By Dr. Andreea Tănăsescu, M.D. | Smart Aging and Gut Health Do you often experience bloating, abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, or constipation — but your medical tests come back "normal"? You are not imagining it. And you are not alone. As a healthcare professional working in the field of gut health and functional medicine, I frequently meet patients silently struggling with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) — a complex and often misunderstood functional gastrointestinal disorder.

Introduction Aging is inevitable—but how we age is increasingly understood to be modifiable. One of the most important and often overlooked factors is gut health. In recent years, research has shown that the gut microbiome plays a central role in aging, longevity, and overall health. In this article, we explore how gut health influences the aging process, the science behind it, and practical strategies to support a healthier, more resilient body over time. What Is Gut Health