Our great gut microbiome (the entirety of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in our intestinal tract) has a direct impact on many aspects of health, including exercise, weight, and digestion. But can these abundant, beneficial bacteria even play a role in how long we live?

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As we age, gut bacteria change in the microbiome — the beneficial bacteria that live in the digestive system and help digest and absorb the nutrients in food — lose diversity. The diversity of intestinal bacteria makes it possible to maintain a robust digestive system and a healthy immune system. The loss of the diversity of intestinal bacteria means that we become more susceptible to diseases and ailments as we age.

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Why is immunity linked to gut health?

Most bacteria and viruses enter the body by inhaling, ingested with food, or entering through the eyes or nose. When these bacteria, pathogens, or viruses are harmful, they can stress and weaken the body. However, a healthy microbiome will be able to defend itself against these invaders. That's why it's important to eat healthily to maintain a strong gut microbiome.

The nature of our gut bacteria also influences brain health, which can affect mood and memory. The quality of digestive microbes and intestinal bacteria helps determine how efficiently nutrients can be broken down and absorbed.

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However, new findings about intestinal microbes suggest that the composition of intestinal bacteria could even influence life expectancy.

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Since research suggests that intestinal bacteria influence the aging process, changing the gut microbiome with better, beneficial bacteria could prevent the onset of age-related diseases.

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It is known that the quality of intestinal bacteria changes with increasing age. But is it possible to “improve” the bacterial population? Fascinating new studies have shown that transplanting intestinal bacteria from a young killifish (a type of small fish) into an older killifish has drastically extended the life span of the older fish. It is not known whether this benefit would also be possible in humans.

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What we do know is that the type and quality of food, as well as the nutritional content of the diet, can affect intestinal bacteria. This new research suggests that if we keep our gut microbiome in order, we can help ourselves age well. How do we do that? Eating a wide range of organic foods, including fermented foods with naturally occurring pre- and probiotics, avoiding hard alcohol, which can break down healthy bacteria, is ideal. Attention should also be paid to a regular fitness program. With the right decisions, gut bacteria can thrive and the microbiome can help live longer and healthier lives.