Trillions of microorganisms form the gut microbiome, an essential component of the human body's complex system that supports digestion, regulates the immune system, and produces vitamins. Recent research has focused on the relationship between exercise and the gut microbiome. A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity investigated how exercise affects the gut microbiota in non-athletes.
The study collected information from a large group of middle-aged adults on their exercise routines, body weight, diet, and hand-grip strength. The findings revealed that moderate physical activity of more than 150 minutes per week increased the richness and diversity of the gut microbiomes, compared to participants who exercised less.
The study emphasizes the importance of regular exercise, including activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. It's not necessary to engage in high-intensity workouts to see benefits for the gut microbiome. The study also found that the length of exercise was more critical than the intensity of exercise in improving gut microbes.
However, the study also noted that changes in the microbiome were different between individuals of different weight groups. The most beneficial changes were seen in those individuals of normal weight compared to those who were overweight. Poor dietary habits that accompany excess weight can negatively impact the gut microbiome, outweighing the positive influences of exercise.
Dr. Chunlong Mu, a postdoctoral associate in Kinesiology and study investigator, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy weight in addition to exercise. According to him, "the best advice appears not only to exercise more, but also take steps to maintain a healthy weight to achieve a healthy and optimally functioning gut microbiome."
In conclusion, this study provides evidence that regular moderate exercise can positively impact the gut microbiome, particularly in individuals who maintain a healthy weight. However, maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise is essential for optimal gut microbiome health.
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