mikrobiom-gesundheit-alterung

The latest research on the microbiome and which strategies will extend your life

Introduction to the microbiome

Imagine your body as a planet, populated by trillions of microorganisms that live and interact in complex communities and have a decisive influence on your health, your well-being and even your moods. This fascinating world, known as your microbiome, is an ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microscopic creatures that live in and on you. Recent breakthroughs in science have revolutionized our understanding of how this microbiome works and how it affects our health. But what exactly is the microbiome and why does it play such an important role for us? Ready to dive into the incredible world inside you? Then let’s discover together what scientists have found out about the microbiome and how we can use these findings to positively influence our health and our lives.

The microbiome: an ecosystem within us

The human microbiome is a term that may initially make you think of distant galaxies and undiscovered worlds. In reality, however, it is a universe that is much closer – more precisely, in and on your own body. This inner ecosystem consists of an incredible variety of microorganisms that live in a symbiotic relationship with us. But what makes the microbiome so special and why is it so crucial for our health?

Insight into the Human Microbiome Project

To solve the complex puzzle of the human microbiome, scientists launched the Human Microbiome Project (HMP), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at cataloging and understanding the body’s normal microbial communities. The results, which were published in 2012, were a great moment in science. They revealed that our bodies are home to trillions of microorganisms – about ten times more microbes than human cells! These microbes, mainly bacteria, but also viruses, fungi and other microorganisms, colonize every corner of our body, from the skin to the deepest corners of our intestines. And while the thought of trillions of bacteria inside you may sound unpleasant at first, these microscopic co-inhabitants are actually vital for your health.

The diversity of the microbiome and its importance

The HMP has also shown that the microbial landscape in our bodies is incredibly diverse. Over 10,000 different microbial species have been identified, which form very different communities in different parts of the body. This diversity is no coincidence; it plays a crucial role in numerous vital functions, including:

Digestion and nutrition

Many microbes in our gut help to digest food that our body could not process on its own. They are essential for the absorption of nutrients and even produce some of the vitamins we need.

Immune system

The microbiome is also a key player in our immune system. It helps to fight harmful invaders and trains our immune system to distinguish between friend and foe.

Protection against diseases

A healthy microbiome can protect us from various diseases by creating an environment that is inhospitable to pathogenic microorganisms. Interestingly, the composition of our microbiome is not set in stone. The study clearly shows that we and our microbiome are in constant interaction, which has a significant influence on our well-being. The findings of the Human Microbiome Project have shown that various factors, in particular diet and lifestyle, have a significant influence on this. Let’s take a closer look at this in the next section!

What is unbalancing your microbiome?

– Antibiotics – because they kill not only bad but also beneficial bacteria – Medication – The chlorine in our drinking water (yes, from the tap AND the bottle) – and also that in the swimming pool – Almost all meat and dairy products – A diet high in meat and fat because it promotes the growth of harmful bacteria – Constipation, as this allows harmful bacteria to remain in the gut for too long and multiply unchecked – Toxins such as cigarettes and alcohol – Junk food with lots of sugar, fat and preservatives – Stress, as the autonomic nervous system also controls the function of the gut and then leads to diarrhea or constipation – Radiation and chemotherapy  

How to recognize a disturbed microbiome

Disturbed gut microbiome

Nutrition and the microbiome: an interrelationship

Diet plays a crucial role in shaping our microbiome, which in turn has a profound impact on our health. By choosing foods that are rich in prebiotics and probiotics, we can actively contribute to a healthy and balanced microbiome. This area of research is still relatively new, but the findings to date underline the importance of a microbiome-friendly diet for our well-being. In this section you will learn how nutrition shapes the microbiome and what role probiotics and prebiotics play in this.

