30 Seconds SummaryThe Human Gut Microbiome: Application to Bodybuilding
- The human gut microbiome consists of about 100 trillion microbes, significantly outnumbering human cells and genes in the body.
- Microbes in the gut metabolize undigested food, producing beneficial substances like short-chain fatty acids, which lower the risk of various diseases and out-compete harmful bacteria.
- Research shows a correlation between the diversity of gut microbiome and body fat levels, with distinct microbial differences in lean versus obese individuals.
- Transferring gut bacteria from an obese to a germ-free mouse can increase the latter's weight without changing calorie intake, suggesting gut microbes can enhance energy extraction from food.
- Dietary changes can quickly alter the gut microbiome, affecting how effectively calories are extracted and potentially influencing body fat levels.
- Prebiotics can modify the microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, though their effect on weight loss and body composition needs more investigation.
- For bodybuilders, no specific microbiome-related nutritional guidelines exist yet, but maintaining a high fiber diet is advisable for overall health benefits including disease prevention and improved GI function.
Biolayne
Peter Fitschen
