Physical activity can delay the onset of chronic diseases and improve overall health by influencing various body systems, including the gut microbiota.

Writing in Gastroenterology, John Hawley at the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne and his colleagues reviewed evidence on how physical activity and muscle metabolism interact with other organs, especially the gut, and how exercise can impact the diversity of bacteria and microorganisms in the body. They also explored how exercise and the gut microbiota contribute to the prevention of gut-related diseases.

“Future efforts should concentrate on gaining a deeper understanding of the factors involved in exercise-gut interactions through the application of advanced techniques to measure both the microbiome and the systemic effects of exercise in a variety of diseased populations,” the authors say.

Gastrointestinal conditions

Regular physical activity can ameliorate health by improving cardiovascular fitness and promoting communication between organs through muscle-derived signals called myokines, which regulate metabolism and protect against diseases. Studies show that exercise diversifies the gut microbiota, increasing the levels of beneficial short-chain fatty acids. 

However, intense exercise can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea and diarrhea, which are common during activities such as prolonged running. Intense exercise can also disrupt the gut barrier, leading to inflammation and increased intestinal permeability. However, the severity of these symptoms varies based on exercise intensity, duration, fitness level and diet. 

Dietary interventions such as carbohydrate intake before exercise may help reduce gastrointestinal symptoms and intestinal damage, likely by supporting the gut microbiota. Probiotics have been tested to protect against exercise-induced gut damage, with mixed results. More research is needed to determine the most effective strains, dosages and mechanisms, the authors say.

Treating disease

Previous studies have shown that regular physical activity can alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. However, individual responses vary, and more research is needed to understand the mechanisms and optimal approaches for each condition.

Exercise also reduces the risk of various types of cancers, including colorectal cancer, by boosting immune function, activating immune cells and reducing inflammation. It influences the gut microbiota, promoting the production of butyrate and other short-chain fatty acids, which support gut health. Combining exercise with microbiota modulation could be a powerful strategy for cancer prevention and treatment, the authors say.

Finally, exercise prevents and treats many non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Recent research suggests that fecal microbiota transfer from animals that exercise may improve metabolic health, highlighting the lasting impact of exercise on gut microbes and immunity. As research progresses, physical activity is expected to play a key role in treating several gastrointestinal diseases, the authors say.