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Inside Exercise

#59 - The gut microbiome in health and sport with Dr Orla O'Sullivan

Aug 14, 2023
Dr Orla O'Sullivan, a research expert on the gut microbiome, discusses the importance of a diverse gut microbiome. Topics include the impact of diet and exercise on the microbiome, the role of epigenetics, the effect of whey protein, the gut microbiome in rugby players, cyclists, and cricketers, and the importance of probiotics and fermentable fiber in maintaining a healthy gut.
01:20:46

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Exercise and diet influence the diversity of the gut microbiota, which is associated with better health outcomes.
  • Changing diets and travel can impact the gut microbiome stability in athletes, requiring prophylactic probiotic treatment.

Deep dives

The Impacts of Exercise and Diet on Gut Microbiota Diversity

Exercise and diet have a significant impact on the diversity of the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota refers to the collection of microbes that live in and on the human body, with each person having a unique microbiome. A diverse microbiota is associated with better health outcomes, while a reduced diversity is linked to conditions like cancer and irritable bowel syndrome. Research suggests that exercise can increase microbial diversity, with a higher diversity observed in athletes compared to sedentary individuals. Additionally, protein intake and the enzyme creatine kinase, which is released post-exercise, have been correlated with microbial diversity. A healthy diet is also crucial for a diverse microbiota, as different types of microbes require diverse fuel sources. It is important to note that exercise and diet work together to promote a healthy gut microbiota, and one without the other may not have the same positive effects.

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