As we age, it is vital to prioritize the care of our bodies. One crucial aspect that is often overlooked is gut health. Are you aware that maintaining a balanced gut microbiome can significantly enhance your overall well-being?
You've likely heard the expression "trust your gut”. Here's the intriguing part – it's not merely a saying; it is supported by scientific research. In recent years, researchers have unveiled fascinating connections between the gut and the brain, so much so that they even refer to the gut as the "second brain" due to the close link between the two.
This exciting discovery is known as the "gut-brain axis," and it reveals the incredible pathway to understanding our gut instincts. By incorporating probiotics, prebiotics, and enzymes into our diet, we can support a healthy gut, leading to a happier and healthier you.
In this article, we'll dive deeper into how gut health changes as we age and what we can do to adapt and support to optimize our health and longevity.
Aging With Gut Health
As men age, they become more susceptible to various digestive issues. Factors such as immobility, dehydration, a low-fiber diet, and increased use of medications contribute to these problems. Additionally, certain bodily functions and their associated systems naturally decline with age.
Some common gut health problems that persist with age include:
- Altered gut motility: Abnormal muscle and nerve contractions in the GI tract can cause constipation or diarrhea.
- Changes in gut microbiota: Beneficial bacteria may decrease while harmful bacteria increase, leading to various gut problems and affecting overall health (dysbiosis).
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Leaky gut syndrome: Older men are more susceptible to this condition, where gaps in the intestinal lining allow toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation and health issues like food sensitivities, diarrhea, and fatigue.
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Gravity and gut health: Over time, gravity can lead to a hiatal hernia, causing heartburn (acid reflux) as the diaphragm sinks.
- Medications impacting gut health: Overused or misused antibiotics may cause gut issues. NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the gut, while antidepressants can affect serotonin levels and lead to conditions like IBS, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. Fat-soluble sleeping pills can also disturb the natural digestive balance. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to manage potential gut health disruptions when using these medications.
How To Nurture A Healthy Gut
To support gut health, it is important to adopt habits that promote a balanced digestive system.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Include a variety of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. This helps maintain a diverse gut microbiota and supports optimal digestion.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to keep your digestive system functioning optimally. 8-10 cups of water a day is ideal for adult men and women.
- Manage Stress: Engage in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies that promote relaxation. Chronic stress can disrupt the Gut-Brain axis and affect digestive function.
- Limit Trigger Foods: Identify and avoid foods that trigger digestive symptoms, especially if you have been diagnosed with IBS. Common triggers include certain types of carbohydrates, fatty foods, and caffeine.
- Consider Probiotics, Prebiotics, & Digestive Enzymes: Probiotics support the gut microbiota, while prebiotics nourish beneficial bacteria. Digestive enzymes aid in better digestion and nutrient absorption. Consult your healthcare professional to determine the right approach for you.
Probiotics For Men’s Gut Health
Probiotics are beneficial live bacteria and yeasts with various health advantages for the gut, especially in men over 50. They aid digestion, promote regular bowel movements, support a healthy gut flora, enhance nutrient absorption, and lower the risk of certain health conditions. Studies on probiotics show that they can improve digestive comfort, reduce bloating, gas, and constipation, while also benefiting mental health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Specific strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are particularly helpful.
To maintain gut health and overall vitality, men over 50 can incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir into their diet. Or, if probiotic-rich foods aren’t appealing to their appetite, they might consider high-quality probiotic supplements.
Prebiotics To Support Digestion
Prebiotics are non-living fibers that act as fertilizer for beneficial bacteria in the gut. They help improve gut barrier function, promote regular bowel movements, and support overall health. Lack of fiber in the diet, especially as people age, can lead to digestive issues, overeating, weight gain, and increased cancer risk.
Including prebiotics in the diet, found in foods like onions, garlic, bananas, and asparagus, also can have a positive impact on cognitive function, reducing anxiety and improving mood in men over 50. Prebiotic supplements can be considered if dietary sources are limited.
Digestive Enzymes For Men’s Health
Enzymes are essential proteins for digestion. As men age, their natural enzyme production declines, leading to digestive issues and reduced nutrient absorption. Enzyme supplements can help by breaking down food into smaller, more easily absorbed components, improving digestion, reducing bloating, and easing discomfort after meals. For men over 50, incorporating enzyme supplements is particularly beneficial, optimizing nutrient absorption and overall well-being.
Enzymes play critical roles throughout our bodies and are delivered through various organs in the digestive tract, starting with amylase in saliva breaking down carbohydrates. Different enzymes work in the stomach and small intestines to further break down proteins, fats, and complex carbohydrates for efficient absorption of nutrients.
Along with probiotics and prebiotics, getting the enzymes your body needs from diet is still recommended.
Here are some foods that contain digestive enzymes that are relatively easy to find:
- Pineapples contain bromelain, which is a type of protease enzyme that helps break down protein into amino acids, which aids in digestion and absorption of proteins and nutrients.
- Mango - contains amylase, a digestive enzyme that breaks complex carbs. Amylase is also produced in saliva, giving credence to "chew before you swallow" .
- Avocado - contains lipases and proteases, which aid in breaking down fats and proteins.
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Honey - This sweet golden river of natural sugar is filled with digestive enzymes. Specifically raw honey, as highly processed honey is produced with high heat which destroys digestive enzymes. Raw honey offer intake of these beneficial enzymes:
- Diastases - helps break down starch into maltose. Which then serves as a source of energy for nutrient absorption.
- Amylases - breaks down starch into glucose and maltose
- Invertases - breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose which provides energy and improves digestion of complex carbs.
- Proteases - aids in protein absorption by breaking down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids.
Pure Essentials' Ultra Digestive Enzyme is formulated with various enzymes specifically focused on protein, fat, and complex carbohydrate digestion, providing relief from bloating and indigestion.
Supplements As Part Of A Healthy Lifestyle
Incorporating Pure Essentials supplements, along with a healthy diet and exercise, helps support overall wellness by optimizing the gut microbiome and proactively addressing age-related gut issues. Our comprehensive range of probiotics, prebiotics, and enzymes ensures a holistic approach to digestive health, enhancing nutrient absorption and promoting well-being.
