Oddly enough, this secret is connected with our intestines. And more precisely, with the microorganisms living in it.
A recent study by scientists from MIT and Harvard University found that people living 100 years and older have a wide variety of microorganisms in their guts.
These are microbes and viruses that help us digest food and protect us from disease.
By the way, it was previously known that in the intestines of centuries-old people live unique bacteria that produce special substances that help protect themselves from infections. It is also known that some viruses, called bacteriophages, can improve memory and learning abilities in mice.
But until now, it’s not clear how these viruses affect people’s health and life expectancy. Now, using new technologies, researchers can study viruses that live in the guts of people of all ages, from the young over 18 to the elderly and centenarians over 100. A total of 195 people participated in the research.
It turns out that there are more different microorganisms, including viruses that destroy harmful bacteria in the guts of centuries-old people. This process is similar to what happens in the intestines of babies.
Therefore, the secret to longevity may lie in our guts.
Source: Ferra
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