Life expectancy in Australia has increased by more than 40% in the last century. However, the rise in longevity has also seen a rise in the length of time individuals spend in ill health. 60% of Australians live with at least one long-term health condition like diabetes, heart disease or arthritis, and 40% have two or more long-term health conditions. While there might not be a magic pill for healthy aging, research is increasingly pointing towards our gut microbiome as a key player in helping us live healthier for longer.
Central to repair and defence
Home to 70% of the body’s immune system, the gut microbiome helps to maintain the strength of the intestinal lining. This acts as a physical defence against harmful bacteria and toxins. A healthy gut microbiome can also help to protect against harmful pathogens from colonising the gut, reducing the risk of illness and infections. Additionally, healthy digestive function helps to ensure that the body has optimal nutrient absorption, essential for cell repair and regeneration.
Connected to Cognitive Function
Our digestive tract also plays a crucial role in our cognitive function- this connection is often referred to as the ‘gut-brain axis”. An imbalance in the gut microbiome can result in chronic inflammation throughout the body including the brain. This has been linked to various markers of cognitive decline, including memory loss, mood disorders and concentration. The gut microbiome also influences the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. These play an important role in memory, mood and cognitive function.
Supporting your gut as you age
The food we eat can help nurture a healthy gut microbiome. Eating a wide diversity of fibre-rich plant foods can help to feed beneficial gut bacteria. Foods rich in polyphenols such as green tea, bright-coloured fruits and veggies also help to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Supporting that with foods that are packed full of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics will help to build a healthy, thriving gut microbiome.
Start with your gut
It is easy to build a healthy gut with P3 Gut Builder. This powerful triple action postbiotic tonic is expertly slow-fermented with prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics. It's deliciously easy to enjoy daily as a rapid gut health boost-delivering the beneficial metabolites straight to your digestive system and build a thriving gut microbiome for better gut health and overall wellbeing.
