Microbiome, Herbal Medicine, and Probiotics Combine to Extend Lifespan (2023)

FAQs

Do probiotics increase lifespan? ›

A longevity-promoting gut bacteria improves bone and brain aging in mice and increases lifespan and healthspan in flies and worms. By Daniel R.

But as the researchers commented: “Our results definitely suggest that a diet specifically incorporating Triphala along with these probiotics will promote a long and healthy life.”

Probiotics may restore the composition of the gut microbiome and introduce beneficial functions to gut microbial communities, resulting in amelioration or prevention of gut inflammation and other intestinal or systemic disease phenotypes.

If the question is whether the typical commercially available probiotics, often containing strains of Lactobacillus and/or Bifidobacterium will permanently establish and proliferate in the gut of healthy adults after consumption, the answer is that this is highly unlikely.

A review of multiple studies found that probiotics can restore the pH of acidic skin, reduce the impact of oxidative stress, reduce the effects of photo-aging, boost skin barrier function, and improve the quality of your hair. After all, probiotics literally means “for life”!

Probiotics and skin aging

For instance, probiotic bacteria, particularly lactobacilli and bifidobacteria interact with dermal fibroblasts in a photoprotective manner, thereby exhibiting an anti-aging effect.

Some medications that may interact with certain probiotics include: antibiotics, antifungals (such as clotrimazole, ketoconazole, griseofulvin, nystatin).

There have been no interactions with vitamins, minerals, probiotics, essential fatty acids, and most other supplements.

Triphala is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, since no scientific studies have guaranteed their safety. Additionally, they can also lower the effectiveness of certain medications like blood thinners.

For most people, the composition of the gut microbiome returns almost completely to baseline in one to two months.

How long does it take to fix your microbiome? ›

Building a healthy microbiome can take up to 6 months if the correct healthy habits are adopted (diet, exercise, sleep and stress management - and also supplements if needed) however it really is a lifelong journey because you need to continue these habits to maintain a healthy microbiome.

An anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, good quality sleep, and probiotics are all strategies to put in place before trying antimicrobials or antibiotics to get rid of bad bacteria.

Probiotics have been shown to be safe to use long-term. One study found that long-term use of probiotics led to beneficial changes in the gut microbiome. Like dosage, the duration for taking probiotics varies depending on the bacterial strains and specific product.

Depending on what you're taking probiotics for, you may see symptom improvements anywhere between a few days to a few months.

A common question about probiotics is whether it is ok to take probiotic supplements every day. Whilst there may be a few exceptions to this rule, the general answer is yes, it's safe, and usually recommended, to take them daily. It's important to understand that probiotics are a natural supplement and not a medicine.

Leprosy bacteria hold anti-ageing secrets and can regenerate organs, scientists say.

Possible harmful effects of probiotics include infections, production of harmful substances by the probiotic microorganisms, and transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from probiotic microorganisms to other microorganisms in the digestive tract.

Probiotics work on the surface to maintain moisture and fight the bad bacteria causing redness, sensitivity, spots and infections. The beneficial bugs also penetrate the deeper levels to repair skin DNA and build collagen.

Studies have shown that probiotics can be beneficial to seniors and aging adults for more than just the keeping the body regular. Probiotics can help older adults maintain a healthy gut and strong immune system while fighting off harmful bacteria such as Clostridia and Bacteroides which are more common with age.

Do probiotics boost collagen? ›

Absolutely. Since probiotics and collagen both support gut health and digestion, they naturally have a complementary relationship with one another. In fact, taking them together can improve their bioavailability or the ability of your body to assimilate the nutrients.

In addition, probiotics might have synergistic effects with vitamin D, through improving the expression of vitamin D receptors [9]. Therefore, modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis by probiotics plus improving vitamin D levels might provide a novel target to treat mental and metabolic disorders.

“The supplements can be costly, and there isn't enough evidence to prove a benefit or confirm lack of harm.” Probiotics are microscopic organisms — including certain bacteria and yeast — that live in the digestive tract and are also found in a variety of foods and dietary supplements.

Magnesium is an essential mineral that is responsible for more than 300 reactions in the body. It helps maintain healthy bones, supports muscle function and recovery, and promotes sleep. It has also been shown to play an important role in the gut brain axis. It can be taken together with probiotics.

Ashwagandha, because it seems to make the immune system more active, could also interfere with drugs that suppress the immune system. Examples of these drugs include cyclosporine, mycophenolate, tacrolimus, prednisone, and corticosteroids.

Ashwagandha might also interact with supplements that cause sleepiness, like St. John's wort, kava, valerian, and others.

