Mechanisms of Probiotics

The mechanisms of probiotics involve:

• Producing antimicrobial substances with activity against gastric and intestinal pathogens 3.
• Competing for cell surface and mucin binding sites, which can inhibit the translocation of bacteria from the gut to the liver 3.
• Enhancing the immune system of the host, which can lead to a protective effect against cancer development 3.
• Modulating the inflammatory status of systemic-miming cell lines in vitro 2.