Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : June 21, 2014 1:50 PM IST
The Financial Express reported a study which revealed that being physically active encourages the growth of good bacteria in the gut while inactivity may lead the other way. Frequent exercise may influence our overall health and weight in addition to many other health benefits by changing the types of organisms the live inside our body.
In the current span of time, there has been extensive research studies carried out to evaluate the role of the gut bacteria in health. Many studies have proved that people with diverse and large microbial populations in the digestive tract are generally less prone to immune disorders and obesity compared to others with low microbial diversity. But there are little research evidences supporting the role of gut bacteria and physical activity. The researchers at University College Cork, part of the National University of Ireland, and other institutions turned to a high physical activity group to carry out the study. (Read: Exercising outdoors VS the gym which is better?)
Dr Fergus Shanahan, the author, a professor of gastroenterology and director of the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Center at University College said 'Our study group contained only professional athletes as we wanted to be sure and safe about the effect of exercises on gut bugs.' 40 players who participated in the study were strenuously exercising every day. The researchers also studied two more groups for comparing the study results. One group included healthy adults with normal body index who exercise occasionally, while the other group had people were obese and overweight and lead a sedentary lifestyle. (Read: Exercise good for your heart, in outer space as well!)
The scientists performed tests on the blood and stool samples of every group. The volunteers were given a questionnaire to complete that included their diet intake and exercise routines. The researchers analyzed the blood sample for markers of inflammation and muscle damage, which will indicate the amount of exercise each person did recently. They also conducted genetic sequencing techniques to identify the number of particular microbes living in each person's gut. (Read: Fish diet may lower gut bacteria diversity)
The results showed that the gut bacteria of athletes were more diverse as compared to the other control groups. Also, the gut of the rugby players' harbored larger numbers of Akkermansiaceae bacterium that has been linked in past with a decreased risk for obesity and systemic inflammation. The men in both of the control groups, especially the obese had relatively low numbers of Akkermansiaceae gut bacteria and high blood levels of inflammatory markers.
Everyone knows that an active lifestyle is the key to a health life as it not only boosts your immune system but also makes you active and happy. Plan your day to include at least a 30 minutes of exercise regime - be it running, brisk walking or moderate exercise as it protects you from many health complications. Here are some health benefits of regular exercising:
1. Great for your heart
The interiors of the two ventricles that pump out blood increase in size by 20 percent when you run. This increases blood supply all across your body, and benefits several organs. It also helps reduce bad cholesterol which is often the culprit behind heart diseases like heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke.
2. Great for your lungs
Running helps improve your lung function and helps you breathe better which improves your overall quality of life and existence. Read more about pranayama a yoga asana that is great for your lungs.
3. Helps you lose weight
Running can help burn calories and make you lose weight. It is difficult to say how much calories you'll burn as that depends on your weight and the speed at which you run. Read more about 9 reasons why you should run every day.
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