What exercise is best for gut health?

Written by Grace Arrowsmith

Before we delve into the specifics it is important to note that any exercise is better than none for your gut health, as well as your overall physical and mental health. When it comes to gut health exercise works in a myriad of ways, reducing the time in which food sits in the gut, and increasing the richness of the gut bugs as well as their diversity. 

Specifically looking at gut health and exercise types including yoga, strength training and walking seem to show the most benefits, from the research so far. 

Yoga 

Yoga comes up frequently, to support your gut health, and for good reason! Though the evidence remains in its infancy, it is thought that yoga influences the gut via the gut-brian axis (read more here). The gut-brain axis refers to the connection between the gut and brain via the nervous system which resides in the gut, called the enteric nervous system. It is thought that yoga helps by removing trapped gas as well as activating the rest and digest nervous system! 

Yoga has also been shown by several studies to be particularly useful in the symptom reduction of those who suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) (read more here). 

Walking

Walking is free and accessible to all – and can be incorporated into anyone’s day! Some studies have shown that walking can help combat the development of IBS and also increase the number of gut bugs belonging to the Bacteroids family, low levels of which have been linked with chronic health issues like diabetes and obesity. So our friends, get those steps in – and bonus points if you get them outside in the morning as this supports your internal body clock to get going aka your circadian rhythm. 

Interested in finding out more?

Read more on whether strength training is beneficial for your gut bugs, on our app. You can download it for free below.