Does Exercise Benefit Digestive Health?

Researchers have discovered a link between exercise and the bacterial composition of the gut. Initial evidence suggests that exercise can alter the bacterial composition of the digestive system (University Health News Daily 2014). Diversity may be the key. The study found that athletes showed greater diversity in gut microbiota than control subjects. The athletes (rugby players) also had higher proportions of most types of micro-organisms. One particular bacterium, called Akkermansiaceae, found in greater amounts in the rugby players, has been linked to lower risk of obesity and of systemic inflammation (Reynolds 2014). Diet is still important, but could exercise be a legitimate ally in digestive health?

Charlie Hoolihan, fitness researcher and personal training director at the Pelican Athletic Club in Mandeville, Louisiana, says that gut microbiota profiles, like DNA markers for exercise and nutrition, "represent a fascinating potential for individualization of diet, fitness routines and even medical prescriptions." However, he suggests fitness professionals take the results in stride, saying the research points out something we already know: Exercise is beneficial to your digestive process. "Now we have some hints about exercise's possible stimulus," he says. "These are just hints. My guess is that gut microbiota may be as complex as DNA and that attempts to make conclusions from the research for mainstream individualization may be a bit preliminary."