Ongoing research continues to uncover the diverse benefits of exercise on the human body, including its ability to alter the composition of the gut microbiome and reduce inflammation. A recent study focused on individuals with arthritis and revealed how the body’s own cannabis-like substances play a crucial role in mediating the anti-inflammatory effects.
In the 1990s, the endocannabinoid system was discovered during investigations into the workings of cannabis in the brain. This groundbreaking finding revealed that the human body produces its own versions of the active compounds found in cannabis, known as endocannabinoids. Subsequent studies have explored their involvement in depression, weight loss, and inflammation reduction.
Building on this knowledge, researchers at the University of Nottingham aimed to delve deeper into the mechanisms by which exercise can alleviate chronic inflammation and the potential influence of the endocannabinoid system on the gut microbiome.
The study involved 78 arthritis patients, with roughly half of them engaging in a six-week exercise regimen consisting of 15-minute muscle-strengthening workouts per day. The other half served as the control group and did not participate in any exercise. Those who exercised experienced reduced pain and demonstrated increased levels of microbes in their gut that produce anti-inflammatory substances, as well as elevated levels of endocannabinoids.
The researchers noted a strong correlation between the rise in endocannabinoids and the observed changes in the gut microbiome, as well as the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, the team estimated that at least one-third of the anti-inflammatory effects resulting from the exercise regimen were attributed to the increase in endocannabinoids.
Amrita Vijay, the first author of the study, emphasizes the significance of their findings, stating, “Our study clearly shows that exercise increases the body’s own cannabis-like substances, which can have a positive impact on many conditions. As interest in cannabidiol oil and other supplements increases, it is important to know that simple lifestyle interventions like exercise can modulate endocannabinoids.”
The study was published in the journal Gut Microbes.