The influence of diet on microbiome diversity

Research has shown that a diverse and balanced diet leads to an equally diverse microbiome. Studies such as that by Xu and Knight (2015) emphasize that plant-based diets in particular promote the diversity of the microbiome. Plant foods are rich in fiber, which serves as prebiotics – food components that are not digested by our body but serve as food for beneficial intestinal bacteria. Dietary fiber is fermented in the intestine by certain types of bacteria, which leads to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs have numerous positive effects on health, including strengthening the intestinal wall, reducing the risk of inflammation and supporting the immune system.

The influence of the microbiome on health and ageing

The microbiome, this complex and dynamic ecosystem within us, plays a crucial role in maintaining our health. But what happens when the balance of this system is disturbed? Research has shown that changes in the microbiome are associated with a number of chronic diseases. Let’s take a look at the link between the microbiome and chronic disease and how a greater understanding of this relationship could open up new avenues for treatment and prevention.

The microbiome and chronic diseases

An unbalanced microbiome, also known as dysbiosis, is associated with various chronic diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and even neurodegenerative disorders. The study by Vijay and Valdes (2022) highlights how the gut microbiome can play a central role in the development and progression of chronic diseases by influencing inflammatory processes, disrupting gut barrier function and modulating the immune response.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the microbiome

Inflammatory bowel diseases, which include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are closely linked to changes in the gut microbiome. Patients with IBD often show a reduced diversity of the microbiome and an increase in potentially pathogenic bacteria. Modulation of the microbiome through the use of probiotics and prebiotic foods shows promise in alleviating the symptoms of IBD, as suggested by research by Lorentz and Müller (2022).

The microbiome and metabolic disorders

The link between the microbiome and metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity is increasingly being researched. Changes in the microbiome can influence the energy balance, glucose homeostasis and inflammatory reactions in the body, which can lead to metabolic diseases. Probiotics and dietary changes aimed at improving microbiome health could therefore offer new ways to treat and prevent these conditions.

The gut-brain axis and neurodegenerative diseases

One of the most fascinating discoveries in microbiome research is the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication route between the gut and the brain. Disruptions in the microbiome can affect this axis and are associated with various neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. By influencing the microbiome, it may be possible to slow down the progression of these diseases or alleviate their symptoms.

Influence of stress on the microbiome

Stress, whether acute or chronic, has been shown to have a direct influence on the microbiome. Studies by researchers such as Foster et al. and Moloney et al. have shown that stress can alter the composition of the microbiome, leading to reduced diversity and changes in the populations of certain microorganisms. These changes can increase the risk of various diseases, including digestive disorders, inflammatory diseases and even mental health problems. The discovery that the microbiome plays a role in the gut-brain axis opens up new possibilities for combating mental and physical stress with probiotic and prebiotic strategies.

Menopause and the microbiome

The menopause is a phase of life that can bring about significant changes in the microbiome. The study by Peters et al. shows that hormonal changes during the menopause can affect the gut microbiome, leading to changes in microbiome composition. These changes can be linked to a number of health problems, including an increased risk of metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease and bone density loss. A better understanding of these relationships could lead to the development of targeted microbiome-based therapies that are specifically tailored to the needs of menopausal women. You can learn more about this in our article “How the menopause affects your gut health”

Influence of the microbiome on ageing

The role of the microbiome on ageing is a rapidly growing area of research. The Microbiome Theory of Aging (MTA) states that a microbial imbalance in the gut, known as dysbiosis, can accelerate biological aging through mechanisms such as increased inflammation, disruption of the intestinal barrier and systemic circulation of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), a potent endotoxin. This process can lead to chronic diseases and accelerate the ageing process. Research has shown that the gut microbiome changes significantly with age, with the loss of beneficial microbes and the increase of pathogenic microbes. These changes are influenced by diet, lifestyle and other external factors. The aging process is also associated with immunosenescence (declining immune function) and inflammaging (chronic, low-grade inflammation), both of which are thought to be influenced by the gut microbiome. Dysbiosis has been suggested as a possible mechanism for the decline in immune function and overall health with age. Altering the composition of the gut microbiome through dietary changes or probiotics could be a promising strategy to improve immune function and health in older adults. The influence of the gut microbiome also extends to cognitive function, metabolism and the immune system, suggesting that a healthy microbiome could contribute to longevity and the reduction of age-related diseases. Certain microbial taxa were found to be differentially abundant in people with long life expectancy, suggesting potential targets for interventions to promote healthy ageing.

