Our body is home to about 300 to 500 different types of bacteria. They can be found in our gastrointestinal tract. While some of these bacteria are good and some bad, all of them are crucial to our gut health.

Telling if our gut is healthy does not require us to act upon our feelings. There are clear signs that indicate a healthy gut, more importantly clearer signs that indicate an unhealthy one. 

An upset tummy

Gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea are everyday struggles that we ignore. These are clear indications of an unhealthy GI tract. One of the key responsibilities of the gut is to help the body eliminate waste. While each person has unique bowel movement cycles, it is important to have a consistent and regular one. A regular poop cycle can be anywhere between once every three days to twice in one day.

Unintentional change in body weight

Losing or gaining weight, unintentionally, is a sign of poor gut health.

Weight loss is commonly caused by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or SIBO. The presence of excessive bacteria in the small intestines is detrimental to food and nutrient absorption, emphasizing yet again the importance of bad and good bacteria. Nutritional deficiency and weight loss are the most obvious symptoms of SIBO.

Weight gain, on the other hand, can be attributed to insulin resistance. When excessive sugar regulates in the body, we develop insulin resistance – making us susceptible to diabetes and other lifestyle diseases.

Food intolerances

Often mistaken for food allergies, food intolerances are certain foods that our bodies have a hard time to digest, process, absorb nutrients from, and finally excrete. Bacterial imbalance in our gut, and the absence of good gut bacteria is what causes food intolerance. Abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, gas, are some of the most common side effects of food intolerances and a sign of poor gut health.

Skin health

Instagram filters aside, the secret to glowing skin and dewy look does not lie within spending a fortune on makeup. Your gut health can take most of the credit here as well. Breakouts, rashes, redness, itchiness, and even eczema are signs that your gut health is not good and therefore your skin health has to bear the brunt of it.

Improving your gut health, naturally

Natural healing techniques, especially plant-based supplements can be the extra conditioning that your overall and specifically your gut health needs.

Kaer Naturals, a Los Angeles based brand, extends adaptogen herbs and natural supplements for modern individuals like yourselves.

With a rich apothecary history, we have perfected the science of plant-based herbs.

Gut Glow is a natural digestion pill that is formulated to improve your gut health. By regulating good gut bacteria, Gut Glow aids digestion, promotes skin health and reduces inflammation.

We understand wellness and are happy to extend nothing but the best to you. Our products are made from premium quality raw materials, under strict manufacturing processes, and pass tests and get certifications before being made available to you. Our priority is your well-being. You deserve to be healthier and happier.

Take kaer.

Amber Tsai is a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur in the wellness industry. She values her family and health above everything else. Upon receiving her MBA from USC Marshall School of a Business, she began Kaer to as a continuation of her family’s legacy in the herbal supplement space.

Name: Mo Al-Khalaf
Job: Cardiac Immunology Research Fellow
Country: Canada
Age: 36

Dr. Mo Al-Khalaf is a graduate from the University of Ottawa, with a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine. He also holds a Bachelors’ and Masters’ in Science in the field of Biochemistry from Concordia University (Montreal, QC). He is currently the University of Ottawa Cardiac Research Endowed Fellow at the Ottawa Heart Institute. Dr. Al-Khalaf’s ongoing research aims to shed new light on accelerated cardiac aging and organ failure. In addition to his ongoing biomedical research, Dr. Al-Khalaf’s interests in advocacy and community support are reflected in his multiple roles in various local, national and international committees, to advocate for early career professionals and highlight research within the cardiovascular community. Dr. Al-Khalaf is an experienced science communicator that contributes to multiple media platforms, including a monthly blog at the American Heart Association, BEaTS Research Radio interviews with scientists and medical professionals, and official social media representative for the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and American Heart Association early career professionals, discussing and promoting science and issues related to the wide healthcare and academia sectors. Find him on Twitter and Instagram. 

On his scientific research experience:

“My early research centered on skeletal muscle development and composition, from stems cells to adult tissue fibers, focusing on the various effects of DNA damage and response mechanisms in determining muscle biology. My post-doctoral research aims to shed new light on the connections between cardiac and systematic effects of DNA damage response, specifically in the realm of activation of innate immune pathways leading to detrimental inflammation within tissues and the body, ultimately causing accelerated aging and organ failure. The goal of this research is to understand the fundamental causes of pro-inflammatory states within the cardiovascular system, and to develop novel therapeutic strategies to reduce the increasing burden of heart disease on global populations.”

On preventing DNA damage that causes illness and disease:

“When it comes to DNA damage, triggers or sources causing this damage are quite numerous. Some come from outside the body, like sunlight or unhealthy or dangerous working environments; while some triggers are initiated from within the body, like mutations in the DNA maintenance machinery, or a dysfunction in energy production, which can lead to stress-induced dangerous molecules within cells that can break DNA strands. Generally this happens to everyone & all the time, it’s the cost of biological living! But most species, and especially us humans, have evolved over the years a lot of DNA “Quality Control” instruments (proteins) that help in surveillance, upkeep, repair, and even proper disposal of damaged DNA content beyond salvaging. These are collectively called the DNA Damage Response mechanisms, and that’s my main area of focus in biology.”

