Bacteria found in the human gut, which one prominent expert has dubbed the "Four Horsemen of Longevity," may help people reach 100 years of age.
Harvard University physician and scientist Dr. William Li was recently invited to a podcast where he discussed how bacteria living in the digestive system may contribute to so-called “super-aging” – people living to be 100 years old and beyond.
He also discovered the types of foods that cultivate these bacteria in the body, potentially offering anyone who consumes them a boost to longevity.
Speaking on the “Dhru Purohit Show” podcast, Dr. Li mentioned a study in Italy that analyzed gut bacteria in volunteers, the oldest of whom had reached the age of 114.
These bacteria are part of the gut microbiome, an ecosystem of microorganisms that live in the digestive system and are vital for a range of bodily processes – from aiding digestion, to fighting infections, to stabilizing mental health.
Dr. Li said the researchers found four types of bacteria that were particularly abundant in the guts of people who had reached this age.
"These bacteria – Odoribacter, Oscillobacter, Christensenella and Akkermansia – are so prevalent in these people that there must be something going on," he said, reports GazetaExpress.
Although bacteria have not been proven to increase lifespan, Dr. Li said there are several ways in which they are known to improve overall health.
“We don't know all of their functions, but we know that some of them, like Odoribacter, improve your immune system against E. coli and other bacteria that can threaten you as you age,” he said.
He even mentioned that there are suggestions that Odoribacter may also protect against cancer, although this is still being studied.
Studies from Japan have also found that the Odoribacteraceae family of bacteria, which Odoribacter belongs to, helps increase longevity.
Dr. Li described Oscillobacter as “Nature’s Statin,” as it helps lower bad cholesterol while simultaneously improving good cholesterol, and protecting heart health.
He added that Oscillobacter helps the body become more sensitive to insulin, which may be important for longevity when combined with a healthy diet.
Akkermansia, according to him, is associated with a number of health benefits, including:
Reducing inflammation,
Improving metabolic health,
Fighting cancer,
Protecting brain health and mental abilities.
As for Christensenella, research suggests that it supports a healthy metabolism, helping to prevent disorders such as diabetes, obesity, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Regarding foods that help cultivate these bacteria, Dr. Li mentioned:
For Akkermansia: Pomegranates, dried cranberries, concord grapes, chili peppers, black raspberries, and Chinese black vinegar.
For the other three bacteria: He recommended storing cooked carbohydrates, like rice, potatoes, and pasta, in the refrigerator overnight to convert them into the resistant starch that microorganisms need to thrive.
He explained that the cooling process causes a reaction in foods, making them slower to digest and helping to grow beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.
Dr. Li added that these bacteria can only have a significant impact if they are cultivated throughout life, noting that people who start cultivating them in their 70s are unlikely to experience a large increase in their lifespan.
Scientists believe that a healthy microbiome helps the body in two ways:
By producing chemicals that improve bodily functions, such as immunity, brain function, and hormones.
By competing with harmful microorganisms and preventing them from harming our health.
According to the latest figures, there are around 15,000 people over 100 in England and Wales, the majority of whom, around four in five, are women.
While the number of people living past 100 has increased over time, they still only make up about 0.02% of the population.
Scientists are still exploring the combination of factors such as genetics, lifestyle and microbiome composition that influence overall lifespan. /GazetaExpress/
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