The influence of probiotics on the microbiome and ageing

Over time, it has been shown that the human microbiome, especially the gut microbiome, plays a crucial role in health and well-being. Recent research suggests that probiotics, live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in sufficient quantities, may also play an important role in aging and health. The role of probiotics in aging and the health of the microbiome has gained increasing attention in the scientific community. Research suggests that probiotics may have positive effects on ageing and age-related diseases by reducing inflammation, increasing the diversity of the microbiome and protecting the intestinal barrier.

Probiotics for more diversity of the microbiome

One study highlights that probiotics can increase the diversity of the microbiome, helping to maintain a healthy gut barrier and regulate immune function, which is particularly beneficial in old age where chronic inflammation is more common. These mechanisms could have a positive influence on inflammatory diseases, which are common in older people Another study emphasizes the importance of the gastrointestinal microbiome, which is one of the most complex ecosystems in nature. Changes in the microbiome profile observed with ageing, such as a decrease in biodiversity and the accumulation of opportunistic pathogens, can increase the risk of various diseases. Probiotics could be crucial in slowing down this process by improving gut health and treating age-related diseases, which could ultimately improve quality of life, particularly in older people In addition to these findings, another study examines the potential role of probiotics in modulating the effects of ageing on adults.
It suggests that probiotics may be important factors in positively influencing the health of the gut microbiome in the context of ageing These findings highlight the importance of further research in this area to fully understand and harness the potential health benefits of probiotics for older people. The future development of personalized probiotic treatments could offer a promising approach to improve the quality of life in old age and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. In this article you will learn what you should look out for when choosing a good probiotic.

Conclusion on the future of microbiome-based therapies

The realization that the microbiome plays a central role in our health and is influenced by factors such as diet, stress and hormonal changes opens up new avenues for research and therapy. Certain probiotics have been shown to have a positive influence on the microbiome and certain diseases and can already be used for personal prevention and treatment. The future development of personalized microbiome-based interventions could represent a revolution in the treatment and prevention of disease, tailored to the individual needs and unique microbiome of each individual. Although microbiome research is still in its infancy, the prospects for the future are fascinating and promising.

If you want to learn more about gut health, probiotics and the microbiome, read on here:

