Dysbiosis
The balance of gut and microbial communities shifts with age, affecting immunity and metabolism.
Age-associated loss of microbial diversity, bloom of pro-inflammatory taxa, and reduced short-chain fatty acid production correlate with frailty, immune dysregulation, and metabolic syndrome. Gut–immune and gut–brain axes amplify systemic inflammaging.
How to minimize dysbiosis
- Target dietary fiber diversity (30+ g/day where tolerated) and fermented foods—human feeding studies expand microbiome richness.
- Limit chronic ultra-processed food and unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotics.
- Exercise independently associates with more favorable gut taxonomy in athletes vs sedentary controls.
- Precision probiotics and FMT for healthy aging remain experimental; single-strain products are often overclaimed.