How Ageing Affects Your Gut
What You Need to Know About Gut Health Over 50
Ageing is a natural and inevitable process. As our bodies mature, a range of biological changes occur. While much focus is placed on the visible signs of ageing, our internal organs also undergo significant changes with age, and these shifts have real consequences on our gastrointestinal system health and function, and impact how we feel everyday.
How Ageing Impacts Gut Function
As we get older, our gastroinstestinal system slows down. There’s a change in the gut microbiota balance, and the muscles and organs involved in digestion — including those responsible for moving food through the gut — may weaken and lose tone leading to slower waste expulsion.1
Changes in the Gut Microbiome
Along with reduced muscle tone and enzyme production, the gut microbiota (the community of bacteria living in our intestines) also shifts dramatically. The diversity and balance of these bacteria change, with some beneficial species becoming less dominant. This can result in a drop in the production of Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), compounds essential for maintaining gastrointestinal function and immune system health.2
Supporting intestinal friendly flora and maintaining gastrointestinal system health helps maintain immune system health as 70-80% of immune cells reside in the gut.3
Probiotics for 50+: What the Science Says
While there is a range of probiotics specific in benefiting those over 50, one in particular includes Lactobacillus plantarum that:
- Helps restore and nourish friendly intestinal flora
- Support gastrointestinal system health
- Maintain immune system health
Supporting Your Gastrointestinal System Health as You Age
Thankfully, there are practical and effective ways to support your gut health as you get older:
- Stay physically active
- Eat a balanced, high-fibre diet
- Ensure adequate hydration
- Include probiotics (with prebiotics) in your routine
- Schedule regular health check-ups 4-7
By staying proactive, you can help maintain not only your gastrointestinal system health but help support your immune system as well.
Caruso’s Over 50’s Probiotic: Formulated for Healthy Ageing
Caruso’s Over 50’s Probiotic has been specifically developed for individuals aged over 50. Each capsule contains 15 Billion Colony Forming Units (CFU) from a blend of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species—two commonly studied groups of probiotics. It also includes inulin, a prebiotic fibre.
Caruso’s Over 50’s Probiotic supports bowel regularity and relieves abdominal bloating, distention and discomfort associated with medically diagnosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This carefully selected combination of probiotic strains also supports immune system health and healthy gastrointestinal function, and helps restore beneficial intestinal flora.
A Simple Step Towards Better Gut Health
Taking two capsules a day of Caruso’s Over 50’s Probiotic is a convenient way to support and maintain your gastrointestinal system health and support your immune system health as part of a balanced lifestyle for individuals over 50 years.
Staying active, eating a fibre-rich diet, staying hydrated, and supporting your gut with probiotics can help you continue feeling your best as you age.
Always read the label and follow directions for use.
References
1. MSD Manuals. (n.d.). Effects of aging on the digestive system. https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/digestive-disorders/biology-of-the-digestive-system/effects-of-aging-on-the-digestive-system
2. O’Toole, P. W., & Jeffery, I. B. (2015). Gut microbiota and aging. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 12(11), 623–633. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2015.134
3. Leser, T., & Baker, A. (2024). Molecular Mechanisms of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, LGG® Probiotic Function. Microorganisms, 12(4), 794. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040794
4. Aziz, T., Hussain, N., Hameed, Z., & Lin, L. (2024). Elucidating the role of diet in maintaining gut health to reduce the risk of obesity, cardiovascular and other age-related inflammatory diseases: Recent challenges and future recommendations. Gut Microbes, 16(1), 2297864. https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2023.2297864
5. Yoshimura, H. (2024, January 10). Optimizing gut health in the elderly: Functional medicine strategies for geriatric patients. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/optimizing-gut-health-in-the-elderly-functional-medicine-strategies-for-geriatric-patients
6. Kim’s Sunshine. (n.d.). Understanding and managing digestive health in later years. https://www.kimssunshine.co.in/blog/preventive-health/understanding-and-managing-digestive-health-in-later-years
7. Northwest Healthcare. (2024, March 14). Digestive health is crucial for overall quality of life at any age. Healthier Tucson. https://www.healthiertucson.com/news-room/digestive-health-is-crucial-for-overall-quality-of-20111
