Probiotics as a supplement for good athletic performance

The correlation between probiotics and fitness

Regarding probiotics and its correlation with athletic performance, studies show mixed conclusions. Having said that, there are a few pointers which may offer  good reasons to regularly include probiotics for better exercise performance.

This article will tap on the extensive review done to these studies by the International Society of Sports Nutrition and describe their stand on how probiotics plays a role in fitness performance and recovery.

Certain probiotic strains may help in better absorbing exercise enhancing nutrients such as amino acids from protein. This may increase the efficacy of food or other exercise supplements such as whey protein in muscle recovery and growth.

Probiotics = Good gut health = Strong immunity

As one trains under excessive loads, extended routines, and face environmental extremes, the immunity of that person might be adversely impacted, leading to an increased risk of respiratory tract infections. With approximately 70% of our immune system located in our gut, immunity starts with the gut.

Other possible benefits of probiotics in relation to fitness

Probiotic supplementation has been extensively studied to show that it can bolster immunity. Certain types of probiotics are said to help reduce inflammation in the body. This may benefit those who experience sore muscles or injuries sustained to recover sooner.

Probiotics may also have a positive impact on body composition and lean body mass, normalizing age-related declines in testosterone levels, reducing cortisol levels indicating improved responses to a physical or mental stressor, reducing exercise-induced lactate, and increasing neurotransmitter synthesis, cognition and mood.

* Current day research is poised in validating the boosting of health and immune functions of the body, and it is certainly promising. However, it will be good to have validation of the benefits through more rigorous human studies in an athletic population to uncover the optimal potential of the correlation of athletic performance and regular probiotics consumption.