Gut microbiota: implications for sports and exercise medicine

Abstract

Technological progress in high-throughput sequencing and advanced bioinformatic techniques, have facilitated a deeper understanding of the gut microbial influence on human health. Collectively known as the gut microbiota, the trillions of microbes including bacteria, viruses and fungi, which reside within the gut, are now recognised as significant contributors to human (host) health. Patients with non-communicable diseases such as metabolic syndrome, obesity and inflammatory bowel disease, demonstrate distinct microbial alterations. This has prompted vigorous pursuit of the mechanisms by which this microbial ‘organ’ influences host health. This branch of medicine has already revealed exciting avenues for disease treatment, from the discovery of novel antibiotics to the treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. The scale and spectrum of microbial influence is substantial and elegant studies have linked the presence or absence of specific microbes with immunity, neurodevelopment and even behavioural disturbances. The potential impact of microbiome science extends to the specialties of Sports Medicine and particularly to Exercise Medicine

Dietary mistakes of Polish athletes in relation to the frequency of consuming foods recommended in the Swiss food pyramid for active people

“…The proper supply of calcium among athletes is particularly important because of its participation in regulating neuromuscular excitability and the acid-base balance of the body [48]. Low consumption of fermented dairy products reduces the consumption of probiotics that affect the maintenance of a diverse and rich intestinal microflora with numerous health-promoting properties [7,9]. Low consumption of sea fish may reduce the supply of omega 3 PUFAs with lipid-lowering properties, optimizing blood lipid profile [21].…”

A Review of the Role of the Gut Microbiome in Personalized Sports Nutrition

“…Numerous reviews have been published highlighting the effect of exercise on the gut microbiota (39)(40)(41)(42)(43)(44)(45)(46)(47)(48)(49)(50)(51)(52)(53)(54)(55)(56). However, the primary focus of these reviews has been the implications for aspects of host health, such as the immune system and risk of chronic diseases.…”

“…However, the primary focus of these reviews has been the implications for aspects of host health, such as the immune system and risk of chronic diseases. Only a few have discussed the implications for athletic performance (41,48,52). This review aims to provide a more in-depth discussion of the interactive effect between the gut microbiota and diet on athletic performance and highlight the need for further research in this area.…”

Exercising the hepatobiliary‐gut axis. The impact of physical activity performance

“…161 A modality of vigorous physical activity, high-intensity interval training, improved the microbiota of obese mice, countering the changes following a high-fat diet. 163 Especially in endurance athletes, mitochondrial oxidative capacity is increased as mediated by mitochondrial regulation of inflammasomes; however, the effects of overtraining on the intestinal tract results in a major production of stressors, which facilitates the entrance of pathogens. 163 Especially in endurance athletes, mitochondrial oxidative capacity is increased as mediated by mitochondrial regulation of inflammasomes; however, the effects of overtraining on the intestinal tract results in a major production of stressors, which facilitates the entrance of pathogens.…”

“…162 High degree of physical conditioning, as seen in elite athletes, results in a distinctive microbiota and more metabolic and inflammatory profiles. 163 Especially in endurance athletes, mitochondrial oxidative capacity is increased as mediated by mitochondrial regulation of inflammasomes; however, the effects of overtraining on the intestinal tract results in a major production of stressors, which facilitates the entrance of pathogens. 164 In line with the previous study, the effect of long-term aerobic exercise (over 90 minutes or 60% of the individual's aerobic capacity) may disrupt the metabolic homeostasis and lead to physical stress, being more significant as exercise intensity increases.…”