ActiveAging

1 R Special Advertising Section | Sunday, March 28, 2021 9 Many yogurts also contain added probiotics. Probiotics boost immune health, help your body metabolize nutrients in food and medicine, and curb age-related digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea and gas. UCLA researchers also found that a group of Provided by Koelsch Communities Yogurt is a tasty, healthy snack for people of all ages, and the popular dairy product may have added benefits as you get older — particularly for your gut. Maintaining gut health grows increasing- ly important as we age, as an imbalance in gut bacteria can be linked to chronic illnesses (like inflammatory bowel dis- ease, cardiovascular disease and cancer), impacting the quality or longevity of life. Some yogurt varieties contain active bacteria called probiotics that have been shown to help with digestion and enhance gut health. Let’s take a look at how age affects gut health — and the benefits of adding yogurt to your diet. Understanding gut bacteria Trillions of bacteria form a commu- nity — a microbiome — inside your gut and other parts of the human body. The unseen host of microorganisms that live within your intestinal tract help metabolize nutrients in food, protect against infections, stimulate the im- mune system and more. It’s important to remember that the kinds of bacteria in your gut microbiome change over time. Genetic factors, lifestyle choices and eating habits can affect or upset the microbial balance. Age-related issues like decreased mobility, fatigue, weak- ness and dental problems can alter the kinds of foods you eat, which can limit the variety of good bacteria in your gut. Eating certain types of yogurt is one way to help regulate gut bacteria diver- sity and improve gut health. Nutrients and probiotics in yogurt Yogurt is made by fermenting pas- teurized milk with different live bacteria cultures. It’s a dairy product but has less lactose than milk. Lactose-intolerant people might find it easier to digest. A single yogurt serving provides lots of healthy nutrients for older adults, including calcium that protects teeth and bones and protein to maintain muscle mass. Other important vita- mins and minerals include potassium, magnesium, vitamins B6 and B12 and riboflavin. ACTIVE AGING Yogurt’s role in maintaining gut health over age 50 GETTY IMAGES See Yogurt, page 17 620 TERRY AVENUE, SEATTLE WA 98104 206.429.5751 | MURANOSEN IORL I V I NG.COM Murano knows your social life is a big part of, well, your life. So we adapted our social calendars to best suit your needs while maintaining the highest level of safety. With technology-based engagement programs and doorway and corridor events, you can fill your days with fun while making new connections. And our exclusive PrimeFit SM program, now available virtually, provides a full mind and body workout. Learn more about our Senior Living Active Aging lifestyle at an Open House! Every Thursday between 3:00 and 6:00 pm. Safety is our first and foremost priority so space will be limited. Your l i fe was meant to be t ru l y l i ved.