A new study published in Gut Microbes revealed that exercise intervention in individuals with arthritis, not only reduced their pain, but also lowered the levels of inflammatory proteins called cytokines in their bodies.

Endocannabinoids, which are naturally occurring cannabinoid-like compounds in the human body, were also enhanced. Intriguingly, exercise altered the microbes in the gut, which resulted in these changes.

Many diseases, including cancer, arthritis and heart disease, are caused by chronic inflammation, which can be reduced by regular exercise. However, little is understood about how exercise reduces inflammation.

78 participants with arthritis were studied by a team of experts led by Professor Ana Valdes from the University’s School of Medicine. 38 participants did 15 minutes of muscle-strengthening exercises every day for six weeks, and the other 40 did nothing.

At the end of the trial, patients who did the exercise program had not only less pain, but also more microbes in their stomachs that produce anti-inflammatory compounds, lower levels of cytokines, and higher amounts of endocannabinoids.

Changes in gut microbes and anti-inflammatory substance generated by gut microbes, called SCFAS, were shown to be closely associated with an increase in endocannabinoids. Gut microbiome-induced anti-inflammatory benefits were at least in part responsible for the increase in endocannabinoids.

Research Fellow and first author Doctor Amrita Vijay of the School of Medicine said:

“Our study clearly shows that exercise increases the body’s own cannabis-type 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 intervention like exercise can modulate endocannabinoids.”

Source: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1997559

Image Credit: iStock

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