Research
Adherence
Moderate exercise (at least 150 minutes/week) positively impacts the gut microbiome and immune function, whereas excessive exercise may increase stress and decrease immune function.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. This level of activity supports a healthy gut microbiome and immune system. If you are healthy, you may derive even greater benefits from higher volumes, but tailor the amount to your current fitness level.
ModerateQualifiesMEDIUM confidence
Appropriate levels of exercise are associated with multiple benefits and appear to cause positive changes in the gut microbiome... At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week has been recommended to be beneficial for the average person...
Why this rating
The paper cites reviews and recommendations for exercise benefits.
Source
Exploring the microbiome’s potential role in severe COVID-19: possible implications for prevention and treatment
Joyce Waterhouse · Authorea · 2020
DOI 10.22541/au.158758665.58622495
narrative_reviewCited 1×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Adopting a whole-food, plant-based or Mediterranean diet and reducing ultra-processed foods can reverse or prevent chronic inflammatory conditions (such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and COPD) by correcting gut dysbiosis and lowering inflammatory markers like IL-6 and CRP, thereby potentially reducing susceptibility to severe COVID-19.Moderate
- Chronic psychological or physiological stress contributes to severe disease susceptibility by increasing cortisol, which suppresses immune function (specifically secretory IgA) and promotes dysbiosis, thereby increasing vulnerability to infection.Moderate
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →