Healthy gut, healthy you
The gut acts as a barrier that allows vital nutrients to pass into your bloodstream. At the same time, your gut keeps out harmful micro-organisms and other damaging substances, so that these can be eliminated from your body. The gut is therefore semi-permeable. Your gut is also home to many different species of bacteria. The bacteria produce all kinds of substances, including amino acids, ATP, glucose and adrenaline. These substances are called metabolites, and they are needed to keep you healthy and functioning well.
Intensive training
In a new study, published in The American Journal of Physiology, scientists studied 73 servicemen during a period of intensive training. During the training, the levels of metabolites in their blood were measured and the composition of their gut microbiota was analysed. The servicemen also drank a solution containing sucralose, an artificial sweetener. This sweetener is not broken down by the body, but is instead eliminated via the urine. The more sweetener eliminated, the higher the permeability of the gut.
Physical stress alters the permeability of your gut
After the period of intensive training, the servicemen’s metabolite levels and the composition of their gut microbiota were significantly altered. The concentrations of many key metabolites including amino acids – the building blocks of proteins – were reduced. The stress had also affected the range and numbers of bacterial species. The population size of certain dominant species, including Bacteroides, had decreased, while other types had grown. These deficiencies and alterations can in turn lead to a range of health problems. Furthermore, because the sucralose concentration in the urine had risen, gut permeability also increased, which in turn increased the chance of infection.
Healthy living
The scientists concluded that physical stress can alter gut microbiota, which has a negative impact on health. Avoiding stress, or preparing your gut microbiota for a period of stress, can have a positive impact on maintaining correct permeability in your gut and prevent health problems.
So it’s high time for some relaxation! Visit Micropia and learn more about your gut microbiota, or come and relax among the beautiful flowers at ARTIS-Park .