Ask Dr. Nick
On today’s episode, Dr. Nick talks about how exercise affects the gut and gut microbiome. Exercise is considered generally good for overall health; however, intense exercise has been shown to promote leaky gut and decrease the mucus covering the gut cell lining. Increased intestinal permeability or “leaky gut” is not good for overall health because it can lead to inflammation, autoimmunity, and has been correlated with brain-related problems like brain fog, anxiety and depression, and neurodegeneration like Alzheimer’s disease. If exercise is good for overall health, it should not promote leaky gut. In the review article discussed, increasing exercise intensity will increase bacterial diversity in the microbiome causing better overall gut health. This can help heal the short-term damages caused to the gut after exercise and prevent long-term problems that may occur from a leaky gut. Check out the video for more in depth information on how exercise can improve the gut microbiome!
Clauss M, Gérard P, Mosca A, Leclerc M. Interplay Between Exercise and Gut Microbiome in the Context of Human Health and Performance. Front Nutr. 2021 Jun 10;8:637010.
