Mailbag: Gut Health Is CRITICAL at ANY Age
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted January 9, 2024
“Is gut health really that important? Will it really change the health of someone already in their 60s?”
– Theresa
Hi Theresa,
It’s NEVER too late to make your gut healthier or to benefit from that improvement.
Making healthy changes to your food, lifestyle, and gut microbiome in your 60s… and BEYOND… can still have BIG payoffs.
In fact, you may get even MORE benefits from boosting your gut health in your senior years than when you were younger.
You see, digestive problems become more common as you age. This is because our bodies slow as we age, our stomach acid levels drop, and our gut bacteria change.
However, taking care of your gut health can help you deal with (or avoid) some of these age-linked tummy troubles.
A healthy gut microbiome (the bacteria living in your gut) is good for your health in general. But it often shrinks or becomes unbalanced as you age.
So, taking probiotics, eating fermented foods, and focusing on fiber can help get your bacterial balance back on track.
Improving your gut health will slash overall inflammation for healthier aging. Plus, it will support your immune system, bones, and brain as you age.
Taking care of your gut health ALSO makes it easier to absorb and use the nutrients in our food.
The bottom line is gut health is CRITICAL at any age. And you can easily make changes to your gut microbiome and digestive function in your 60s and beyond that contribute to healthy aging.
- Avoid antibiotics unless you absolutely need them.
- Eat plenty of fermented foods, including sauerkraut, pickles, yogurt, and kefir. And if you’re more adventurous, consider miso, natto, and kimchi.
- Take a good probiotic: I like to rotate probiotics to expose my gut to a wide variety of bacteria.
- Eat plenty of fiber prebiotics. Probiotics need food, and fiber is one of the best ways to feed them. Fresh raw vegetables are your best source of prebiotic fiber.
- Prioritize sleep, reduce your stress levels, and exercise regularly.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to a healthier gut… and mastering your microbiome… in no time.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? CLICK HERE to submit your question and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The Vitamin NO Diabetic Can Afford to Ignore
The fact that so many Americans STILL have low vitamin D is puzzling. After all, the research showing how VITAL the vitamin is to our health is overwhelming. For example, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels reduces the risk of osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, cancer, autoimmune disease, respiratory infections, depression, and more. But new research...
Mailbag: Holistic Hacks to Manage Parkinson’s Symptoms
“My husband has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and I’ve noticed that his tremors and stiffness seem to be getting worse. Is there anything that can slow the disease? I’m worried about the side effects of his medications.” -Barb Hi Barb, A holistic approach focusing on physical activity, nutrition, and brain health is essential to...
One Ingredient Diet Hack TRANSFORMS Your Health
Trust me, I get it. You TRULY want to improve your health and feel and look better. However, just thinking about dieting makes you feel frustrated, exhausted, and ready to give up before you even get started. Because, let’s be honest, change is hard. But what if I told you that improving your health doesn’t...
Microplastic Mayhem Threatens Your Heart [ALERT]
As a regular Living Well Daily reader, you likely already know quite a bit about microplastics. After all, I’ve often written about the dangers they pose to our health. More research is needed to determine the precise damage ingesting microplastics causes, but we’ve already learned a thing or two. For example, studies have linked them...
Eyes Unlock Dementia Secrets a DECADE Early
The eyes are the window to the soul. We all know the old saying, of course. Its precise origins are unclear (it’s been attributed to the Bible, William Shakespeare, and Leonardo Da Vinci), but we know it’s true. After all, our eyes DO have a way of exposing our feelings. However, it’s not just emotions...
End the Afternoon Slump with THIS Evening Trick
We often joke about the afternoon slump and drifting off in our easy chairs. But the reality is when that fatigue keeps you from doing the things you love (or need) to do, your quality of life takes a serious hit. Take napping, for example. A daytime nap can be a refreshing luxury when you...
Confused About Protein Powders? Read This
So, you’re interested in trying protein powders. You may be planning on making breakfast smoothies with one. Or perhaps you’ll use it as an afternoon pick-me-up instead. A high-protein drink can be a great way to start the day because it helps you stay full far longer than a sugary bowl of cereal or a...
You CAN Develop a Happiness Habit [Here’s How...]
Life can be a total dumpster fire sometimes. We’ve all been there. Losing friends, arguing with family, and don’t even get me started on the whole money situation. Life’s challenging moments are enough to make anyone want to curl up into a ball and binge-watch Netflix for eternity. But wait, there’s a plot twist! Apparently,...
Mailbag: You CAN Avoid Diabetes Medications (Here’s How...)
“I’ve recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. My doctor mentioned that I might need to start taking medication. Is there anything else I can do to manage my sugars before taking drugs?” – Nick Hi Nick, I’ve got good news! Type 2 diabetes is highly preventable and reversible with some extra effort on your...
“Osteoporosis Proof” Your Bones with a Breakfast Staple
Everything from ad campaigns to our doctors’ praise has given milk an unbeatable bone-building halo. For years, it’s been drummed into us. Milk is the ultimate key to strong bones. But IS dairy as good as it gets when it comes to protecting our bones? Don’t get me wrong—I AM a fat of full-fat dairy....