Exercise has long been associated with good health. Engaging in physical activities reduces risks for a number of unwanted medical conditions such as stroke, heart disease and obesity. Now, researchers found a possible explanation on how being physically active can prevent a number of health problems and  lower obesity risks.

For a new study published in the journal Gut on June 9, researchers from Ireland examined the impact of exercise and diet on the gut bacteria (microbiota) by analyzing blood and fecal samples of 40 professional rugby players while they participated in a rigorous training program and comparing them with those from 46 non-professional athlete male participants who have the same age and physical profiles as the athletes who participated in the study.

The researchers asked the participants to complete a food frequency questionnaire to provide information on how much and how often they ate 187 particular food items a month prior to the study as well as surveyed the participants on their normal level of physical activities.

The researchers found that the athletes had significantly more diverse range of gut microbiota compared with men in the control group especially those who have high body mass index (BMI). Gut microbes have an impact on overall and long term health as reduced variation of microbiota has been associated with health problems including obesity. Increased diversity in gut microbes, on the other hand, is known to have a positive influence on the immune system and on how the body metabolizes food.

The athletes in particularly were found to have higher proportions of a specie of bacteria known as Akkermansiaceae, which is associated with lower obesity risks.

It also appears that dietary habits also affect gut bacteria as the rugby players tend to eat more of all the food groups than the non-athlete participants. They also consumed more protein, ate more fruits and vegetables, and had fewer snacks than their counterparts.

"The results provide evidence for a beneficial impact of exercise on gut microbiota diversity but also indicate that the relationship is complex and is related to accompanying dietary extremes," wrote study researcher Fergus Shanahan, from the Department of Medicine and Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre at the University College Cork in Ireland, and colleagues.

The researchers have likewise found that although the athletes have higher levels of creatine kinase (CK), an enzyme linked with muscle and tissue damage, they had lower levels of inflammatory markers than the men in the control group.