Humans may have finally discovered the secret to living long and healthy lives hidden within our intestines.
Scientists at the University of Copenhagen (Denmark) studied 176 healthy Japanese individuals over the age of 100 and found that all of them had a specific combination of bacteria and viruses in their digestive systems.
The research indicates that certain viruses may be beneficial for the gut microbiome, and therefore advantageous for our health.
Gut bacteria produce entirely new molecules that help combat pathogenic microorganisms. (Image source: Shutterstock).
While it is not possible to alter human genetic predispositions, researchers speculate that they can change a person’s gut microbiome to help them live longer.
The study’s lead author, Joachim Johansen, stated: “We have always wanted to understand why some people live very long lives.”
The research revealed that the gut bacteria of centenarians in Japan produce entirely new molecules that help them resist pathogenic microorganisms. If their intestines are better protected from infections, that may be one of the factors contributing to their longer life spans compared to others.
The Danish research team developed an algorithm to map the bacteria and viruses in the intestines of centenarians. These results were then compared with a group of adults aged 18 to 60.
Johansen noted that the research team found remarkable diversity in both bacteria and viruses among individuals over 100 years old.
He explained: “Microbial diversity is often associated with a healthy gut microbiome. We hope that individuals with a healthy gut microbiome will be better protected against age-related diseases.”
This researcher added that these findings could be applied to increase longevity in others by designing specific microbiomes to achieve an optimal balance between viruses and bacteria to protect against diseases.
The viruses in the intestines of the 176 centenarians in Japan also contained genes that could enhance bacterial function, promoting the transformation of specific molecules in the gut, potentially stabilizing the gut microbiome and combating inflammation.
Notably, the study indicated that these centenarians had a higher abundance of sulfate-reducing bacteria, which may support the integrity of the mucosal lining and the ability to fend off pathogens.
The integrity of the mucosal lining refers to the healing capacity of the digestive tract, the pathway from the mouth to the anus.
