Is good gut health the secret to healthy ageing? Scientists explain

By MiNDFOOD

Is good gut health the secret to healthy ageing? Scientists explain
A first-of-its-kind study has explored the connection between gut bacteria and diseases associated with ageing.

A new study has explored the connection between gut health and common health conditions associated with ageing.

Researchers from the European Society of Cardiology analysed the relationship between gut bacteria and health conditions like high blood pressure, high blood lipids and body mass index.

While many other studies have looked at these connections at an individual level, the study is the first of its kind to investigate the link between gut health and the wide range of diseases commonly associated with ageing.

The study looked at 422,417 individuals in the UK Biobank who had undergone genotyping to understand their genetic make-up. The researchers found that people who had higher levels of eleven key bacteria were associated with 28 health and disease outcomes.

Some of the diseases included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atopy (a genetic tendency of allergic diseases like asthma and eczema) and high blood pressure.

The study’s author, Dr Hilde Groot says the study demonstrates the important role gut microbiota plays in common diseases.

“Our study indicates that microbiota might have an important role in maintaining health and could help us develop novel treatments,” she said.

“Considering that the results were observed in one cohort, this cautiously supports the notion that microbiota and the substances they produce (called metabolites) provide links between numerous diseases and conditions.

Dr Groot says the findings may help identify common pathways, however, more research would need to be done to validate the research.

“Follow-up studies are required to study causality before giving concrete advice to the public and health professionals. This study provides clues where to go.”

READ MORE: 5 things that can ruin your gut health.

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