Performance from the Inside Out Series
The science behind gut health and performance
All forms of physical activity require energy to initiate, support, and
sustain the movements. The energy to sustain life and for us to move
around is derived from food. Our gut and gut microbes are directly and
indirectly involved with food digestion, absorption and metabolism, and
energy harvest and regulation.
Our gut with its
resident microbiome regulates and influences numerous life functions
including digestion, absorption, food metabolism, water and electrolyte
uptake and balance, essential vitamin synthesis, energy harvest, use and
homeostasis, immune response and inflammation, hormonal balance, stress
response, brain function, emotions, and even social behaviors.
The
fundamental and interconnected nature of these functions place gut
function and gut microbes in the center of virtually all aspects of
human physiology, including exercise physiology and sports performance.
This 13-part series dives into the mounting scientific evidence that demonstrates the significant yet previously unappreciated roles of gut function and gut microbes in physical activity and sports performance.
