Humans have always been fascinated by the idea of eternal youth. This fascination is evident in literature, art, mythology, and the beauty industry. Legends and myths of the “fountain of youth” or other sources of everlasting youth have captured our imagination throughout history.
In modern times, the beauty industry markets products with claims of “age-defying” effects. However, it’s critical to recognize that aging is a natural process that cannot be entirely prevented or reversed.
But how do some individuals manage to live to be 100 years old or even older?
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen’s Novo Nordisk Foundation Center may have found the key to eternal youth. They achieved this by unraveling the secrets of centenarians and their gut microbiome.
In their study of 176 healthy Japanese centenarians, researchers discovered that the combination of intestinal bacteria and bacterial viruses of these people is quite unique as compared to others.
The researchers explained that the presence of a diverse gut microbiome in these centenarians meant these centenarians had new, protective bacterial viruses protecting against age-related diseases, contributing to their longevity.
A high level of microbial diversity is typically linked to a healthy gut microbiome and greater protection against age-related diseases.
In recent years, gut health has gained significant attention and has become a prominent topic in the wellness community due to research highlighting its impact on not just digestion but also mood, metabolism, and immune system function.
Researchers added that further research is required to fully comprehend the intestinal flora of centenarians to develop strategies to extend the lifespan of other people.
