From Gut to Gold: How Digestive Microbiota Influence Athletic Performance
Poster Number
66
Session Title
Poster Session 3
College
College of Education
Department
Physical Education, Sport & Human Performance
Faculty Mentor
Joni Boyd, Ph.D.; Jessie Hoffman, Ph.D.; Ashley Licata, Ph.D.
Abstract
The gastrointestinal microbiota plays an important role in the maintenance of homeostasis within the body. Known as the “second brain”, the GI tract has factors that influence nutrient uptake, vitamin synthesis, epithelial development, and immunity. Since dietary habits have the most influence on the gut, comparing one’s nutrition to their overall health can form a basis of understanding for using a specific diet and certain probiotics to improve sport athletic performance. Previous studies have observed the effect of polyphenols on gut health, found bidirectional correlations of neurological diseases and poor GI functioning, and shown improvements in athletes after introducing healthier diets and probiotics. It is theorized that a more inclusive diet will boost metabolic function and immunity, increase DNA repair, and enhance carbohydrate and lipid synthesis, which will improve overall performance. This poster reviews multiple articles detailing the importance of exercise training and nutritional health in benefitting the microbial composition of the gastrointestinal tract to enrich athletic ability.
Course Assignment
PESH 480 - Boyd
Type of Presentation
Poster presentation
From Gut to Gold: How Digestive Microbiota Influence Athletic Performance
The gastrointestinal microbiota plays an important role in the maintenance of homeostasis within the body. Known as the “second brain”, the GI tract has factors that influence nutrient uptake, vitamin synthesis, epithelial development, and immunity. Since dietary habits have the most influence on the gut, comparing one’s nutrition to their overall health can form a basis of understanding for using a specific diet and certain probiotics to improve sport athletic performance. Previous studies have observed the effect of polyphenols on gut health, found bidirectional correlations of neurological diseases and poor GI functioning, and shown improvements in athletes after introducing healthier diets and probiotics. It is theorized that a more inclusive diet will boost metabolic function and immunity, increase DNA repair, and enhance carbohydrate and lipid synthesis, which will improve overall performance. This poster reviews multiple articles detailing the importance of exercise training and nutritional health in benefitting the microbial composition of the gastrointestinal tract to enrich athletic ability.
