How Gym Habits Affect Gut Health? Experts Explain

Recent research has brought to light a symbiotic connection between gym habits and the intricate ecosystem within our digestive system.

Know How Gym Habits Affect Gut Health

In the quest for a healthier lifestyle, many individuals concentrate on gym routines to enhance their physical well-being. While the well-established benefits of regular exercise on cardiovascular health and muscle strength are widely acknowledged, an intriguing and often disregarded facet is its influence on gut health. Recent research has brought to light a symbiotic connection between gym habits and the intricate ecosystem within our digestive system.

According to Dr. Vikramjeet Singh, who is a Senior Consultant of Internal Medicine at Aakash Healthcare, Dwarka, New Delhi, "Participating in routine physical activity has been correlated with an augmented microbial diversity in the gut. A diverse microbiome is indicative of a healthy gut, contributing to enhanced digestion and nutrient absorption. Studies indicate that individuals who engage in regular exercise exhibit a more varied and resilient microbiome compared to their sedentary counterparts."

Benefits Of Exercise On Gut Health:

Dr. Vikramjeet Singh said, "Prolonged gut inflammation can cause diverse health problems. Regular exercise has demonstrated its ability to diminish inflammation throughout the body, including the gut. By alleviating inflammation, exercise aids in preserving the delicate balance of the gut microbiome and fosters a healthier digestive system."

"Interestingly, the intensity of exercise may determine the extent of its impact on gut health. High-intensity workouts have been linked to more pronounced changes in the gut microbiome compared to moderate or low-intensity exercise. While any form of physical activity is advantageous, incorporating a mix of intensities might offer additional benefits for gut health," he further went on to say.

Talking about the timing, he said that the time of exercise sessions may also exert an influence on gut health. Some studies propose that exercising in the morning could have a more positive impact on the gut microbiome, possibly due to the circadian rhythm and its effect on microbial activity.

In addition to that, Dr. Mickey Mehta, who is a holistic health guru and spiritual life coach said, "If you want to take fitness to the levels of health, wellness and well-being, then you should also focus a lot on stretching, yoga intermittently, meditation, cooling down, functional training as well apart from weight training. Exercise stimulates the muscles in your digestive tract and your digestive juices improve better. This can aid your peristalsis movement which is moving of the food inside your guts and improve the movement of food better. It also helps in better elimination of toxins and most importantly the management of your Vata, Pitta, Kapha gets balanced well. 

Lastly, Dr. Hardik Shah, who is a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Bhatia Hospital Mumbai said, "Hydration and nutrition choices become pivotal in maintaining gut equilibrium, as they influence the microbial composition. A symbiotic connection between a consistent gym routine, a well-rounded diet, and gut health underscores the importance of holistic well-being."

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]