But it’s still unclear how exercise changes the community of microorganisms living in our guts, although there are several theories, Woods says.
“Lactate is produced when we exercise, and it can serve as fuel for some bacterial species,” he says. Another possible mechanism, they explain, may be through exercise-induced changes in the immune system, specifically the gut immune system, as our gut microbes are in direct contact with the gut’s immune cells.
Exercising also changes blood flow to the gut, which can affect the cells lining the gut wall and in turn lead to microbial changes. Hormonal changes caused by exercise can also cause changes in gut bacteria. But none of these potential mechanisms have been “conclusively tested,” Woods says.
Some elite athletes often suffer from exercise-induced stress due to high-intensity training. According to some estimates, 20-60% of athletes suffer from stress due to overtraining and insufficient recovery. But the bacteria in our gut can help regulate the release of hormones produced by exercise-related stress, while also potentially helping to release molecules that improve mood. They can also help athletes with some of the intestinal problems they experience. However, further research is needed in this area.
But there is still much we can learn about how our physical activity affects the organisms living inside our guts, such as how different types of exercise and its duration may change the microbial community. This can vary for different people, depending on their current gut inhabitants, as well as BMI and other lifestyle factors, such as their diet, stress levels, and sleep.
As scientists continue to unravel more of the secrets hidden within our gastrointestinal tract, we may find new ways to improve our health through the bustling and diverse communities of organisms that call us our home.
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