Extensive studies on Triphala have shown that it has preventive and therapeutic efficacy against malignancies such as breast, colon, pancreas, prostate, ovarian, cervical, endometrial, and lymphatic cancers as well as melanoma [58,60,61,63,74].

Is it good to take Triphala daily? Yes, daily supplementation of Triphala is considered to be good. This helps to manage blood glucose levels, intestinal infections and provides relief from constipation. Furthermore, Triphala has antibacterial, immunomodulator, antioxidant, blood purifying and wound healing properties.

A major purpose of triphala is to teach your body to have a bowel movement in the morning, as that is the most ideal time to eliminate. That is why taking it at night before you go to bed is so important. We suggest never taking an herbal supplement for more than three months.

These include yogurt, kefir, kombucha, pickles, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso and many aged cheeses. Spending time outdoors in the natural world also exposes you to millions of microbes, many of which can benefit microbiome diversity. And research shows that exercise itself is important to maintaining gut health.

Does fasting heal microbiome? ›

Recent studies suggest that intermittent fasting can alter the composition of the human gut microbiome by increasing taxonomic diversity and promoting microbial remodeling. During fasting, a particular family of anaerobic bacteria called Lachnospiraceae flourished.

Fasting during prolonged periods gives the gut the time it needs to restore its integrity. This is especially important for those with “leaky gut”, also called intestinal permeability, where the gut lining is weakened thereby allowing toxins, partially digested foods and pathogens to enter the bloodstream.

Taking probiotics helps the gut microbiome return to a healthy state after it has been disturbed. Probiotics also have a positive influence on the immune system of the body. The timing of your probiotic intake is important - doctors advise that you take probiotics at least 2 hours before your antibiotic dose.

Honey. Honey tops the list of antibiotics and is known for its extensive healing properties. The presence of hydrogen peroxide in honey exhibits strong antibacterial properties. In addition, the high sugar content thwarts the growth of bacteria.

Raw apple cider vinegar also contains: Natural probiotics (friendly bacteria), which may help with your immune system and gut health. Antioxidants, substances that can prevent damage to your body's cells.

Some reports have linked probiotics to serious infections and other side effects. The people most likely to have trouble are those with immune system problems, people who've had surgery, and others who are critically ill. Don't take probiotics if you have any of those issues.

A common question about probiotics is whether it is ok to take probiotic supplements every day. Whilst there may be a few exceptions to this rule, the general answer is yes, it's safe, and usually recommended, to take them daily. It's important to understand that probiotics are a natural supplement and not a medicine.

For short-term symptom relief, such as reducing diarrhea, some probiotics may work in as little as a few days. For chronic conditions or general immune health, it may be most beneficial to take probiotics for weeks or months at a time.

What are long term benefits of probiotics? ›

They may trigger allergic reactions, and may also cause mild stomach upset, diarrhea, or flatulence (passing gas) and bloating for the first few days after starting to take them. There are certain people who need to use caution when using probiotic supplements. There is a risk of infection in some people.

Regularly taking probiotics has generally been shown to be safe, according to the NIH, especially Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The most common side effect is gas. Some cases of infections have resulted in severe illness in immunocompromised or severely ill patients after taking probiotics.

Probiotics are safe for the majority of the population, but side effects can occur. The most common side effects are a temporary increase in gas, bloating, constipation and thirst. Some people can also react poorly to ingredients used in probiotic supplements or to naturally occurring amines in probiotic foods.

Some medications that may interact with certain probiotics include: antibiotics, antifungals (such as clotrimazole, ketoconazole, griseofulvin, nystatin).

When probiotics administration is suspended, lactic acid bacteria are rapidly released, causing a host intestinal imbalance in the gut microbiota, gut metabolites, and intestinal physical structure.

If you are taking a high quality, multispecies and multistrain supplement, you can expect to notice initial improvements and health benefits of probiotics in your digestion as early as the first 1-2 weeks after starting your probiotic. Depending on how sensitive you are, many people feel a difference after a few days.

Taking too many can cause side effects like bloating and gas. It is possible to take too many probiotics , though a harmful overdose isn't likely. Common side effects of taking too many probiotics can include bloating, gas, and nausea. Those with a weakened immune system should consult a doctor before taking probiotics ...

What is the best time to take probiotics? ›

“Research has found probiotic supplements to be most effective when taken 20 to 30 minutes before a meal,” says Nelson. “Taking them before breakfast may be the preferred option, because your digestive system has been at rest for an extended period of time and the probiotic has less resistance reaching the intestines.”