Ageing and probiotics: How to adapt your gut support as you age

If there is one thing we know for certain at our age, it’s that nothing stays the same.

Our children have grown up and are leading their own lives. Our careers evolved over the years and presented new opportunities. We met new people, journeyed to new destinations, and lived in different places.

But while we’ve been busily navigating this constant state of flux that we call life, we may not have noticed or paid attention to the fact that our bodies are functioning less efficiently as they used to. That is until the saggy skin, fine lines and wrinkles and grey hairs began peering back at us from the bathroom mirror!

But what we don’t see – and therefore don’t always think about – is the way our bodies are ageing on the inside, in particular the changes that are happening to our all-important gut health.

Fifty seems to be that magic age when everything starts to change – our muscle mass decreases, collagen production slows, bowel function declines. It is also when changes begin to occur to our gut microbiome and our vitamin D levels start to decline.

It may sound like a lot of doom and gloom doesn’t it! But not necessarily, and there are things you can do to help support your body.

What is the gut microbiome?

Gut microbiome, also sometimes referred to as gut flora, is a combination of microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal tract including both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria.

Think of this as the control centre for our digestive system, with an important role to play in our ability to absorb the nutrients our bodies need to maintain good health and immunity.

How does gut microbiome change as we age?

Our gut operates most effectively with balanced microbiome but when problematic bacteria outnumber the beneficial bacteria our bodies don’t function as well as they should. Several things can upset this balance including:

• Medications
• Illness
• Stress
• Diet
• Age

One of the most important ‘good’ bacteria for maintaining a healthy balance in our gut is called Bifidobacterium. But after the age of fifty, the number of Bifidobacterium in our gut naturally decreases and impacts on the thing that makes such a difference to how we feel on a daily basis: bowel regularity.

Meanwhile, our ageing body’s ability to metabolise vitamin D is also decreasing. Vitamin D is an important part of our immune defence system, closely linked to our gut microbiome. A lack of vitamin D is linked to osteoporosis, bone and joint pain, so vitamin D levels are also important to maintain as we age.

How can we support our gut?

Luckily there are easy ways to support our gut and maintain our good health and bowel regularity. Drinking plenty of water helps, as does consuming gut-friendly foods such as:

• Oats
• Garlic
• Onions
• Leeks
• Asparagus
• Sauerkraut
• Miso
• Yoghurt
• Bananas

As stress negatively impacts our gut health, we may find yoga, gentle exercise, or meditation classes an enjoyable way to reduce our stress levels. And if we’re recovering from an illness, rest and a healthy diet are top priorities.

But perhaps the easiest way to ensure our gut gets exactly what it needs to support our immune system and bowel regularity is by taking probiotics specifically designed for the changing bodies of those over 50.

Which probiotic to take?

A quality probiotic formula is backed by clinical research. It should contain bacteria strains that work in combination with each other and contain the optimal strength for effectiveness.

Inner Health have designed a daily probiotic for over 50’s that specifically addresses declining Bifidobacterium and vitamin D levels in people over 50 years of age. Just one daily capsule contains all the live probiotics and vitamin D we need to support our immune system, gut health, bone density and bowel regularity.

Ageing is inevitable and let’s face it – the alternative isn’t good. So why not embrace our ageing bodies it in all their wrinkly grey-haired glory and support them through the gradual changes with a good diet, appropriate exercise, a positive mindset and a quality probiotic supplement for over 50’s that specifically targets exactly what we need most – a healthy gut, efficient bowel and a strong immune system.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.