On the occasion of World Microbiota Day this Monday, June 27, it’s time to take an interest in amazing work. Research shows that playing sports also helps to “muscle” your intestinal bacteria.
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When we talk about microbiota, we are talking about the two kilos of microorganisms that live in our intestines. These are mainly bacteria, but also yeasts and viruses. The researchers estimate that a third of this microbiota would be common to all human beings, and that two thirds are specific to each one. We therefore offer room and board to these micro-organisms, which provide us with many services in exchange. They participate in digestionstimulate our immune defenses, send important messages to the brain.
To keep the balance, (the “symbiosis“ with these bacteria): the secret is obviously a varied diet, rich in fibre. But the way of life is also important: playing sports is beneficial for the diversity of the microbiota.
There have been studies on mice and humans and the mechanisms are not yet fully understood. But one of the most enlightening studies was conducted in the United States four years ago. 32 sedentary volunteers exceptionally did between half an hour and an hour of sport, three times a week for a month and a half. And this has increased the presence of bacteria that can produce butyrate, a molecule known for its protective effect on the digestive tract: it notably limits inflammation. But beware, this effect is reversible. When these volunteers stopped the sport, the microbiota returned to its initial composition.
Does a bad microbiota influence sports performance? This is indeed a question that arises. A study conducted in California and published this month showed that in very athletic mice, taking antibiotics (and therefore reducing the number of intestinal bacteria) deteriorates their performance and their motivation to exercise.
After 10 days of antibiotics: their activity on the training wheel is reduced by 20%. We should now see if the same thing happens in humans.But in the future, researchers would very much like to identify those bacteria responsible for increasing or decreasing athletic performance. “If one day we identify them, we may one day be able to use them as a treatment to motivate the most sedentary to exercise”they say.