To cultivate the most beneficial gut bacteria, such as Akkermansia muciniphila, Bifidobacterium species, Lactobacillus species, and others linked to health and longevity (e.g., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii), focus on evidence-based dietary, lifestyle, and environmental strategies. These bacteria support gut barrier function, reduce inflammation, produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, and enhance overall health, as seen in […]
Centenarians, people aged 100 or older, often share these characteristics based on research and observations: Genetics: Strong genetic factors are present, with many individuals having family members who lived long lives. Lifestyle: Healthy diet, often plant-based with moderate portions (e.g., Mediterranean or Okinawan diets). Regular, low-intensity physical activity, such as walking or gardening. Limited smoking […]
Based on animal and in vitro studies, nanoplastics (plastic particles <1 μm) can disrupt the gut microbiome, potentially impacting health. Here’s how: Dysbiosis: Nanoplastics alter microbial composition, often reducing beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus (key for short-chain fatty acid production and gut barrier health) while increasing opportunistic pathogens like Proteobacteria or Firmicutes. For example, […]
Toxic loads in our modern US society refer to the cumulative exposure to environmental pollutants, chemicals, and toxins that can hurt health. Several differences in toxic exposure emerge when comparing the United States to Blue Zones, regions such as Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California, which are known […]
An overview of nutritional frameworks that align with the goals of health, longevity, and disease prevention. These frameworks offer distinct approaches to nutrition, ranging from evidence-based dietary patterns to integrative and plant-based systems. I’ll summarize each framework’s core principles, key foods, structure, and how it compares to Dr. William Li’s 5x5x5 framework, Dr. Jingduan Yang’s […]