An American study found that the feeling of well-being experienced during a sports session is associated with the gut microbiome.
This “gut-brain” link appears to be a factor that increases our levels of physical activity, thus motivating us to be active.
According to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, certain gut bacteria can affect sensory nerves that affect motivation.
carry out their research published in journals Natureresearchers measured the physical activity of 106 mice.
They compared the animals’ performance while looking at gut bacterial species and metabolites—molecules produced by the bacteria.
We then calculated the amount and endurance of ‘spontaneous running wheels’ performed by the mice.
As a result, “administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics to mice to eliminate intestinal bacteria reduced their running performance by about half,” the researchers said in a press release.
They are two microbial species, rectal eubacteria When Coprococcus eutectosproduces metabolites called fatty acid amides (FAAs).
They affect the stimulation of receptors present on sensory nerves.
These nerves are located in the intestine and connect to the brain via the spine.
When the relevant receptors are stimulated, these nerves increase the production of the “happiness hormone” dopamine during exercise.
“This gut-to-brain motivational pathway may have evolved to link nutrient availability and gut bacterial population status with readiness to engage in prolonged physical activity,” the study said. Co-author and associate professor of biology at the university said. Doctor of Arts and Sciences J. Nicholas Betley.
“This line of research could lead to a whole new field of exercise physiology.”
However, researchers caution that this pathway has not yet been confirmed to exist in humans.
This isn’t the first time this gut-to-brain pathway has been studied.
In 2022, researchers discovered a “psychobiotic” diet that can reduce stress through food. – AFP Relax News
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