The gut microbiome significantly influences long-term health, akin to physical fitness. As individuals age, the balance of microbial populations shifts unfavorably—one of the early detriments of aging. By the time someone reaches their mid-30s, meaningful changes become evident. Beneficial species that produce metabolites contributing to tissue function decline, while harmful species associated with chronic inflammation increase. Thankfully, interventions can restore a more youthful microbial balance. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from a young donor to an older patient is one such approach. In short-lived species, FMT improves health and extends lifespan. Although FMT is currently used in a limited clinical context, the broader availability of therapies to reverse gut microbiome aging remains uncertain. At present, self-experimenters are the primary recipients of this treatment. Research on the gut microbiome’s role in aging and neurodegenerative diseases has intensified. As the global population ages,…
Omics Points to a Role for the Gut Microbiome in Aging of the Hippocampus
Some of the metabolites produced by the gut microbiome aid function in the brain. For example, there is good evidence for butyrate produced by the microbiome to improve neurogenesis in the brain via modulating expression of BDNF. Unfortunately, the amounts of a number of beneficial metabolites produced by the gut microbiome declines with age, while harmful metabolites and inflammatory signaling increases. Researchers here gather data to support a role in the hippocampus specifically for a number of metabolites that originate in the gut microbiome, the area of the brain most involved in memory function. This and many other lines of research suggest that more attention should be given to the development of therapies capable of lasting restoration of a more youthful gut microbiome, such as fecal microbiota transplantation. Aging is an intricate biological event that occurs in both vertebrates and…
Galectins in Neuroinflammation, a Potential Target
In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the role of unresolved, chronic inflammation in the development of neurodegenerative disease. Normal tissue maintenance requires the involvement of immune cells, and inflammatory signaling is disruptive to that process. In the brain, immune cells take on a greater range of tasks than is the case elsewhere, becoming involved in maintenance of synaptic connections between neurons, for example. That too is disrupted by inflammatory signaling that changes the behavior of these cells. Chronic inflammation in the absence of the usual causes, pathogens and injury, is a feature of aging. Researchers are investigating the causes of inflammation and mechanisms of regulation of inflammation in search of ways to damp down the inappropriate excessive inflammatory signaling of aging without also suppressing the necessary inflammation required for a robust immune defense. Some of the causes…
Theorizing on Why the Heart Is Not Regenerative
After the central nervous system, heart muscle is one of the least capable tissues in the body when it comes to regeneration following injury. This is one of the contributing factors to the downward spiral of heart health in later life, particularly the cell death and scarring that occurs following the ischemia of a heart attack. Researchers here suggest that this lack of regenerative capacity is the rest of an adaptation in the nuclear membrane that protects heart cells from other damaging circumstances by reducing the number of pathways that allow signal molecules to pass into the cell nucleus. That is protective against harmful signals, but also interferes in the signaling necessary for regeneration. While skin and many other tissues of the human body retain the ability to repair themselves after injury, the same isn’t true of the heart. During…
Think You May Be Intolerant of (or Allergic to) Alcohol? Here’s What an Immunologist Wants You To Know
If your body doesn’t take well to alcohol, you may be wondering why your BFF can down a bottle of vino on their own—whereas you’re left with flushing, fatigue, hives, or other side effects after barely polishing off one glass. Could it be that you’re intolerant to alcohol, or maybe allergic to it? And what’s the difference between an alcohol intolerance and an alcohol allergy, anyway? Below, Gary C. Steven, MD, PhD, CPI, FAAAAI, FACAAI, FAPCR—founder of the Allergy, Asthma, and Sinus Center in Milwaukee and medical director of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Registry—offers a sobering explanation on adverse reactions to alcohol. Alcohol intolerance vs. alcohol allergy To begin, alcohol intolerance is a genetic condition characterized by the inability to process alcohol efficiently. Dr. Steven explains that there are two enzymes involved in metabolizing ethanol, an…
Can Drinking Onion Water Really Heal You Faster From a Cold or Illness? We Had Experts Weigh in on the Viral Remedy
Read More at Well+Good If you haven’t already seen the onion water trend on TikTok, it’s only a matter of time. Across multiple posts, this trend has already accrued well over 200 million views. From speeding recovery from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), sinus infections, colds, and coughs to helping improve asthma, gut health, and blood pressure, there are many health claims associated with this humble liquid. Let’s see what the evidence tells us about this trend and hear what some health experts have to say. Understanding the onion water trend Onions are so prevalent on TikTok right now that it’s making eyes water. Some are placing halved onions in the corners of their rooms as a natural air purifier, others are stuffing them in their socks overnight when they’re sick, and (of course) others are making them into onion water…
The 6 Foods an ENT Doctor Says Can Cause Gustatory Rhinitis, AKA an Eating-Induced Runny Nose
