How Exercise Affects Gut Bacteria and Stomach Problems – A Summary Review

Abstract

Background. The human gastrointestinal tract contains a large community of microorganisms, known as the gut microbiota. Their metabolic and immunological functions influence host physiology. Disruption of this community, called dysbiosis, contributes to many gastrointestinal disorders. Physical activity is increasingly recognized as a lifestyle factor that can alter microbial composition and function.

Aim. This review summarizes current evidence on the effects of physical activity on gut microbiota and assesses the clinical relevance of these changes for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and functional constipation.

Material and methods. A narrative study was conducted using literature from PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2018 and 2025, including clinical intervention trials, cross-sectional studies, and animal experiments, were included.

Results. Moderate aerobic exercise often boosts the diversity of gut microbes and increases the number of butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Bifidobacterium spp. The alterations result in reduced intestinal inflammation, increased stool concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, and faster intestinal transit. Structured exercise regimens have been demonstrated to significantly reduce symptoms of IBS and chronic constipation. Intense exercise may reduce stomach motility and increase gut permeability in certain individuals, although there is limited controlled data on SIBO.

Conclusions. Regular moderate exercise represents a low-cost, accessible adjunct to conventional management of common gastrointestinal disorders. Standardized clinical protocols and longer follow-up studies are still needed before definitive exercise prescriptions can be established.