In part one of this blog, I talked about the
importance of gut health, which is vastly different than having a “fit”
exterior. In other words, you may have nice muscle definition and low body fat,
but overall health begins on the inside. Case in point … a person struggling
with a folate deficiency may look terrific, but feel rundown mentally and
physically.
TRUE HEALTH BEGINS ON THE INSIDE
Complete body wellness stems primarily from the gut, and a healthy diet is one
of the keys to that door. But does exercise help? Absolutely. In recent
studies and clinical trials (performed within the last year), researchers have
found that regular exercise changes the microbiota in the gut, stimulating the
production of fecal Short Chain Fatty Acids, or SCFA’s. SCFA’s have a direct and
indirect influence on our well-being. Researchers worldwide have concluded that
SCFAs critically support immune regulation as well as organ and tissue metabolism.
The SFCA Butyrate is especially effective against chronic inflammation,
metabolic disorders and atherosclerosis. Other diseases that are associated with a
negatively altered composition of the microbiota include obesity, coronary
heart disease, diabetes and ulcerative colitis.
The results just keep rolling in. I encourage you to do the research. These
studies are done independent of diet. For those of you who shy away from the
“D” word, this is excellent news. You can start moving and grooving your guts
and improve your health, without going on a diet! Don’t be surprised though …
once you start exercising, you may start craving healthier foods. Follow those cravings.
Here’s just one example of the many recent
studies being done: A research team was formed by Jacob Allen (Postdoctoral Researcher at Nationwide
Children’s Hospital in Ohio) and Jeffrey Woods (Professor
of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of
Illinois). They recruited 18 lean and 14 obese sedentary adults and sampled
their gut microbiomes. The subjects began an exercise program of supervised cardiovascular
exercise, 30-60 minutes three times a week for six weeks. The team sampled the participants’
gut microbiomes after the exercise program and again after following six weeks
of sedentary behavior. There was no required diet. The result? Fecal measurements
of SCFA, especially butyrate, increased as a result of the exercise program. When
the subjects returned to sedentary life, the levels declined. This was confirmed every which way including
genetically.
LET’S
GET MOVING
So let’s get moving … bowels and
otherwise! With the blessing of your health care provider, begin an exercise
program consisting of supervised cardiovascular exercise. Three times a week
for 30-60 minutes with a commitment of six weeks should do it. If you’re unable
to do that kind of cardio, consider a low intensity program. Low intensity exercise is enough to reduce
your transient stool time, thereby
reducing the contact time between pathogens and your gastrointestinal mucus
layer. And THAT means you reduce the risk of colon cancer, diverticulosis, and
inflammatory bowel disease. Switch to high intensity interval training and you increase fat and sugar oxidation, which generates adenosine
triphosphate (ATP Energy).
Zumba, Water Cardio, Drumming Class, Step Class, Body Pump,
Hot Hula … all of these have a Silver Sneakers’ version if you need to start
slow. One final note: It’s important that you don’t exhaust yourself and over
train. Overtraining creates body-stress and may have an adverse effect on your
gut microbiomes. Same with insufficient recovery. Remember to refeed in
accordance with the recommendations of a trusted athletic nutrition source.
Here’s to healthy stool production, a helpful array of microbiomes, increased
fecal Short Chain Fatty Acids, less disease and more energy overall!
Vicki Morgan C.P.T. is a Senior Strength Trainer at Flex Gym with ACE certifications in Post-Orthopedic Recovery and Nutrition Essentials. At age 55, she enjoys powerlifting and bodybuilding. Reach her at seniorstrength.pro. Consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. If you experience pain or difficulty, stop and consult your healthcare provider. This article is not meant to take the place of any treatment or activity your physician has deemed necessary.
