People have long given up on that quest. fountain of youtha mythical spring that can reverse aging. But for some scientists, the hunt isn’t over, it’s simply been moved elsewhere. Nowadays, the Ponce de Leon couple is researching whether gut microbes hold the secret to aging.

of intestinal microbiota It refers to the vast collection of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses that primarily live in the colon. These microorganisms aid in digestion and produce molecules such as: affect physiological functions and psychology. The composition of the microbiome is influenced by a combination of factorsgenetics, diet, environment, medications, age, and more.

I professor of microbiology He is also the author ofNice to meet you: Genes, bacteria, and the mysterious forces that shape us” explains how the gut microbiome contributes to physical and mental health. Intestinal flora changes with age has begun a study to determine whether the fountain of youth exists right under your nose, in your gut.

Your age is only determined by the number of bacteria in your gut.

The most well-known signs of aging are external changes such as wrinkles and gray hair, but subtle changes also occur deep within the body. The intestinal bacteria of elderly people tend to be less diverse; Increase in bacteria that promote inflammation and other characteristics of aging. Changes in the microbiome across age are so consistent that algorithms can reliably predict a person’s health status. Age based on microbiome composition.

There are exceptions to this rule. Elderly people and supercentenarians who age well have a gut microbiome. more similar to younger people. These findings show that A youthful microbiome promotes healthy aging and longevity.

To confirm that the microbes of youth influence aging, scientists use a technique called . Fecal microbiota transplantation. The procedure involves erasing a person’s current gut microbiome and replacing it with microbes taken from a donor’s feces. Transplantation of microbiota from young to old mice Reversing age-related inflammation For your gut, brain, and eyes. Conversely, transplanting the microbiota from old mice to young mice accelerates these aging parameters. Other studies have shown that the microbiota of young mice change metabolism in a way that reduces Inflammation that accelerates aging.

The evidence that aging is linked to the microbiome is compelling. but, Fecal transplants are not without risks. Approved only as a last resort give severe treatment C. difficile infectious disease. These shortcomings have led researchers to seek safer and more sophisticated ways to cultivate age-friendly microbiomes.

Diet and exercise may slow aging

Proper diet and exercise have long been linked to improved aging and longevity. One way these lifestyle habits can be beneficial is by Effect on intestinal bacteria.

What a person eats, or doesn’t eat, has a clear impact on the gut microbiome. of standard american mealrich in ultra-processed foods that are high in sugar, fat, and salt, and low in nutrients and fiber. deplete the microbiome Diversity emerges within days. Migration to the United States from non-Western countries is also relevant. Loss of gut microbiome diversitypartly due to changes in diet.

lack of dietary fiber That’s a big reason The microbiome adopts a composition associated with the aging process. research in roundworm, rat and rat Fiber supplements have been found to improve overall health and extend lifespan by 20% to 35%. A 2025 study found that increasing the amount of fiber in your diet Women are 37% more likely to age healthily.

fiber function as a prebioticnon-digestible food components that nourish the microbiome. Gut bacteria process fiber into compounds such as: short chain fatty acids Accelerates aging by improving metabolic, brain and immune function while reducing chronic inflammation. Great source of prebiotics Includes most fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.

Certain foods, such as yogurt and kefir, or dietary supplements, probiotics – Live microorganisms that may benefit the gut microbiome. Research on probiotic foods and supplements is mixed and complicated by the different types of bacteria and dosages these products contain. Here are the health benefits of different types of probiotics: Still under research.

physical activity It is also associated with a youthful microbiome. Regular exercise can rebuild your microbiome Symptoms in older adults are similar to those seen in younger adults. One study found that when people between the ages of 50 and 75 completed 24 weeks of cardiovascular and resistance exercise, Your microbiome now has healthier bacteria And their blood had elevated levels of short-chain fatty acids, which are good for aging.

Therapies that manipulate the microbiome

Making healthy lifestyle changes is a non-invasive way to foster a youthful microbiome that may slow aging. Scientists are also researching Treatments that modulate the gut microbiome For better health outcomes.

One of the choices is: postbiotics, inanimate but active compounds Probiotics are produced by microorganisms. For example, a mouse study found that short-chain fatty acid supplements may improve symptoms. heart with aging and lung problems. Similarly, aged mice were given Heat-killed bacteria obtained from a human infant Metabolic dysfunction and inflammation were reduced, and cognitive function also improved.

The microbiome can also be modified by drugs, especially antibiotics. Low doses of oral antibiotics may trigger gut bacteria to release factors that can promote health and aging, such as strengthening the intestinal barrier and reducing inflammation. One such antibiotic, Cephaloridine extends the lifespan of roundworms and rats By promoting the production of intestinal bacteria, colanic acid, anti-aging compound.

bacteriophage, or phageoffers yet another potential way to manipulate the microbiome for health. Phage is highly selective virus It infects and kills certain types of bacteria. Phage is used to treat severe infections From bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Considering what phages can do, Altering the gut microbiome of miceresearchers are studying whether they can be used. Eliminate gut bacteria associated with unhealthy aging.

Aging is a natural process that brings many benefits. Cultivating a healthy microbiome can help people enjoy their golden years to the fullest.