A British university researcher says it’s never to late to take measures to prolong your life and live it better. He even testified about his theorem in front of the UK House of Lords recently, advocating for awareness of the benefits of Vegetarianism and Veganism, even in your 70s…
A graphic explanation of Leaky Gut Syndrome and its results
by Leaky Gut advocate Dr. Vincent Pedre.
Submitted for your consideration…
Professor John Mathers from Newcastle University told the Lords that switching to a Plant-based Diet helps feed the good bacteria in our digestive systems. He says the ‘good bugs’ decline with age and the gut (intestines) become ‘leaky, allowing substances from inside to leak into the blood stream. That, in turn, Mathers says, can cause systemic inflammation that exacerbates a number of dangerous conditions and potentially life-threatening diseases. Mathers says switching as late as in your 70s can provide major, lasting benefits.
His colleague, Dr. Marina Ezcurra from the University of Kent, explained: “Bacteria in the gut are linked to age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative and cardiovascular conditions, and cancer. As we get older, gut microbes are more likely to release molecules into the bloodstream, which affects our tissues. A strong microbiome strengthens the gut barrier against leakage that leads to inflammation.”
How to counter that threat?
Mathers says we have to switch to a predominantly or entirely Plant-based Diet: “A plant-based diet may be more healthy in old life. It provides the carbohydrates for good bacteria to grow.”
Why? A Veggie diet provides your body with more Prebiotic substances. These, Mathers says, act as fertilizer for the growth of good bacteria. ‘Prebiotics are different from Probiotics,which usually introduce new bacteria to the gut microbiome, rather than foster the growth of good bacteria already there.
The official position
The British National Health Service (NHS) is not so ready to agree entirely with Mathers and his followers about his theory, though. The official NHS position on ‘Leaky Gut Syndrome’ says:
“While it’s true that some conditions and medications can cause a “leaky” gut (what scientists call increased intestinal permeability), there is currently little evidence to support the theory that a porous bowel is the direct cause of any significant, widespread problems. There is also little evidence that the “treatments” some people claim help to reduce bowel leakiness, such as nutritional supplements and herbal remedies, have any beneficial effect for most of the conditions they supposedly help.”
My take
You are free to make up your own kind on this one. I’m not advocating one way or the other.
I’ll wait until there’s more hard evidence on the table that Prebiotics, from a Veggie-predominant Diet, can help me live longer and healthier. But I’ll be keeping an eye on this issue, for sure. Who wouldn’t want to live longer and be healthier?
~ Maggie J.