Who would have thought it? Our microbiota could influence our motivation and performance.
When we are born, another birth takes place at the same: that of our gut microbiota. Also known as the “intestinal flora”, this microbial ecosystem, with which we live in symbiosis, comprises no fewer than 40,000 billion bacteria and other microorganisms that populate our gastrointestinal tract, particularly our large bowel. Over the last fifteen years or so, scientists have been able to study this ecosystem more closely and gain a better understanding of it. And they all agree on one point: there is a strong link between our general health and our gut microbiota.
The richer and more diverse our gut microbiota is, the healthier we are
With our current lifestyles, our gut microbiota is often under strain and can become altered or depleted. This is a real risk to our health, since it can encourage the development of chronic conditions. For example, an altered gut microbiota is found in obesity, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, colorectal cancer, etc.
But don’t worry: while we can’t change the microbiota we are born with, there’s still lots we can do to limit the damage in terms of its future development.
First and foremost, our diet has a major impact on the development of our gut microbiota, and therefore on our health.
But there’s another parameter that shouldn’t be overlooked, and we’re going to focus on it here: the importance of physical activity – see its definition in “Better understanding and combating a sedentary lifestyle”.
The diversity of our gut microbiota is correlated with our physical activity
Numerous studies have shown a relationship between physical exercise and the microbiome of our gut. Increased levels of bacteria, greater microbial diversity, enrichment of intestinal organic compounds… these are all positive effects observed during physical exercise. Microbial diversity is increased even more when the physical activity is regular and sustained.
These changes are also more marked when physical exercise is combined with a healthy diet, as is the case with top-level athletes.
So we’ve just seen that physical activity can influence the gut microbiota… And now, thanks to studies carried out on mice, there’s every reason to believe that the microbiota could also have a direct impact on sports performance. There may be a “gut-brain” axis through which our motivation to exercise is increased… in other words by our microbiota. And the presence of certain bacteria could also improve our physical capacity and performance. These tiny organisms wield impressive power!
To conclude, as we have seen, we are in fact hybrid beings, both “human” and “microbial”. And as all these microbes that we play host to help our bodies work properly, it’s important that we take care of them. So let’s remember: even a little movement, aiming for 30 minutes a day, is good for them – and good for us!
This article is extracted from one of the seven files of the Health Observatory PRO BTP; Sedentary life. You will find other resources related to this study file here. PRO BTP has created the Health Observatory to support those who wish to take an active role in their well-being: understanding, preventing, and taking action on their health in everyday life. Chronicles, interviews, podcasts, videos... in partnership with a network of recognized experts and major national media, the observatory provides you with keys to understanding, practical advice, and concrete and innovative solutions, addressing a significant health topic each month. Selected for their importance to the French public, the topics are rigorously addressed by a scientific committee, recognized health experts and professionals, specialized journalists, to provide you with reliable and useful information in your daily life.