  • “NIH Human Microbiome Project defines normal bacterial makeup of the body”, 13.06.2012, https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-human-microbiome-project-defines-normal-bacterial-makeup-body [accessed 17.12.2023].
  • The Human Microbiome Project Consortium. Structure, function and diversity of the healthy human microbiome. Nature 486, 207-214 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature11234
  • Xu Z, Knight R. Dietary effects on human gut microbiome diversity. British Journal of Nutrition. 2015;113(S1):S1-S5. doi:10.1017/S0007114514004127
  • Vijay, A., Valdes, A.M. Role of the gut microbiome in chronic diseases: a narrative review. Eur J Clin Nutr 76, 489-501 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-021-00991-6
  • Hill, Colin et al. “Expert consensus document. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic.” Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology vol. 11.8 (2014): 506-14. doi:10.1038/nrgastro.2014.66
  • McFarland, Lynne V et al. “Strain-Specificity and Disease-Specificity of Probiotic Efficacy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Frontiers in medicine vol. 5 124. 7 May. 2018, doi:10.3389/fmed.2018.00124
  • Binda, Sylvie et al. “Criteria to Qualify Microorganisms as “Probiotic” in Foods and Dietary Supplements.” Frontiers in microbiology vol. 11 1662. 24 Jul. 2020, doi:10.3389/fmicb.2020.01662
  • Lee, Eun-Sook et al. “Probiotics in human health and disease: from nutribiotics to pharmabiotics.” Journal of microbiology (Seoul, Korea) vol. 56,11 (2018): 773-782. doi:10.1007/s12275-018-8293-y
  • Davani-Davari, Dorna et al. “Prebiotics: Definition, Types, Sources, Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications.” Foods (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 8.3 92. 9 Mar. 2019, doi:10.3390/foods8030092
  • e Vrese, Michael, and J Schrezenmeir. “Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics.” Advances in biochemical engineering/biotechnology vol. 111 (2008): 1-66. doi:10.1007/10_2008_097
  • Krumbeck, Janina A et al. “Prebiotics and synbiotics: dietary strategies for improving gut health.” Current opinion in gastroenterology vol. 32.2 (2016): 110-9. doi:10.1097/MOG.0000000000000249
  • Mayer, Emeran A et al. “The Gut-Brain Axis.” Annual review of medicine vol. 73 (2022): 439-453. doi:10.1146/annurev-med-042320-014032
  • Zheng, Yadong et al. “Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis and Its Therapeutic Implications for Neurodegenerative Disorders.” Nutrients vol. 15,21 4631. 31 Oct. 2023, doi:10.3390/nu15214631
  • De Pessemier, Britta et al. “Gut-Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions.” Microorganisms vol. 9,2 353. 11 Feb. 2021, doi:10.3390/microorganisms9020353
  • Almand, Austin T et al. “The influence of perceived stress on the human microbiome.” BMC research notes vol. 15,1 193. 3 Jun. 2022, doi:10.1186/s13104-022-06066-4
  • Foster, Jane A et al. “Stress & the gut-brain axis: Regulation by the microbiome.” Neurobiology of stress vol. 7 124-136. 19 Mar. 2017, doi:10.1016/j.ynstr.2017.03.001
  • Moloney, Rachel D et al. “The microbiome: stress, health and disease.” Mammalian genome : official journal of the International Mammalian Genome Society vol. 25.1-2 (2014): 49-74. doi:10.1007/s00335-013-9488-5
  • Molina-Torres, Guadalupe et al. “Stress and the gut microbiota-brain axis.” Behavioral pharmacology vol. 30.2 and 3-Spec Issue (2019): 187-200. doi:10.1097/FBP.0000000000000478
  • Ma, Teng et al. “Probiotic consumption relieved human stress and anxiety symptoms possibly via modulating the neuroactive potential of the gut microbiota.” Neurobiology of stress vol. 14 100294. 12 Jan. 2021, doi:10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100294
  • Lorentz, Axel, and Leonie Müller. “Probiotics in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Adulthood: A Systematic Review.” Journal of gastrointestinal and liver diseases : JGLD vol. 31,1 74-84. 19 Mar. 2022, doi:10.15403/jgld-3936
  • Peters BA, Santoro N, Kaplan RC, Qi Q. Spotlight on the Gut Microbiome in Menopause: Current Insights. Int J Womens Health. 2022 Aug 10;14:1059-1072. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S340491. PMID: 35983178; PMCID: PMC9379122.
  • “Gut microbiome-mediated mechanisms in aging-related diseases: are probiotics ready for prime time?” Ren, Jing et al. Frontiers in pharmacology vol. 14 1178596. 1 Jun. 2023, doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1178596
  • “The role of probiotics on slowing down the aging process.” Şanlibaba, Pınar et al. Acta scientiarum polonorum. Technologia alimentaria vol. 21,1 (2022): 53-66. doi:10.17306/J.AFS.1013
  • “Probiotics may modulate the impact of aging on adults.” Signorini, L et al. Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents vol. 34,4 (2020): 1601-1606. doi:10.23812/20-393-L
Close
Cart (0)

No products in the cart. No products in the cart.

Currency