The production of stomach acid and digestive enzymes can decline in older adults, while the risk of colorectal cancer rises with age. The diversity and stability of the gut microbiome also changes over time as a result of age and lifestyle changes, though this hasn’t been directly linked to health or disease. Some gastrointestinal diseases, like IBD, will go through stages of flare and remission throughout life.
Can gut health change over time?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Gut health can change over time because reduced stomach acid and enzyme production, microbiome shifts, and conditions like inflammatory bowel disease can cause fluctuations in gut function and stability.