Aqua-SOD Probiotics

BY: CALERIEHEALTH™ NUTRITIONALIST

Does good bacteria in the gut help improve the aging process?

Researchers say that humans are considered to be “meta-organisms” because of the human body containing so many microorganisms. They make up at least half of the total number of cells in the body (Sender R et al, 2016). 

Microorganisms or microflora are tiny little living bacteria that inhabit the body and as a group are called the human microbiome. 

They are mainly found in the gut, but also on the skin and in the mouth and nose. Their main role is to maintain human health by helping to control immune system responses among having other functions. 

It has been shown that the important gut microbiota is associated with aging. In fact, it has been stated that the health of the gut microbiome can predict longevity. 

How do I improve Gut Microflora during the aging process? 

It is suggested as one ages, a diet that contains a large amount of sugary, salty foods, high in fat especially processed foods has a negative effect on the aging gastrointestinal tract and the microflora. Whereas, a plant based diet rich in fruits and vegetables dark in color and high in fiber may increase longevity and improve health. Including beans, seeds and nuts to help protect a healthy gut microbiome are also essential. 

There are supplements that are beneficial such as probiotics, which are live microorganisms that have a beneficial effect on the gut and researchers state that they may help to increase lifespan. Probiotics are naturally found in fermented foods and are available as dietary supplements. Probiotics are identified by a specific strain that has a genus, species and the subspecies. The main microbial organisms that are usually available in probiotic products are Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, Bacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, Enterococcus and Escherichia. 

The benefits of probiotics for aging is that they help to protect against harmful bacteria, enhance the function of the intestinal barrier, provide an immune supporting role and also improves gastrointestinal motility and assistance to the body’s inflammatory response. 

Particular polyphenols found in foods and plants like flaxseed, cereals, soy, vegetables, fruit, chocolate and tea have been shown to be important to the microbiome. It is because of their bioactive metabolites produced by gut bacteria that increases the intestinal bacterial population. 

One essential compound to the body’s microbiome while aging is butyrate, which is produced in the lower intestines and is involved in manufacturing a “pro longevity hormone” called FGF21. There are natural compounds consumed from foods that help to increase butyrate. 

One compound, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) was used in a study to evaluate its effects on the microbiota in the intestines. The study demonstrated that NMN increased the wonderful butyric acid-producing bacteria and other probiotics, while helping to remove harmful bacteria. NMN reduced intestinal mucosal permeability, which helps to protect the intestinal tract. 

In summary, eating a healthy plant based diet and consuming nutrients such as probiotics and NMN to support the microflora may extend lifespan and enrich one’s health. 

For educational purposes only. As with any dietary supplement, if you have a health condition and or take medication, it is wise to check with your healthcare provider prior to intake.

References 

Ayala FR, Bauman C, Cogliati S, et al. Microbial flora, probiotics, Bacillus subtilis and the search for a long and healthy human longevity. Microb Cell. 2017; 4(4): 133–136. 

Badal VD, Vaccariello ED, Murray ER, et al. The gut microbiome, aging, and longevity: systematic review. Nutrients. 2020;12(12):3759. 

Huang P, Jiang A, Wang X, et al. NMN maintains intestinal homeostasis by regulating the gut microbiota. Front Nutr. 2021;8:714604. 

Landete JM, Gaya P, Rodríguez E, et al. Probiotic bacteria for healthier aging: immunomodulation and metabolism of phytoestrogens. Biomed Res Int. 2017;5939818. 

Sender R, Fuchs S, Milo R. Revised estimates for the number of human and bacteria cells in the body. PLoS Biol. 2016;14:e1002533–e1002533. 

Sharma R. Emerging Interrelationship Between the Gut Microbiome and Cellular Senescence in the Context of Aging and Disease: Perspectives and Therapeutic Opportunities. Probiot Antimicrob Prot. 2022;5:1–16. 

Wilmanski T, Diener C, Rappaport N, et al. Gut microbiome pattern reflects healthy ageing and predicts survival in humans. Nat Metab. 2021;3(2):274-286. 

Marine Minerals Aquamin®

Aquamin is a multi-mineral complex that is derived from the red algae Lithothamnion Corallioides. It is rich in magnesium, calcium, manganese, selenium, zinc, etc.

Marine Antioxidants SOD

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an antioxidant enzyme found inside all living cells. (SOD) is part of the body’s first line of defense for the immune system and is key in fighting against free radicals that attack the body.*

Marine Algae Blue Spirulina

Spirulina is a blue-green alga that grows in salt and freshwater. It is one of the most nutrient-dense foods, containing significant amounts of micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.*

BY: CALERIEHEALTH™ NUTRITIONALIST

During the aging process it is known that there is a reduction in muscle mass and for that reason it may cause many of the functional problems in the elderly. Eating a diet rich in nutrients from fruits and vegetables is important to prevent oxidative stress in muscle tissue. A nutrient dense diet along with exercise, protein and possibly a supplement called conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) are important. These things may help muscle strength and function and help to turn back the clock on aging.

