Ageing is a progressive lack of homeostasis, impaired perform, cognitive decline and vulnerability to dying as a result of persistent, infectious, metabolic and neoplastic ailments therefore, ageing gracefully is about extra than simply having younger-looking skin. It encompasses the intricate processes that have an effect on all our organs, muscular tissues, cells and every thing that constitutes our being.

In this context, a significant participant emerges – our gut microbiota. In easy phrases, this refers back to the meeting of microscopic inhabitants in our gastrointestinal tract.

The Gut Microbiota and Ageing

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Debojyoti Dhar, Co-Founder and Director at Leucine Rich Bio, defined, “The gut microbiota, comprised of many microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, plays a pivotal role in various aspects of our health. Beyond aiding digestion and nutrient absorption, it significantly influences our immune system. As we journey through life, our gut microbiota evolves, with its composition subject to changes.”

She elaborated, “These alterations can be influenced by a multitude of factors, such as dietary habits, medication use, and lifestyle choices. When the balance of the gut microbiota is disrupted, it can give rise to a state of dysbiosis, where disease-causing microorganisms can outnumber the beneficial ones. In fact, unhealthy ageing leads to consistent increase of pathobionts such as Eggerthella, Fusobacteria, Streptococcus etc. Such an imbalance can contribute to inflammageing and age-related diseases.”

Understanding Inflammageing

Dr Debojyoti Dhar shared, “Inflammageing is the phenomenon of chronic, low-grade inflammation that ensues in our bodies with advanced age, contributing to a wide range of age-related diseases. It is not just a matter of external appearances but a profound internal process. Inflammageing fuels conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, and metabolic ailments, including type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it can accelerate the ageing process itself by promoting the deterioration of tissues and cells, culminating in wrinkles, frailty and a reduced quality of life.”

The Gut Microbiota’s Role in Inflammageing

Highlighting that the connection between our intestine microbiota and inflammageing is more and more evident, Dr Debojyoti Dhar stated, “Dysbiosis in the gut can lead to the release of pro-inflammatory molecules that may infiltrate the bloodstream, further perpetuating systemic inflammation. Furthermore, a compromised gut barrier function can facilitate the leakage of harmful substances into the bloodstream, thus intensifying inflammation. All in all, an imbalanced gut microbiota can set the stage for inflammageing and age-related diseases.”

Keep Tabs on Your Gut Microbiota

According to Dr Debojyoti Dhar, the excellent news is that you would be able to exert management over your intestine microbiota to help wholesome ageing. She advised the next actionable steps to think about –

• Dietary Choices: Your weight-reduction plan exerts a profound affect in your intestine microbiota. The consumption of a rainbow of plant-based meals, comparable to fruits, veggies, complete grains, and legumes, can encourage the expansion of useful intestine micro organism. Additionally, incorporating fermented meals like yoghurt, kefir, and sauerkraut can introduce probiotics that help intestine well being.
• Prebiotics: Prebiotics, present in meals like garlic, onions, and bananas, are non-digestible fibres that function nourishment for the useful microorganisms in your intestine. Including these in your weight-reduction plan can bolster the inhabitants of “good” micro organism.
• Microbiome Profiling: One of the best methods to grasp your intestine microbiota is thru microbiome profiling comparable to that supplied by Viome (US) and BugSpeaks (India). This entails the great evaluation of the composition of your intestine microorganisms by next-generation sequencing to pinpoint any imbalances or dysbiosis. Based on this data, you can also make knowledgeable selections about dietary and way of life adjustments to advertise a more healthy intestine.
• Probiotic Supplements: In particular circumstances, probiotic dietary supplements could also be useful, significantly if in case you have well being situations that necessitate wholesome microbiota help. It is, nonetheless, important to seek the advice of with a healthcare skilled earlier than incorporating dietary supplements into your routine.
• Lifestyle Choices: Reducing stress, participating in common train, and making certain sufficient sleep can have a constructive influence in your intestine microbiota and general well being. Chronic stress, particularly, can disrupt the steadiness of your intestine micro organism, underscoring the significance of efficient stress administration strategies.

Dr Debojyoti Dhar concluded, “The concept of inflammageing has highlighted the significance of addressing chronic inflammation as we age. While genetics play a role, our gut microbiota is a key player in this process. By taking charge of your gut microbiota through dietary choices, prebiotics, microbiome profiling, and lifestyle changes, you can better support healthy ageing and potentially reduce the risk of age-related diseases.”