The Aging Gut (November 2008)

This month I would like to discuss a common problem that we may have to deal with sooner or later…”the aging gut.” This term may not be familiar or pleasant, but the age associated symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, bloating or loss of appetite are well known. There are several reviews discussing this problem. But fortunately, taking a probiotic may ease or prevent the symptoms(1,2,3,4). The intestinal bacterial flora changes with age. Older people have a much lower number of the friendly bacteria in their intestines than younger adults. There are also more harmful bacteria in their intestines. People over age 60 have around one thousandth of the bacterial level of the so-called friendly bacteria in their intestines compared to young adults. As we keep celebrating birthdays, there are a variety of physiological alterations that occur in our intestines leading to an imbalance of the intestinal bacteria. Generally, the stomach makes less acid, and it also slows in emptying the meal into the intestines. These changes can result in reduced appetite, malnutrition, and an increase of unfriendly bacteria. There is a decline in the production of intestinal digestive enzymes that allows for some types of carbohydrates to escape digestion and absorption. These products are then digested by the bacteria in the colon resulting in bloating, excess gas, and sometimes, diarrhea. The travel time through the large intestines tends to increase. The result is a tendency toward constipation and a change in the resident intestinal bacteria. The intestinal immune system declines which reduces our natural defense against invading organisms and leads to a higher risk for intestinal infections. In addition, the number of prescription medications we use generally increases as we age. Depending on the medication, there can be a decrease in the stomach acid production, slowing of the intestinal motility, and destruction of the healthy bacteria. Taking a good probiotic can counter the harmful changes that occur in the gut bacteria. The two main beneficial bacterial species, lactobacillus and bifidobacteria can improve intestinal digestion, reduce the number of the harmful bacteria, and enhance the intestinal immune system.(5) When considering a probiotic supplement, it is important to look at the number of organisms in a capsule. A serving size should have a minimum of 5 billon colony forming units. In addition, studies have shown that multistrain and multispecies probiotics are more effective (6). So, consider taking a probiotic if you are reaching the age of 60. If your older relatives or friends seem to be having some gut issues, consider suggesting that they try a good probiotic...like EndoMune! EndoMune is a multistrain, multispecies probiotic. Each capsule contains six different beneficial organisms that are mutually supportive, three bifidobacteria strains and three lactobacillus strains. A serving size of two capsules contains 12 billon colony forming units. Thank you for your interest in EndoMune. Eat healthy, exercise and live well!! Dr. Larry Hoberman 1)The clinical significance of gastrointestinal changes with aging. Bhutto A - Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care - 01-SEP-2008 ; 11(5): 651-60 2)The Aging Gut: Physiology. Morley JE - Clin Geriatr Med - 01-NOV-2007 ; 23(4): 757-67, v-vi 3)Probiotics and prebiotics in the elderly. Hamilton-Miller JM-Postgrad Med J.-AUG- 2004; 80(946):447-51. 4)Microbiological Effects of Consuming a Synbiotic Containing B. bifidum, B. lactis, and Oligofructose in Elderly Persons . Bartosch S, Woodmansey EM, et al-Clin Inf Dis-6 DEC 2004; 40: 28-37 5)Dietary probiotic supplementation enhances natural killer cell activity in the elderly: an investigation of age-related immunological changes. Gill HS, Rutherfurd KJ, Cross ML-Am J Clin Nutr.-Dec 2001;74(6):833-9. 6)Monostrain,multistrain and multispecies probiotics—A comparison of functionality and efficacy. Timmerman HM, Koning CJ, et al-Interna’l J Food Microbiol- May 2004; 96: 219-233