Gut Health and Accelerated Aging

Hope to stay young as long as possible? How you age is NOT “all in your genes” and you have more control over that than you may think. This research reveals the link between increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) and accelerated biological aging. When your body ages faster than your chronological years you have greater risk for diseases seen more frequently in older adults, and you may end up looking much older than you are.

Take good care of your gut and you may avoid early manifestation of diseases seen later in life such as dementia, brain disorders, diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, reduced mobility, immunodeficiency, infections, chronic inflammation, and cancer.

Results

PLWH exhibit accelerated biological aging in the colon, ileum, and blood, as measured by various epigenetic aging clocks, compared to PLWoH. Investigating the relationship between microbial translocation and biological aging, PLWH had decreased levels of tight junction proteins in the intestines, along with increased microbial translocation. This intestinal permeability correlated with faster biological aging and increased inflammation. When investigating the relationship between microbial dysbiosis and biological aging, the intestines of PLWH had higher abundance of specific pro-inflammatory bacteria, such as Catenibacterium and Prevotella. These bacteria correlated with accelerated biological aging. Conversely, the intestines of PLWH had lower abundance of bacteria known for producing the anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids, such as Subdoligranulum and Erysipelotrichaceae, and these bacteria were associated with slower biological aging. Correlation networks revealed significant links between specific microbial genera in the colon and ileum (but not in feces), increased aging, a rise in pro-inflammatory microbe-related metabolites (e.g., those in the tryptophan metabolism pathway), and a decrease in anti-inflammatory metabolites like hippuric acid.

Source: Microbiome February 22 2024

About the Author: Dr. L. Cindy Theroux-Jette, PhD, OT/L, LAc, CFMP

L. Cindy Theroux-Jette, PhD, OT/L, LAc, CHPCA is a functional medicine specialist, and a dually Board certified and licensed clinician with 30+ years of practice. She employs a functional integrative approach to identify and address the underlying root cause of disorders while treating adult and pediatric patients. She is a nationally Board-Certified and licensed Occupational Therapist (OT/L), and a nationally Board-Certified licensed Acupuncturist and herbalist (LAc). She is licensed to practice in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, became Board Certified in Occupational Therapy in 1992 by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), and was Board Certified in 2002 by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Her formal education includes a Doctoral degree in Health Psychology (PhD), a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM), a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy (BSOT), and two specialty certifications: Certified Functional Medicine Provider (CFMP), and Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist (CHPCA). Dr. Theroux-Jette holds the distinction of being the first and only Certified Functional Medicine Provider in Greater Nashua. She empowers her patients to take an active role in addressing modifiable problem areas and expects an active investment in self-care and treatment for best results in restoring function, maintaining health, and achieving healthy longevity. Dr. Theroux-Jette also holds the distinction of being the first and only NH licensed acupuncturist to have earned the Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist (CHPCA) specialty certification from the National Association for Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturists, and she is honored to be able to provide end-of-life comfort and palliative care. The comprehensive nature of her conventional medical training and holistic medical training serves to “fill the gap” and augment the care of conventional medical providers who may not have time or training to offer individualized care while working within the constraints of insurance driven conventional healthcare systems. She welcomes collaboration with all providers on the patient care team, as open communication facilitates better outcomes and is in the best interest of her patients. Virtual care via telemedicine visits allow Dr. Theroux-Jette to offer functional medicine services to patients from all over the United States. Her practice focus includes treatment of chronic health conditions, preventive medicine, restorative medicine, healthy aging, and immunological, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. Complex conditions, pain, and psychological stress are the most common referrals and complaints she sees in her practice. Dr. Theroux-Jette was initially appointed to serve on the New Hampshire Board of Acupuncture Licensing in 2012 by Governor Lynch, was reappointed several times, and served as Chair of the Board for ten years. She is President Emeritus (2005-2012) of the state level professional association of licensed acupuncturists, the New Hampshire Acupuncture and Asian Medicine Association. Dr. Theroux-Jette honorably served her country in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1989 – 1997 at Naval Air Station South Weymouth, Massachusetts. Presently, she enjoys giving back to the local and global community as a member of the Rotary Club of Nashua and volunteering with Home Health & Hospice Care Wellspring Chorus. She follows a Pesco-Mediterranean diet, and in her free time enjoys nature, photography, and outdoor activities with her spouse, Ernie Jette.

Gut Health and Accelerated Aging