Secrets to a long life: Gut health, genetics and avoiding toxic people.

We are constantly on the hunt for ways to feel better and in some cases live longer - and scientists think they've come up with the blueprint. Whether it's upgrading our diets, choosing healthier habits, or committing to moving more, we should start paying closer attention to our guts.

The world's oldest woman, Maria Branyas Morera, an American-Catalan woman who died last year at the grand age of 117, can teach us a valuable lesson. Researchers studied her lifestyle and health to come up with the answers to how she managed to live such a long life..

Maria credited her long life to “luck and good genetics” and to “avoiding toxic people”, she surpassed the average lifespan in Catalonia by 30 years, so there were probably other factors at play.

Some people are living to and past 110, but living to 117 is incredibly rare.

The research study analysed Morea's genes, microbiome, and the lifestyle she lived to draw their conclusions, and they found that it was her gut health that resembled a child's.

Her optimal health also meant that her body's cells were functioning as though she were 17 years younger.

More specifically, her body was extremely good at methylation, which is a chemical modification of DNA and other molecules that may be retained as cells divide to make more cells.

“DNA methylation is probably the most studied epigenetic mark in cell biology and disease, being also disrupted as we age,” the study noted.

“Overall, these data suggest that one of the reasons that our supercentenarian reached such a world record age was that her cells ‘felt’ or ‘behaved’ as younger cells, with a biological age of a centenarian."

So, what can we take from this?

Morera’s gut was rich in Bifidobacterium, a type of bacteria known for its anti-inflammatory properties. “Microorganisms are critical in determining not only the metabolite composition of our body, but also inflammation, intestinal permeability, cognition, and bone and muscle health". The researchers explained.

Morera herself says that she steered clear of alcohol and smoking, and regularly ate fruits and vegetables - along with her signature three yoghurts per day - following a very similar diet to that of the Mediterranean diet.

She also made sure to take daily walks.

Sounds simple enough, right?

The picture that emerges from the study shows that extremely advanced age and poor health are not intrinsically linked, is that a truly logical conclusion, we may ask.

Whether or not we believe this to be the case, if you want to reach 117, it could well be time to delete Deliveroo, stop doom scrolling, and get outside.

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Gut health is a big deal - it’s like the command center for our overall well-being! The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that make up our gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and even mental health.

Here’s why keeping our gut in top shape matters:

- Digestion & Nutrient Absorption: A healthy gut helps break down food efficiently, ensuring the body gets the nutrients it needs.

- Immune System Support: About 70% of our immune systems reside in our gut, meaning a balanced microbiome helps fight off infections.

- Mental Health Connection: The gut produces serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone, which influences mood and stress levels.

- Inflammation Control: A diverse gut microbiome can help reduce inflammation, lowering the risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Want to boost your gut health? Try eating fiber-rich foods, fermented goodies like yogurt and kimchi, and staying hydrated!

Have you been thinking about making any gut-friendly changes to your diet?

Now is a good time to start.

And get outside more. I need to take my own advice!!! So, today is my new journey towards gut health. Luckily, I love yogurt and walking outside.