Research over the last few years has really shown us the importance of a healthy gut. If we can’t absorb the nutrients that our bodies need, then our health can be affected, including our immune system and metabolism. Our GI tract is lined with both good and bad bacteria, which influence how we absorb our food.
As we age, the diversity of our microbiome decreases, which can lead to inflammation in the gut. A study published in the BMJ Journal Gut looked at whether the Mediterranean Diet could have an impact on the gut health of older adults.
The study showed an improvement of the gut flora (microbiome) when dietary patterns were changed to eat more fruit, vegetables, nuts, legumes, olive oil, and fish while limiting sugar, saturated fat, and red meat. In fact, those eating a Mediterranean diet produced lower inflammatory markers shown to affect cognitive function and chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Independent from this study, the Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes, obesity, dementia and stronger bones. This diet has also been shown to decrease the likelihood of developing Erectile Dysfunction.
The take home message: what you eat matters to your health. Eat whole food and stay away from processed and packaged foods as much as possible.
If you’d like more information about how your diet and lifestyle can impact your sexual health, contact us to schedule an appointment.
