The Gut Microbiome That Helps You Live to Be 100

Researchers take a closer look at the bacteria—and viruses inside them—found in Japanese centenarians

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Researchers discovered a distinct gut microbiome in examining 195 centenarians from Japan and Sardinia that may unlock the secret to this segment of the population’s exceptional longevity, a new study published in Nature Microbiology says.

This research represents a significant leap forward in understanding the pivotal role played by the gut microbiome in safeguarding health and combating diseases.

“We are always eager to find out why some people live extremely long lives,” first author of the study Joachim Johansen, from the Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, said in a statement. “Previous research has shown that the intestinal bacteria of old Japanese citizens produce brand-new molecules that make them resistant to pathogenic—that is, disease-promoting—microorganisms.”

Mr. Johansen further emphasized that the protective properties of these people’s unique microbiome likely contribute to their extended lifespans.

Viruses Play a Key Role in Gut Health

The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) in the human digestive system. Unlike other parts of the body, it’s highly dynamic and responsive to environmental factors, such as diet, medication, and stress.

Researchers found that viruses are crucial in maintaining a healthy microbiome and overall health.

According to the study, among three groups—younger adults, people between 60 and 99, and centenarians—centenarians had the most diverse virome (collection of viruses), including previously unknown viruses associated with the gut bacteria Clostridia.

These viruses primarily infect bacterial cells, and given the many bacterial types in our intestines, there are numerous bacterial viruses.

The researchers have already used a specially designed algorithm to map the intestinal bacteria and bacterial viruses in centenarians, aiming to understand the dynamics of the gut flora and identify beneficial bacteria for promoting health and longevity.

Previous research has linked the gut microbiome to various health outcomes, such as obesity, heart disease, and mental health issues. Although the mechanisms aren’t fully understood, microorganisms in the gut likely influence the immune system and other organs to maintain healthy functioning and protect against disease.

According to a recent study, when a virus infects a gut bacterium, it can enhance the bacterium’s strength. The viruses found in healthy Japanese centenarians contained genes that boosted bacteria and facilitated the transformation of specific molecules in the intestines, stabilizing the gut flora and reducing inflammation.

The Importance of Hydrogen Sulfide

In an email interview with The Epoch Times, Colby Kash, chief operating officer and co-founder of Camelot BioCapital and author of “The Autoimmune Plague: How to Regain Sovereignty Over Your Body and Life,” noted the importance of a specific substance associated with a virus identified in the centenarian microbiome study.

“The additional genes [found in the viruses] supported the production of hydrogen sulfide, which is known to have a beneficial longevity effect in the right amounts,” Mr. Kash said.

According to research, fasting encourages hydrogen sulfide production, which may be why it shows certain health benefits.

This compound supports intestinal resilience and resistance to gut pathogens.

How Microbiome Changes, Aging Influence Each Other

Does the degradation of the microbiome cause the aging process, or does the aging process cause the degradation of the microbiome?

Similar to how the microbiome differs in those who are overweight or have certain autoimmune diseases, it seems that there’s a two-way relationship, Mr. Kash told The Epoch Times.

“Aging may contribute to a shift in microbiome, and microbiome shifts may contribute to aging,” he said.

Mr. Kash also said the disease state and signaling in the rest of the body can influence the microbiome and that an imbalanced microbiome can contribute to overall health issues.

For example, individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder experience the chronic release of neurotransmitters and hormones because of psychological trauma, which can potentially alter the microbial environment.

“While in the opposite direction, an overgrowth of a pathogenic bacteria can inhibit vagal nerve stimulation to the brain, resulting in anxiety or insomnia,” he said.

How Modern Medicine May Be Hurting the Gut

Several factors stand out as potential causes for microbiome changes as people age, including a sedentary lifestyle, decreased production of hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone, and antibiotics use.

A recent study revealed that although antibiotic use has revolutionized medical care, these drugs can significantly affect microbiome health, adversely affecting overall well-being.

Antibiotics disrupt microbial balance, compromising both the networking within the bacterial community and the host–microbiota relationship. This disruption leads to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making clinical treatment challenging.

Science-Backed Ways to Improve the Gut Microbiome

Mr. Kash highlighted the significance of a diverse and robust microbiome, explaining that it fosters stability and enables beneficial microbes to outcompete harmful ones.

According to Mr. Kash, the study published in Nature Microbiology identified a health-boosting effect that can be promoted by modifying eating patterns.

“The paper mentioned the virome led to an increase in lytic activity,” he said. "This is when the body recycles old damaged cells and organelles. This can also be achieved via fasting.”

Other ways to improve the gut microbiome include:

• Eating a diverse diet: Recent research suggests that a diverse diet leads to a more diverse and adaptable microbiome. It’s advised to consume a range of plant- and animal-based foods.
• Focusing on plant-based foods: Beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria can reduce intestinal inflammation and promote gut health. Consuming fruits and vegetables has been shown to increase Bifidobacteria levels in humans.
• Eating fermented foods: A 10-week diet rich in fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, fermented cottage cheese, and kimchi, has been found to enhance microbiome diversity and improve immune responses, according to Stanford University researchers.