World J Gastroenterol . 2025 Jun 14 Exploring the gut-exercise link: A systematic review of gastrointestinal disorders in physical activity

This systematic review investigates the bidirectional relationship between physical activity and digestive well-being, highlighting how exercise can serve as both a remedy and a stressor for the gut. By synthesizing hundreds of studies, the authors demonstrate that moderate movement enhances intestinal motility and reduces inflammation, offering significant relief for chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. However, the text also warns that intense or prolonged exertion can trigger adverse symptoms such as nausea and pain by temporarily reducing blood flow to the digestive tract and compromising the gut barrier. Ultimately, the research emphasizes the need for personalized exercise strategies that balance these metabolic benefits with the specific physiological limits of the individual to ensure peak health and performance.