A recent study from Australia’s Edith Cowan University showed that intense sports training not only builds muscle and increases strength, but also affects the composition of bacteria in the intestines of athletes.
The study followed a group of professional athletes during training periods of varying intensity. Researchers observed clear changes in indicators of gut “health” proportional to the volume and intensity of exercise.
The results showed a significant difference in levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), compounds produced by fermentation of dietary fiber and considered an important marker of digestive health. (ScienceAlert)
An increase in the diversity of intestinal bacteria was also observed in athletes compared to non-athletes, demonstrating the ability of physical activity to promote healthy microbial diversity.
Researchers hypothesize that lactate, which rises in the blood during strenuous exercise, may reach the intestines and be metabolized there, stimulating the growth of certain types of bacteria and rebalancing the microbiome.
Although this mechanism has not been tested directly, it provides a possible explanation for the observed changes.
In contrast, during periods of rest or decreased training intensity, a decrease in diet quality is observed, such as increased consumption of fast and processed foods and decreased intake of fruits and vegetables, as well as slowed movement of food in the intestine.
Although the amount of carbohydrates and fiber remained constant, deterioration in food quality and slowing of digestion were accompanied by additional changes in the composition of bacteria.
Understanding the relationship between the microbiome and athletic performance is still in its early stages, but there is evidence that the gut plays a role in lactate metabolism, regulating pH, and supporting post-exertion recovery.
These effects may make subtle but crucial differences in endurance and recovery, especially in high-level competition.
Researchers confirm that training intensity can be an effective tool for modifying the microbiome, provided that balance is maintained to avoid excess stress. The quality of food during rest periods is no less important than during intense training days, in addition to the transit time of food in the intestine is an important factor to monitor.
In short, what happens in your gut may reflect what happens on the track. Intense exercise may reshape the microbial “landscape” within your body, but a healthy diet and proper digestion remain key to maintaining both gut health and athletic performance.
