This article is written by Even’s Chief Dietitian, Dt. Vidya KP, MSc ( Food and Nutrition) , Certified diabetic educator ( CDE) and Sports Nutritionist
Gut health plays a key role in keeping you motivated to exercise. The trillions of microbes in your gut influence energy, metabolism, and mood—factors that drive consistency and performance. In turn, regular exercise improves gut microbiome diversity, creating a cycle that boosts both gut health and workout motivation.
How Exercise Can Boost Your Gut Health
Your gut doesn’t just affect your body; it also shapes your mind. Through the gut-brain axis, your gut constantly communicates with your brain, and remarkably, about 90% of serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ hormone is produced there. As a result, when your gut microbiome stays healthy, it can ease anxiety, depression, and stress. Consequently, this balance leads to sharper mental clarity and a better mood, both of which strongly boost your motivation to exercise
Gut Health and Mental Well-Being
Your gut doesn’t just affect your body; it affects your mind as well. The gut-brain axis is a system that allows your gut to communicate with your brain. About 90% of your serotonin (the “feel-good” hormone) is produced in your gut.
When your gut microbiome is healthy, it can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, leading to better mental clarity and improved mood, two factors that significantly impact your motivation to exercise.
Probiotics: Dairy vs. Non-Dairy
One way to boost your gut health is by adding probiotics to your diet. Probiotics are live bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut. They can be found in both dairy and non-dairy foods.
- Dairy Probiotics: Found in yoghurt, kefir and cheese, these probiotics contain Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, which support gut health and digestion.
- Non-Dairy Probiotics: Plant-based foods like kimchi, miso, and tempeh also contain probiotics that help balance gut bacteria, perfect for lactose-intolerant or vegan individuals.
Probiotics are also great for digestion after workouts. They can help your gut recover faster, reduce bloating, and keep you feeling light and energised.
Nutrition’s Role in Supporting Gut Health and Exercise
Exercise alone isn’t enough to keep your gut healthy; what you eat plays an equally crucial role in supporting your microbiome. To begin with, fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes feed the good bacteria in your gut. In addition, probiotic-rich options such as yoghurt and fermented vegetables help maintain balance and diversity. Together, these foods optimise gut health, making it easier to stay consistent with exercise and feel motivated. For instance, adding berries, spinach, quinoa, or brown rice to your meals not only nourishes your gut but also provides steady energy throughout the day-fuel that’s essential for your workouts.
Start Your Journey to a Healthier Gut
Your gut health influences everything from your energy levels and mood to your exercise motivation. By eating a balanced diet rich in fibre and probiotics, combined with regular physical activity, you can optimise your gut microbiome and improve your overall health.
Even Healthcare offers personalised diet plans to help you manage chronic conditions and improve your gut health. Book an appointment with our Even Dietitians today to kickstart your journey toward a healthier gut and better performance.
Not a member yet? Reach out via WhatsApp at +9188679 00461 to learn how an Even Plan can help you achieve better gut health and improve your fitness.
FAQ on Gut Health
Q: How does gut health affect my exercise motivation?
A: A healthy gut microbiome regulates energy, mood, and digestion, all of which influence your exercise motivation. A balanced gut boosts your energy and makes workouts feel easier and more rewarding.
Q: Can exercise improve gut health?
A: Yes! Regular exercise increases the diversity of your gut bacteria, reduces inflammation, and enhances digestion, all of which help improve gut health and motivation to stay active.
Q: What foods should I eat for better gut health?
A: Foods rich in fibre, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented products (yoghurt, kimchi), promote a healthy gut microbiome and support overall well-being.
