After a scientific analysis of Maria Branyas Morera’s longevity, the yogurt from La Fageda became famous. Branyas Morera, who became the longest-living person in the world in 2023, died in 2024 at the age 117, exceeding the average spanish woman’s life expectancy by more than 30. The research revealed that Branyas’ gut health was comparable with that of a younger person. Maria herself revealed in her social networks, managed by her family, that she ate three servings of natural yogurt every day without exception.There are many other habits that, without too much effort, can also do a lot for our intestinal wellbeing. There are many other habits which, without much effort, can do a great deal for our intestinal health. “More than 70% of the immune system is located in the intestine, and its balance plays a key role,” says Montse Prados. According to the doctor changes in the microbiota or intestinal permeability, as well as unidentified intolerances, cause a constant immune activation. This is linked to not only digestive symptoms but also fatigue, mood changes, hormonal fluctuations, inflammation, and difficulty regulating body weight. “It’s important to realize that ageing is not only a function of time, but also of the internal state of organs,” he says. Ana Quiroa Fernandez de Soto is a pharmacist in the Farmacia Collazo in Madrid. She agrees and warns, “The market has become saturated with probiotics which promise to improve the microbiota but die before they reach the stomach.” The classic mistake is thinking that any yoghurt, or capsule, will do. If the probiotic does not survive gastric acid, you are just taking expensive placebos.” Inflammation in the gut, which is our second brain will affect our energy, mood, and immune system. “Restoring this ecosystem is the only solution to stop recurrent bloating,” says he. Here are his tips on how to achieve this without too much effort. Take note: Chrononutrition as an ally. “The intestine is its own biological clock. Eating late and going to sleep quickly forces bacteria ferment food stagnantly while sleeping. The rule of 30 chews states that digestion begins in the mouth but bloating begins with the rush. Chewing the food until it is almost liquid reduces the workload for your microbiota, and prevents aerophagia. This is responsible for 30% of extra abdominal volume. “Beware of eating too much “raw” at night: “Sometimes in our eagerness to eat healthily, we overindulge on evening salads. Cellulose is hard to process at night when metabolism slows. After-meal mobility is important: “It is not about going to the gymnasium, but about avoiding mechanical collapsing. A ten-minute stroll after the main meal can help prevent gas from becoming trapped in the bends and promote natural peristalsis. The digestive system is at its best when it is 37degC. Warm liquids and infusions are best for an active microbiota.
