From anti-wrinkle creams to collagen masks, the anti-aging product industry is estimated to be valued at U.S.$52.44 billion. But what if the secret isn’t in a miracle cream or magic pill, but in your gut?

A new review published in Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine says the trillions of microbes living in the digestive system might play a significant role in the pace of aging.

The paper consolidates emerging research that links two major offenders behind aging: DNA damage and shortening telomeres (small protective caps on the ends of your chromosomes that shorten as you age), with gut health.

When there is a balance issue within the gut bacteria, a condition called dysbiosis, the bacteria can set off oxidative stress and inflammation. These impact your DNA and speed up the cellular aging process.

The good news is that friendly gut microbes can help to counter this. Good bacteria and their byproducts, especially short-chain fatty acids, can help preserve telomeres and calm inflammation, possibly slowing the aging process.

The researchers note that centenarians, those who live to age 100 plus, have well balanced gut microbiomes, linking longer healthier lives to healthier guts.

Remember the next time you’re investing in the next overly expensive anti-aging cream that what you eat might just be the key to feeding your future.

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