Immune function declines with age, and this decline is said to be largely influenced by the composition of a person’s gut microbiota. The gut microbiota protects the digestive system from external pathogens by modulating immune responses. However, aging reduces the diversity of the gut microbiota, and this leads to unfavorable conditions, such as frailty, increased susceptibility to … Continue reading Researchers look at the benefits of probiotic supplementation in elderly
Probiotics improve cellular immune function in elderly
Published in the journal Nutrition Research, this study evaluated the effect of probiotic supplementation on the cellular innate activity of healthy elderly participants. All experiments were conducted by researchers from Finland and the US. Immune function declines with age, but scientists believe that probiotic supplementation can slow or reverse age-related changes.The researchers hypothesized that probiotic supplementation could enhance immune … Continue reading Probiotics improve cellular immune function in elderly
Is a healthier gut microbiome the master key to longevity?
Researchers now believe that boosting the health of the gut microbiome may be the secret to living healthier in old age. In a study published in the journal Nature Communications, researchers looked at how fecal transplantation from young mice to older ones stimulated the gut microbiome and revived the gut’s immune system. The gut, more so than many other internal … Continue reading Is a healthier gut microbiome the master key to longevity?
Study: Fasting lowers the likelihood of insulin resistance caused by obesity
People struggling with obesity and its complications could benefit from fasting. A study presented at the recently concluded Digestive Disease Week, an exhibit sponsored by the American Gastroenterological Association and other groups, revealed that a month of fasting can increase levels of proteins that protect against the adverse effects of diets high in added sugar and unhealthy fats. It can even … Continue reading Study: Fasting lowers the likelihood of insulin resistance caused by obesity
Cordyceps: A strange fungi packed with a lot of health benefits
When it comes to fungi, people often imagine a mushroom. Indeed, the common mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is a fungus known the world over. But it’s worth noting that other types of fungi exist, with some being a little more bizarre than the average crimini or portobello scattered on pizzas and in salads. Take the Cordyceps genus, for example. … Continue reading Cordyceps: A strange fungi packed with a lot of health benefits
Cordyceps mushrooms found to protect from allergens
Cordyceps is a genus of club-shaped parasitic fungi that are known to kill underground insects and arthropods. The most widely collected of these mushrooms is Cordyceps militaris, which is known for mummifying insects and using them as sources of biomass to produce spores. In a recent study published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, researchers from Southern Taiwan University of Science and … Continue reading Cordyceps mushrooms found to protect from allergens
Don’t be lazy: A quick, brisk walk every day can stave off disability in later life
Regular physical exercise offers many health benefits. But even something as simple as 10 minutes of brisk walking daily can help prevent disability in older adults with arthritis pain. According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine,brisk walking can also help lower their risk of suffering from pain or stiffness in the knee, hip, ankle or … Continue reading Don’t be lazy: A quick, brisk walk every day can stave off disability in later life
Quercetin, a flavonoid found in many foods, has anti-aging and anti-cancer properties
Many plants, including fruits and vegetables, are known for their medicinal properties. These properties come from active compounds called metabolites that plants produce either through metabolism or to aid in that process. Plant metabolites exhibit different activities; while some are able to fight inflammation or kill microbes, others can effectively halt oxidation and delay cellular aging. According to … Continue reading Quercetin, a flavonoid found in many foods, has anti-aging and anti-cancer properties
Could a simple vitamin be an anti-aging tool?
Many factors contribute to the aging process. In particular, oxidative damage is said to be the leading cause of aging. However, scientists may have just found a way to slow down aging. In a research published in the journal Nature Communications, researchers found that niacinamide or vitamin B3 can protect against oxidative damage and delay the onset … Continue reading Could a simple vitamin be an anti-aging tool?
Epigenetic Clock Destines Some to Age Faster Regardless of Lifestyle
Certain people will age quicker and die sooner, even if they keep their body healthy, suggests a largescale analysis by UCLA scientists. Regardless of how well you take care of yourself, an accelerated internal epigenetic clock may lead to an earlier death for some. Researchers assessed data from over 13,000 individuals, measuring levels of DNA … Continue reading Epigenetic Clock Destines Some to Age Faster Regardless of Lifestyle
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 