Do you ever dig into a meal only to find your nose dripping like a leaky faucet within seconds? Truth be told, this happens to me on the regular… and not only when I chow down on yummy soups or stews and super spicy fare (or if my palate is in for a treat, both). Nevertheless, the term “gustatory rhinitis” has remained new to me—until, well, now-ish. Although it can be a bit embarrassing when I’m dining in public or in the company of others, I never thought too much about it. But lately, I’ve been pondering about the what and why behind my long-term nasal overactivity, including if something more serious could be at play. Ahead, Ashley Agan, MD, an otolaryngologist (aka ENT doctor) with UT Southwestern Medical Center, unpacks why your nose may run when you eat and…
Your Eczema May Be Worse the Week Before Your Period—A Derm Explains Why
If you have a pretty regular menstrual cycle, you know exactly when your body is telling you that your period is close. Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) can present itself in many ways from increased anxiety to changes in appetite. But if you have eczema, you might also notice an eczema flare before your period. “Your eczema sometimes can fluctuate with your hormone levels,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “We know that week before your period, when your estrogen level is lower, you may experience more dryness of the skin. And we know that when the skin is dry, it can predispose to a flare-up of eczema. We don’t warn patients about this but if somebody said they it, the rationale is there.” The available research on eczema flares in the week before a period is…
‘I’m a Gastroenterologist, and Here’s Why That Baking Soda Burp Test To Check Your Stomach Acid Levels Is a Huge Scam’
If you’re like us and you love nothing more than scrolling around on gut health TikTok, you’ve definitely seen the infamous “baking soda burp test” video that claims you can test the acidity of your stomach by seeing how long it takes to burp after drinking baking soda diluted in water. If your (ahem) gut was telling you that the science backing the accuracy of this test might be a little sparse, you were spot on. According to gut health expert Will Bulsiewicz, MD, gastroenterologist and New York Times bestselling author of the books Fiber Fueled and The Fiber Fueled Cookbook, the baking soda burp test is yet another reminder not to believe everything you see on the internet—especially when it comes to the microbiome. Here’s why he says that this test shouldn’t be used as an accurate assessment of a patient’s…
‘I’m a Gastroenterologist, and This Is Exactly What Happens To Your Gut Health When You Quit Drinking’
Those wrapping up a sober October may have noticed some significant changes to their overall health. When you stop drinking, your skin gets better, your sleep quality improves, and your energy levels increase. You may also notice improved digestion. The connection between alcohol and gut health is strong, says Niket Sonpal, MD, a New York-based internist and gastroenterologist. “As much fun as alcohol may be, it does have its share of negative health effects, especially for the stomach and the esophagus,” says Dr. Sonpal. Large quantities of alcohol can lead to gastritis, or stomach inflammation, which causes heartburn, acid reflux, and sometimes long-term esophageal damage. “Once it leaves the stomach and it gets metabolized, it hits the small intestine,” Dr. Sonpal says. From there, he says that alcohol can damage the lining known as the villi, making it harder for…
The Technology That Could Help Us Achieve Immortality: Robotics, 3d Organ Printing, Bio Science, Genetic Engineering, Neuroscience
In the movie “The Matrix,” the characters are able to achieve immortality by downloading their consciousness into a computer. In the novel “Dracula,” vampires are able to live forever by drinking the blood of humans. And in many religious stories, people are able to achieve eternal life by following the commandments of their god. So what is it about these fictional stories that make us so fascinated with the idea of immortality? Is it because we want to play god and control our own destiny? Or is it because we are afraid of death and want to find a way to escape it? Whatever the reason may be, one thing is for sure: science is getting closer and closer to making immortality a reality. In this blog post, we will explore some of the latest technologies that are helping us…
The Future of Aging: How Science and Technology is Changing the Way We Age
Aging used to be seen as a natural process that everyone had to go through. However, with the advance in science and technology, that is no longer the case. In this blog post, we will discuss how science and technology is changing the way we age, and how you can take advantage of these advancements to stay young and healthy for years to come! Longevity: long life; duration of life; length of existence. “The longevity of a typical human cell” synonyms: length of life, lifespan, life expectancy, duration of life. “The average longevity has increased” an instance of this. “There are many factors influencing longevity” the property or state of being long-lived. “The longevity of redwoods” synonyms: long life, long duration, long span; “the longevity of the Roman Empire” The first way that science and technology is changing the way…
How Sleep Deprivation Affects Your Longevity and How to Avoid It
Did you know that not getting enough sleep can actually kill you? It’s true! Sleep deprivation has been linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and even death. The good news is that there are ways to avoid these problems. In this blog post, we will discuss the effects of sleep deprivation on longevity and how to get the most out of your sleep! Sleep is crucial for our overall health and well-being. It allows our bodies to repair cells, regenerate skin, and even helps to keep us looking young. Unfortunately, as we get older, our sleep patterns often change and we can find ourselves waking up more frequently during the night. This can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and even death. The good news is that there are ways…