“Healthy Ageing”: Mediterranean Diet Promotes Gut Bacteria in Older People

Question

Eating a Mediterranean diet for a year boosts the types of gut bacteria linked to “healthy ageing” and reduces those associated with harmful inflammation in older people, a five-country study indicates.

  

  

 

Causes of ageing

  

Ageing is associated with deteriorating bodily functions and increasing inflammation, which are common among older people. Previous has suggested that a poor/restrictive diet is common among older people, especially those in long term residential care. The poor/restrictive diet ay reduce the range and types of bacteria in the gut, leading to a higher possibility of getting diseases.

  

  

 

Mediterranean diet and gut bacteria

   

The researchers analyzed the gut microbiome of 612 people aged 65 to 79 in 5 countries. The participants were asked to eat a Mediterranean diet (323 people) or their usual diet (289 people) for 12 months.

  

The Mediterranean diet offered to them was rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, olive oil and fish and low in red meat and saturated fats, and specially tailored to older people (NU-AGE diet).

  

The result showed that sticking to the Mediterranean diet for 12 months was associated with beneficial changes to the gut microbiome.

  

   

  

Benefits of the Mediterranean diet

   

Eating a Mediterranean diet can stem the loss of bacterial diversity. An increase in the types of bacteria can reduce frailty, which was measured through walking speed and hand grip strength. Increasing types of gut bacteria can also improve brain function like memory, and reduce production of potentially harmful inflammatory chemicals.

   

The changes were largely driven by an increase in dietary fiber and associated vitamins and minerals, specifically C, B6, B9, copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and magnesium.

  

   

  

Problem of eating a Mediterranean diet

   

Older people may have dental problems and/or difficulty swallowing, so it may be impractical for some older people to eat a Mediterranean diet, according to the researchers. But the study still proves that beneficial bacteria are linked to healthy ageing and may be useful in therapeutic applications.

  

Answer 1

Filbert, filbert, filbert! What a great picture of nuts. I agree with everything on the Mediterranean diet except restricting saturated fats. It doesn't have to be ghoulish, just a little coconut oil.

Comments

I feel OK with that cus Im a fan of fish XD

Answer 2

what is the problem of eating a mediterranean diet?

Comments

I found some in MedlinePlus.com.     You may gain weight from eating fats in olive oil and nuts.
    You may have lower levels of iron. If you choose to follow the Mediterranean diet, be sure to eat some foods rich in iron or in vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron.
    You may have calcium loss from eating fewer dairy products. Ask your health care provider if you should take a calcium supplement.
    Wine is a common part of a Mediterranean eating style but some people should not drink alcohol. Avoid wine if you are prone to alcohol abuse, pregnant, at risk for breast cancer, or have other conditions that alcohol could make worse.