Why Your Gut Loves a Good Workout

Science Quickly

Scientific American

Science

4.4 • 1.4K Ratings

🗓️ 18 June 2025

⏱️ 9 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Host Rachel Feltman explores the surprising connection between exercise and the gut microbiome with Scientific American contributing editor Lydia Denworth. Drawing from her latest reporting, Denworth explains how aerobic activity can influence the microbial ecosystems in our digestive tract—boosting diversity, reducing inflammation, and even supporting muscle development and mental well-being. From mouse wheels to marathoners, this episode offers a compelling look at why breaking a sweat might be one of the best things you can do for your gut. This episode was made possible by the support of Yakult and produced independently by Scientific American’s board of editors. Recommended reading: A Good Workout Gets Your Helpful Gut Microbes in Shape, Too Email us at sciencequickly@sciam.com if you have any questions, comments or ideas for stories we should cover! Discover something new everyday: subscribe to Scientific American and sign up for our daily newsletter. Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Kelso Harper, Naeem Amarsy and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was edited by Alex Sugiura. Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck fact-check our show. Our theme music was composed by Dominic Smith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:42.1	For Scientific American Science quickly, I'm Rachel Feltman. Over the last couple of decades, few science topics have made a bigger mainstream splash than the microbiome.
1:01.2	Our growing understanding of the microbes that live on us, in us, and around us has scientists
1:07.1	analyzing and trying to tweak colonies from our armpits to our genitals.
1:12.6	But when most of us hear the word microbiome, our minds go first to the diverse ecosystems
1:18.2	found within our guts.
1:20.4	The communities of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi that live in our digestive tracts
1:26.2	have a huge impact on us.
1:28.3	Research shows that our gut microbiomes influence how well we digest our food and absorb nutrients,
1:34.3	and an imbalance in the microorganisms of the gut is associated with conditions such as type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic liver disease.
1:42.3	Some research even suggests that our gut microbiomes are tied to cognitive function and mental well-being.
1:48.0	Scientists are exploring how autism spectrum disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more could be connected to the tiny creatures that live inside us.
1:57.0	But this relationship isn't one-sided.
2:01.1	We also have a lot of power over our gut microbiomes, and that extends beyond our food choices.
2:07.8	Our guest today is Lydia Denworth, a contributing editor for Scientific American.
2:12.5	She writes Siam's Science of Health column.
	...

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