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Today's Editorial Pick

Longevity starts in the gut. Prebiotics from vegetables and fermented foods, plus cutting sugar, support a healthier, longer life.

Humans are getting older. In America, the average male lifespan increased from 66.5 to 76.4 years between 1960 and 2013. For women, it went from 73.1 to 81.1 years. The question is: how do we make sure those extra years are lived well? Our Blink to The Longevity Paradox by Steven Gundry offers a fascinating and counterintuitive answer. Gundry, a cardiologist and surgeon, argues that the key to a long and healthy life lies in our gut.

Specifically, Gundry focuses on the gut microbiome – the community of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in our digestive systems. Research increasingly suggests that the health of this microbiome has far-reaching effects on everything from our immune system to our mood.

Gundry's prescription? A diet that feeds the good bacteria in your gut. This means plenty of prebiotic fiber, found in vegetables like asparagus and leeks, and fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut. It also means cutting back on certain foods that damage the gut, including sugar and refined carbohydrates.