How Improving Your Gut Health Can Improve Your Workouts

Getting in shape and maintaining a healthy body are two of the most rewarding things we can do in our lives. Working out on a regular basis is not just a great way to get fit and stay in shape, it is also an effective way to protect your overall physical and mental health. When trying to improve your workouts, you will probably focus on developing your workout program, or changing your diet, but you may be surprised to learn that working on improving your gut health can have a more than significant impact on your workouts. 

Research has found that our gut microbiome is the overall foundation of our health and so has a huge impact on our overall fitness. The good guys in our gut actually do a lot more than you’d think and your gut being healthy is in just as important as your workout or fitness plan. Therefore, we have put together this helpful guide that tells you everything you need to know about your gut health and how it can improve your fitness and stamina in the gym! 

Improves Nutrient Absorption

Whatever fitness regime you are following, perhaps weight lighting or cross training, you are also likely to be consuming a healthy diet to compliment your physical efforts. This is an important part of physical fitness and maintaining a healthy body, but if your gut is in poor health you will not absorb the nutrients and protein you need effectively. 

Having a healthy digestive system means you will be making the most of the effort you make dieting, so it is important to look after your gut, so it will look after you. Vitamin K and Iron are important nutrients for digestive health, and dietary fiber and proteins are also highly valued so you should consider adding celery to your diet, as celery has all of these nutritious qualities.

Supports Recovery Post-Workout

When we work out our body produces lactic acid in our muscles. Our digestive system performs a large part of processing this excess lactic acid, converting it into a substance called butyrate. This action reduces the feeling of soreness in muscles.

The body’s digestive system also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is an important part of your body’s recovery from workout stresses. Your body will be tempted to over-produce blood sugars after exercise, anticipating more cardio work, but as your gut’s prebiotics begin processing excess sugars, they tell the body to stop as the workout is over, preventing you feeling overly drained after prolonged exercise. 

Maintains Healthy Bones and Joints

Your gut produces enzymes and nutrients for your body that are very important to bone health and repair, as well as joint flexibility. The bacteriain your gut also help manage the effects of oxidization in the body that can break down joint and bone cells. By maintaining a healthy digestive system, we are giving our body the best chance of improving itself and repairing damage caused by the stresses the body undergoes during workouts.

Improves Your Endurance 

Research has found that your energy, stamina and endurance is caused by various different influences, such as how often you exercise, how much nourishment you are getting in your diet, as well as your gut microbiome. For example, athletes who use probiotics supplements have much higher endurance and energy levels than people who don’t. This is because of the beneficial bacteria these provide in their guts.

Good health and fitness are a key ingredient to a healthy life, but you should be sure to look after your gut health as this can be just as essential to your overall wellbeing.