Exercise isn’t all about the physical. Balancing gut health through exercise has many benefits. The importance of understanding exercise and gut health benefits can motivate someone to create lasting healthy habits.
It goes far beyond muscle tone and calories burned. Exercise affects your whole body, including your gut.
Professional athletes show a much more diverse microbiome than their non-exercising counterparts of similar age and weight.
Gut Microbiome – “Second Brain”
Our gut microbiome is our “second brain” that can affect everything from skin issues, energy levels, hormones, and even sleep.
Those little microbes are sending daily signals telling your body what changes need to happen to be happy, such as more sleep, better nutritional choices, and even more movement in the form of exercise.
Gut Microbiome and Disease
Studies have shown a link of certain diseases, such as obesity, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease, with an altered makeup of gut microbiota (1).
By simply changing the ratio of certain microbes in the gut microbiome, one’s risk of developing particular diseases can decrease or increase based on the type of microbes present.
Lymphatic System and Exercise
Moving your body helps stimulate the lymphatic system, the system that helps your body to remove toxins and maintain a healthy circulation.
Other ways to stimulate the lymphatic system include massage and dry brushing, but exercise is highly effective and has other benefits like boosting mood and cardiovascular health.
Exercise and Gut Health Benefits
Exercise helps gut flora by modulating it and increasing diversity. It helps detoxify and increase oxygen levels.
All of which can help boost energy, a common issue with anyone struggling to repair their digestion.
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BALANCING GUT HEALTH THROUGH EXERCISE
When the powerful mood-boosting effects of exercise meet those of a healthy microbiome, something amazing happens.
We take back our power and realize that feeling good is in our hands. Even a brief walk around the block or a quick yoga flow can impact the gut microbiome.
Regular exercise can increase the amount of healthy microbes and decrease the unhealthy ones in the gut (1).
Isn’t that great motivation for taking a quick walk around the block, especially for those suffering from constant gut distress issues?
But let’s face it, when you’re suffering from digestive distress, it’s not exactly enticing to go to the gym or work out really hard.
That’s fine, because all that’s needed is a brisk walk, a swim. Just try something to get your blood flowing and your heart rate up.
The most important thing is just to move in a way that makes you happy. Your gut will be happy too.
If you’re interested in getting healthy, restoring your digestion, and boosting your energy, check out my new comprehensive program Restore your Gut Health.
In the program, you get a ton of delicious, satisfying recipes, as well as strategies that will help rebuild your intestinal flora.
Or join me on my Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/EatYourNutrition, where I’ll share more information, tips, and recipes to help you live a happier, healthier life.
You might also want to read how glutamine foods repaired my gut.
Let’s Discuss Exercise and Gut Health Benefits!
Have you ever thought about the influence that exercise and gut health have on your body?
I would love to hear if you have seen benefits in your gut health after beginning a regular workout plan. Let me know in the comments below.
You can also connect with me @EatYourNutrition on Instagram. I love seeing your photos. #EatYourNutrition #LauraVillanueva
📚 References
- Monda V, Villano I, Messina A, et al. Exercise Modifies the Gut Microbiota with Positive Health Effects. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:3831972. doi:10.1155/2017/3831972
