Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have found that certain gut microbes can increase motivation to exercise. Research published Nature.
The experiment showed that differences in the desire to move actively among laboratory rats were mainly due to the presence of gut bacteria. Eubacterium rectal and Coprococcus eutectus. Motivation of rodents was assessed by the number of turns of the running wheel.
The researchers determined that this effect was due to fatty acid amides, which are small molecules produced by these bacteria. These substances activate endocannabinoid CB1 receptors in the gut, which increases activity in the striatum, the region of the brain that controls motivation during exercise. The researchers concluded that additional dopamine in this area during exercise increases the desire to move.
The scientists used machine learning to analyze the genome and composition of gut bacteria. Genetics explained only a small part of the differences in animal motivation. This was also confirmed by the fact that the rodents’ running performance was halved with the addition of antibiotics.
If a similar effect can be confirmed in humans, it may be possible not only to increase the motivation of people who use drugs, but also to better understand changes in motivation and mood in people experiencing depression or addiction.
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Source: Gazeta
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