Exercise to strengthen muscles

A way to effectively help to reduce muscle mass loss is by increasing physical activity. Exercise contributes to metabolic and cardiovascular benefits, which would include endurance exercise, as well as resistance training, 3 times per week (Phu S et al, 2015). Of course this would be within the limits of a physician’s approval if there are any medical problems. It is aerobic exercise which has a significant effect on sarcopenia through improvement in muscle strength, function and mass (Phu S et al, 2015).

Sarcopenia is a condition where there is loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength and function.

Physical exercise alone or when taking a protein supplement has been shown to be of value to help prevent disability and frailty in older individuals.

Protein powder provides support to muscles

Protein powder with or without resistance training has been studied and demonstrated to help prevent sarcopenia (Liao Y et al, 2019). Soy protein, whey protein, collagen and casein are proteins that have been studied and shown to stimulate muscle protein synthesis.

Probiotics

Sarcopenia has been shown to be associated with reduced gastrointestinal microbiota (good bacteria). Probiotics are available to support the good bacteria in the gut.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

A dietary supplement that has been positioned for weight management is CLA, which is a fatty acid that is not considered essential, therefore it doesn’t need to be consumed from the diet. There is some research that shows it has a positive effect on skeletal muscle in advanced age.

CLA is found in animal products such as beef, milk and other types of meat. Also, it is found in sunflower and safflower oil. A healthier type of beef, which is grass-fed may contain higher amounts of CLA.

In animals, CLA is changed from omega 6 to CLA and stored in the animal’s muscles. Research has pointed out that specific types of intestinal bacteria like bifidobacterial have the ability to convert linoleic acid (LA) to CLA (Gorissen L et al, 2010).

Preliminary animal research shows that CLA may counteract mitochondrial dysfunction and improve mitochondrial ATP production, improve antioxidant capacity. This would result in improved muscle mass and strength (Rahman MM et al, 2009). The study showed that the CLA group showed an increase in the production of muscle antioxidant enzymes, catalase and glutathione peroxidase.This group also showed a significant reduction in inflammatory markers such as LPS-treated splenocyte IL-6 and TNF-alpha. There is potential for CLA to benefit muscles, but more research in humans is needed.

If you have a health condition and/or take prescription medication, it is best to check with your health care practitioner prior to taking a CLA supplement.

In summary, it is known that muscle loss occurs with aging, but there are ways to help push back the clock on aging. A nutrient dense diet, exercise, protein powder and possibly CLA may help to increase muscle strength, function and mass.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

BY: CALERIEHEALTH™ NUTRITIONALIST

The gastrointestinal has “friendly” bacteria – microorganisms that genetically inhabit the gut from birth and goes through a course of colonization. Friendly bacteria is also called microflora, bugs or good bacteria. Every person has their own individualized “intestinal microbiota” providing support to their immune system as well as having other bodily functions. Research shows that taking a probiotic product may help to boost the amount of good microflora.

There are approximately 200 different species of microflora in the oral cavity of the gastrointestinal tract and the large intestine has around 500 different species (Canny GO, McCormick BA, 2008).

Probiotics are microorganisms that are available to consume in food such as kefir or yogurt or in a supplement that provides or restores the good bacteria in the gut. Research shows that taking a probiotic product may help to boost the amount of good microflora.

There are also prebiotics, which are a form of fiber that helps to feed the microflora that lives in the colon.

Probiotics promote good digestive tract health and supports immune function. Various lactobacilli strains have been shown to provide support to the urinary tract (Grin PM et al, 2013).  

There have been health benefits demonstrated in research for certain probiotic products. Probiotics have been shown to help with regularity and one review that was performed on available research showed that probiotics aid in helping produce a solid stool (Allen S Jet al, 2010).

Some different probiotic bacteria strains include:

Lactobacilli acidophilus is a popular probiotic and is one type of bacteria that has been studied extensively. It produces lactic acid when it helps to break down carbohydrates like the milk sugar lactose. Different strains are found in the intestinal tract and in women’s reproductive organs.

Lactobacilli rhamnosusis another species that is located in the intestinal tract that produces the enzyme lactase and also breaks down lactose, the milk sugar. Much  research has been performed showing that it helps gastrointestinal problems and helps to produce a solid stool. It may also help the urinary tract. Companies add it to cheese, yogurt, milk and some other types of dairy products to increase probiotic bacteria.

Lactobacillus plantarum is another probiotic bacteria that is located in the saliva and gastrointestinal tract and has antioxidant benefits. Plantarum indicates that it is a plant species and is found in sauerkraut and is used to ferment foods such as sourdough bread.

Bifidobacterium breve is a probiotic that has demonstrated benefits for the gastrointestinal tract, but also for skin health. Research has been done showing that fermented milk that contained bifidobacterium breve helps to improve skin conditions. One study with adult women in Japan who took a probiotic and prebiotic helped to improve their skin compared to the placebo. (Kano M et al, 2013). 

Just a note: When selecting a probiotic be sure that you read the label and directions on how to take the product. Many need to be refrigerated to retain the bacteria. If you have a medical condition or take prescription medication it is always wise, as with other supplements to check in with your health care practitioner prior to taking them.

In summary, the gastrointestinal tract contains “friendly” bacteria, also called bugs and microflora important to the gastrointestinal system, immune function and for other body functions. Probiotics can be found in some foods and also supplements to support health.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.