Few people talk about frailty as a major disease. But it’s what destroys the quality of life for millions of seniors.
Those affected can no longer live independently or be physically active. Simple tasks like opening a jar or walking up stairs become impossible. They may became painfully thin. Their energy evaporates.
And frailty does not just mean losing your quality of life. It raises your risk of injury due to falling, hospitalization, and death.
The problem is widespread. Some 12% of people over 65 are frail.[i] [ii]
But new research shows that one diet may help.
The study was published in the journal Gut. Researchers looked at 612 older people. For a year, they had half the subjects eat a Mediterranean diet. The others stuck with what they normally ate.[iii]
The scientists checked their gut microbiomes at the start and end of the study.
The microbiome refers to the billions of microorganisms that live inside your body. Some are detrimental to you. But many are beneficial to your health. They are linked to lower risk of digestive problems, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, and immune problems.[iv]
The study found that the Mediterranean diet caused positive changes to the gut microbiome. It increased types of bacteria that are linked to physiological improvements that fight frailty and slow aging, including:
- Better grip strength
- Faster walking speed
- Better brain function, including improved memory
- Lower inflammation.
The Mediterranean diet also decreased unhealthy bacteria that raise the risk of bowel cancer, insulin resistance, fatty liver, and cell damage.
The scientists attribute the diet’s beneficial effects to its high fiber content and high levels of potassium, iron, magnesium, and manganese, and vitamins C, B6, and B9.
3 Simple Steps to Following the Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is based on the eating habits of people in Greece and Italy. It’s simple to follow…
Eat these foods often:
- Fish, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, extra virgin olive oil, herbs, and fruits.
Eat these occasionally:
- Dairy, eggs, and poultry.
Avoid these foods:
- Anything with added sugar.
- Processed meats such as hot dogs and cold cuts.
- White bread.
- Vegetable oils other than extra virgin olive oil, such as canola, cottonseed, corn, and soybean oils.
Frailty isn’t an inevitable part of aging. Following the Mediterranean diet can help you stay strong and independent late into your life.
Editor’s Note: There’s a town in Italy where a huge percentage of the population lives to 100. And despite their advanced age, the residents still are able to work, have fun, and even have satisfying sex lives.
Scientists recently did a detailed study to discover the town’s secret. Yes, the Mediterranean diet is one of them. But the residents did something else that gave them extraordinary longevity and vigor.
Discover what it is by reading our monthly journal, Independent Healing…your best source for science-based health advice.
Find out more, HERE.
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[i]https://muschealth.org/medical-services/geriatrics-and-aging/healthy-aging/frailty
[ii]https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2740784
[iii]https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-02/b-mdp021320.php
[iv] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gut-microbiome-and-health#section8