On why he decided to study the science of aging:

“Early in my science path I’ve spent a number of years in a fundamental discovery biology setting, where the team involved was focused on understanding previously unknown roles of various DNA Damage repair proteins, contributing to the published literature some greater insight into these mechanisms. I wanted to advance my research career to be more targeted towards improving health and translating scientific discovery into more immediately beneficial biomedical knowledge and use. With that thought in mind, I transitioned my work in DNA damage response into an area of human biology where DNA damage plays a major part in how the body functions, and that is where I pivoted to aging research. So much of biological aging is a consequence of increased DNA damage, coupled with a decreasing potential for DNA repair. If we can better target and rebalance this equation (lessen DNA damage burden, and bolster the DNA repair capacity) then it could be possible for us to reduce the negative effects of biological aging on the body, while keeping all the advantages of healthy aging! That’s the future I work every day for.”

On the top three things to do to prevent heart disease:

“When it comes to heart, or more generally, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), I see so much potential for vast improvement. Did you know that the number one cause of mortality worldwide is cardiovascular diseases! And did you know that future projections show that the burden of CVD is going to increase even more! Generally speaking, to reduce the global cardiovascular health crisis, we need to improve on current levels of healthcare access, healthcare education and continue to innovate and discovery better healthcare solutions. This is why only a systematic and multidisciplinary approach of bringing physicians/scientists/developers/teachers/policy makers is going to effective in reducing this burden. On an individual level, I can certainly recommend healthy diet and exercise (with an emphasis on cardiovascular endurance type of training of course!). Importantly, I think being mindful and proactive in maintaining/improving one’s personal health is the key to healthier life and aging. The more we prioritize our individual health, the better our chances are in keeping that “DNA damage / DNA repair” balance tipped towards a beneficial and desired outcome!”

On the importance of effective science communication:

“Recently over the past couple of years, I’ve gained a lot of appreciation for the value of communicating science to a wider set of audience, compared to the more established traditional ways that are used by academics and researchers of all kinds. While there is a lot of good in having research be discussed amongst peers, innovation and collaboration requires that researchers and academics talk a lot to each other and have direct methods of contact, I think there was some value lost in the gap between knowledge shared between scientists and knowledge provided to everyone interested or can benefit from this data. This is where I see science communication being a valuable modern method of sharing information outside the “echo chambers” and “silos” where this information is traditionally found. Social media provides a platform that brings together so many individuals from outside academia and research. Having more science injected into these new media platforms is definitely a vital and welcome new addition to the information sharing ecosystems. I highly encourage more scientists and academics to be active on social media, because these are the ways we can expand our reach. We provide useful data that could make the difference between the truth being out, or the misguided information spreading and distancing individuals from the scientific facts.”

Being mindful and proactive in maintaining AND improving one’s personal health is the key to healthier life and aging.

Dr. Mo Al-Khalaf, PhD

Video games have become a mainstream activity among older adults who have found functional utility and pleasure in gaming. With better access and ease of use, older adults are using video games to reduce stress, maintain mental sharpness, connect, and to have fun. According to a survey conducted by the AARP, which included 3737 people aged 50 or older, 47 percent of respondents reported playing video games every day. The average respondent spent five hours every week playing video games on tablets, phones, game consoles, or computers. According to the study, the 50-59 age group is experiencing the most significant spike, which is an interesting fact, as this is the generation that grew up playing Ms. Pac-Man and Atari.

While teenagers and especially boys are still the most avid gamers, the grandparents are emerging as an essential player group. An AARP survey reported that more than 10 million U.S. citizens above the age of video had become video gamers between 2016 and 2019. There were more than 40 million gamers in the target age group in 2016, and this number has grown to more than 50 million in 2019. It has a massive implication for companies such as Nintendo and Electronic Arts (EA) that may now create more products targeted towards the older adult market.

According to Dr. Anne McLaughlin, an engineering psychologist, and professor at North Carolina State University, older adult experiences may be enriched, depending on the type of game played. McLaughlin, who was part of the team that conducted the digital games case study, says that the highest benefits usually come from unfamiliar games. Challenging and new games rather than familiar but challenging are thus the right combination because “completely new tasks form new pathways in your brain.” For persons who are just new to the world of gaming, it is essential to start with much simpler games such as Solitaire, online chess, and scrabble. The case study also found that both occasional and regular video gamers benefited a lot from playing. Older adults reported significantly lower rates of depression, better health, more excellent social functioning, and well-being as compared to non-gamers.

While playing to enhance mental acuity is great, some older adults play video games for the sense of community it provides. As such, it is not surprising to find older adults who enjoy video games, especially multiplayer games such as World of WarCraft or Super Mario. According to Greg Portell, head of global consumer industries and retail price at Kearney consulting firm, video games provide a sense of interaction and virtual community because of the isolation many older adults feel. Loneliness and social isolation in older adults are serious public health risks associated with dementia and other serious medical conditions.

