Does exercise change gut bacteria?

You probably are aware of the verified factoid that your gut, as you read this, is host to a lively group of around 100 trillion microorganisms. You probably also know that fermented foods and prebiotics can encourage the right bacteria to thrive but it might not yet have crossed your radar that exercise can do the same. In a new study, it has been shown that exercise when you are young can improve your gut bacteria across your lifetime.

The gut flora is much more plastic at a young age than it is as an adult, and it seems that exercise has beneficial effects.

In this study, it was found that young rats who exercised every day developed a more beneficial gut flora than their more sedentary counterparts. These exercising young rats also had a better gut flora than adult rats who exercised.

We know that microbes take up residence in the gut shortly after birth and are central to the development of the immune system and various neural functions. These gut bugs can add as many as 5 million genes to your overall genetic profile and have an immense influence on your physiology and even your psychology.

According to this research, the gut flora is much more plastic at a young age than it is as an adult, and it seems that exercise has beneficial effects. With children increasingly having sedentary life options these days, this is yet another reminder that young bodies should be moving and, if they are, the benefits can last a lifetime.