Gut Viruses Linked to Longevity: Study
A recent study of centenarians from Japan and Sardinia found that harbouring the right viruses in your gut can make a difference in living a long and healthy life. Some of the viruses in the guts of centenarians are attacking and killing off 'bad' bacteria, the type that can cause inflammation and nasty infections of the gut. These particular viruses, known as bacteriophages, are very common and are increasingly being used in medical settings as an alternative to antibiotics. Additionally, some of the viruses in the centenarians' guts are also good at creating the gas hydrogen sulphide, which helps maintain the lining of the gut and has direct, powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The study suggests that faecal samples from centenarians might one day be used to cultivate the beneficial viruses, which would then be given to people who aren't ageing so well, either as a pill or a faecal transplant.