Given the many benefits of gaming for older adults, digital entertainment has turned into some form of clinical therapy. The science is still in the formative stage, but studies show that video gaming can address loneliness and loss of purpose that many older adults experience. According to Dr. Kathrin Gerling, an assistant professor of computer science at KU Leuven, a research university in Belgium, gaming restores a sense of accomplishment and agency for older persons. Her paper titled “Designing Video Games for Older Adults and Caregivers” examined the design of interactive technologies to support caregiving relationships through play. Accessible game design and its impact on older adults is a critical area of focus, which can further improve the demographic’s uptake of video games. It can be a very empowering experience for an older gamer to thrive and feel a sense of belonging in an activity that mostly involves younger adults.

Edited by Global Health Aging

A newly released book by first-time author, Breanna Deutsch, proclaims that the world’s largest and most pressing healthcare issue is none other than what the majority of people consider an unwavering part of life: aging. Deutsch asserts that the leading cause of the world’s most critical health conditions—chronic diseases that lead to organ failure, heart problems, immune issues, and a general decline in quality of life, all boil down to the body’s aging process.

In Finding the Fountain: Why Government Must Unlock Biotech’s Potential to Maximize Longevity, Deutsch demands that governments direct more resources to tackle the issue of aging, in particular by taking advantage of biotechnology. She also stresses that while aging may seem inevitable, much can be done to impede, reverse, and possibly even prevent it altogether. For example, IV Therapy promises to help boost immunity, but IV therapy costs are not low-cost. Consumers should also be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor the supplements in IV therapy. 

As a resource that adopts and encourages others to embrace a positive view of aging as a healthy, normal part of life, our goal is to also encourage and welcome honest dialogue with those we disagree with, such as Deutsch. This is because everyone is growing older, older people still exist, and the aging population, like other age groups, brings both challenges and opportunities.

Deutsch suggests that although global life expectancy has gone up in recent years—the United Nations estimates it at a record 72.6 years—the assortment of ailments that plague the elderly makes the uptick in years hardly worth it. She claims that while technologies exist to combat the cell death that leads to aging, these treatments often face roadblocks which prevent them from making it to hospitals or centers that are accessible to the everyday person.

While we agree with Deutsch that aging increases vulnerability to age-associated diseases, we disagree that the increase in life expectancy is hardly worth it. There are benefits with living longer, from increased productivity to boost the economy, to intergenerational connections that give the child and the older adult a sense of purpose. The fact people are living longer but not necessarily healthier does not imply that aging is at fault. Instead, it means we have and continue to put little focus on prevention.

Healthy aging does not begin when we are older adults. It starts in our younger years. How young? As soon as we arrive in this world! Putting a greater focus on tackling social determinants of health (SDOH) will reap faster dividends than current biotechnology therapies for aging and longevity, which are either expensive or not FDA-cleared or approved. We need more research and better resource allocation into SDOH because, for several years, SDOH has only been popular among public health practitioners and recently moved into the policy domain.

We also cannot forget that beyond focusing on genetics plays a critical role in how we age. For example, family studies demonstrated that about 25 percent of the variation in human longevity is due to genetic factors. However, promoting proven public health interventions can help mitigate chronic conditions that accompany aging.

As both scientists and science communicators, our team at GHA are careful about current language toward aging, which could lead to ageism. Because, at the moment, everyone is growing older, older people still exist, and the aging population, like other age groups, brings both challenges and opportunities.

Deutsch’s book offers a step toward the future by putting pressure on the government to aid its citizens in taking care of their overall health. While we take a different approach, we also believe in prioritizing the goal of prevention and allocating the necessary funds to reach it. Ultimately, the saying prevention is better than cure always rings true.

Edited by Global Health Aging.

There are many shocking stories about the way older people have been treated by friends, family members, and even nursing home employees.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), elder abuse can lead to physical injuries – ranging from minor scratches and bruises to broken bones and disabling injuries – and serious, sometimes long-lasting, psychological consequences, including depression and anxiety. For older people, the consequences of abuse can be especially serious and take a longer time to recover.

Approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse. Some estimates range as high as 5 million elders who are abused each year. Victims often become more confused, frail, and unhappy with their circumstances as they are abused and exploited. Older adults, in particular, need advocates, such as elder abuse lawyers, health professionals, and social service agencies, among others.

In addition to the health and social problems linked to elder abuse, older adults are left feeling undervalued and underappreciated, a sobering fact that another human being would deem another human being less than them.

As stated in the U.S. Declaration of Independence, “…all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, which among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Older adults deserve to be treated with dignity, feel loved, and cared for since every life across the age spectrum is precious. If not, ageism (discrimination and stereotyping based on age) will continue to prevail because ageism is linked to elder abuse. Health care professionals can help to revolutionize society through health education, empowerment, and advocacy.

Elder abuse is more common than anyone might think. It is a critical public health issue that results in poor health outcomes and increased mortality among older adults of all races, cultures, sexual orientations, social classes, geographic areas, faith communities, mental capacities, and physical abilities. Until service providers work together to address this problem, elder abuse will continue with devastating societal implications for older adults and their loved ones.

This is part of a series about aging in the twenty-first century.