Diet, Aging, Microbiome, Social Well-Being, and Health

Over the past few decades, researchers have established that the human body has a complex ecosystem. It is a social network between our own cells and bacteria and other microorganisms. Bacteria cells in the human body outnumber our own cells by 10 to 1. Despite this huge number, they are usually no threat to us. They offer vital help to many of our basic physiological processes. It is becoming increasingly clear that the microbes in our gut play crucial roles in health and disease. It is likely that the bacterial flora in our body may also influence the aging process. Apart from the influence of bacterial flora in our bodies and the diet we consume, there are certain pharmacological substances such as rapamycin, metformin, and resveratrol that are shown to influence longevity in animals and humans. Calorie restriction is known to increase life span in many animal species. Other factors that influence aging include the role of free radicals, gene modifications, chronic inflammation, and certain spices such as curcumin and capsaicin. Modern life style that promotes obesity and social isolation are other factors that contribute to a number of human illnesses. This paper will present some of the latest findings related to gut flora, aging, and social well-being.