Exercise encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the human gut
TIL
By Admin - August 22, 2021

A healthy gut microbiome is responsible for a healthier lifestyle in humans. Up till now, studies have suggested that increased intake of fiber-rich food and dairy products changes the composition of the gut microbiome and improves gut health. However, there is another circulating evidence that exercise also plays its part in the health of the gut microbiome.

It is observed that even a light exercise encourages the growth of certain beneficial gut bacteria, which in return provides better immunity against inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and improves the metabolism.

Changes were also observed in the rodent gut microbiota when they were forced to exercise and later when they were allowed to exercise as per their choice. In either case scenario, the composition of their gut microbiota was different. Hence, the intensity of exercise also plays a crucial role in the health of the gut microbiome.

This proves why athletes have a different gut microbiome and microflora as compared to a normal human being.

However, it is still unknown if exercising plays an independent role in increasing the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut or it is dependent on diet as well. Since improved dietary plan comes along with the exercise anyway.

Whatever the case may be, it is known for sure that exercise increases the growth of A. muciniphila, regardless of what the diet of an individual is. A. muciniphila is known to reverse the weight gain by producing endocannabinoids.

Hunger cravings and feeding habits are dependent on endocannabinoids. People who are obese, chances are that they have an overactive endocannabinoids system.

A. muciniphila was administered to mice, it was seen that endocannabinoids increased in their bodies. It was also seen that cyclists and other athletes had increased levels of endocannabinoids in their bodies, partly because of the increased A. muciniphila bacteria. However, if these results are long term or short term, it is still unknown.