WHAT IS THE GUT MICROBIOME?
The gut microbiome is the community of tiny organisms—bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses—that live in your digestive system. These microorganisms help break down food, produce metabolites that affect the body, aid in nutrient absorption, and support your immune system. A healthy microbiome helps maintain balance in your gut, raising energy levels and even mood. However, when dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut organisms, occurs, the gut can exert detrimental effects on the body, leading to the development of both metabolic and neurological disease. The food we eat plays a critical role in the health of the gut microbiome.
WHY THE GUT PROJECT?
Food is medicine, movement is medicine, and understanding how our ancestors ate and moved can teach us so much about optimal health today. The gut truly is our second brain, and I believe traditional Chinese approaches to diet and exercise offer insights that modern science is just beginning to validate.
the gut-muscle axis
Your gut and your muscles are more connected than you think. Certain gut microbes produce compounds that enhance endurance, reduce fatigue, and help muscles use energy more efficiently. With a healthy gut ecosystem, you’re not just improving digestion—you’re unlocking more consistent strength, stamina, and performance from the inside out.
Inflammation & Recovery Loop
Every workout sparks inflammation - an essential part of building back stronger. But recovery depends on how well your gut manages that response. A balanced microbiome helps calm inflammation, repair muscle tissue, and shorten recovery time. The stronger your gut, the faster you rebound, adapt, and grow.
Precision Nutrition for Performance
No two guts—or athletes—are the same. The foods and nutrients that fuel your best performance depend on your unique microbiome. By understanding how your gut processes energy, stores glycogen, and responds to different diets, you can tailor your nutrition to train smarter, recover quicker, and sustain peak energy longer.
