When we talk about longevity, we often think about genes, supplements, or cutting-edge treatments.
But one of the most powerful — and overlooked — drivers of healthy ageing sits much closer to home: your gut.
Your gut microbiome is made up of trillions of bacteria that influence far more than digestion. It plays a central role in immunity, inflammation, metabolic health, hormone balance, brain function, and energy levels. In other words, it directly affects your healthspan — how well you live as you age.
As we move into our 40s and beyond, changes in digestion, gut diversity, and gut barrier function become more common. This can show up as bloating, food sensitivities, low energy, stubborn weight gain, frequent infections, or inflammatory conditions. These are not “normal signs of ageing” — they are signals that the gut needs support.
Research consistently shows that a diverse, resilient microbiome is associated with lower inflammation and reduced risk of chronic disease. This is one of the reasons why people in Blue Zones, such as Sardinia, experience longer lives with fewer years of illness.
In these regions, gut health is supported naturally through daily habits:
- Eating fibre-rich vegetables, legumes, and whole foods
- Including fermented foods as part of traditional diets
- Avoiding ultra-processed foods
- Staying physically active
- Eating socially and managing stress
There is no single “gut reset” or quick fix. Longevity is built through consistency — how you nourish your gut day after day, year after year.
If digestion feels off, energy is low, or inflammation keeps appearing despite “doing all the right things,” the gut is often the missing link. Supporting it properly can have a profound impact not only on how you feel now, but on how you age in the years ahead.
If you would like personalised support to improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and build a longevity-focused nutrition strategy that fits your real life, I am currently welcoming new one-to-one functional nutrition clients. Feel free to get in touch to book an initial consultation.
Warmly,
Milvia Pili, FNTP
Functional Nutritional Therapist Practitioner
