In this enlightening episode, we discuss the role of gut microbiota in chronic diseases, its impact on organs like the brain, and how factors like sex, diet, and exercise influence it. We throw light on the good, the bad, and the misunderstood bacteria within us, questioning the oversimplified labels of "good" and "bad" bacteria. We discuss how exercise and diet may lead to a healthier microbiome, and the potential for functional redundancy among the thousands of types of bacteria in our gut. Dr. Campbell shares her experience and research on the relationship between gut microbiota and exercise, shedding light on fascinating elements like butyrate, propionate, and acetate. Timeline: 2:30 Gut microbiome vs. microbiota 15:33 How many different kinds of bacteria are there in the gut? 19:21 Is there a ‘training effect’ on the gut microbiota? 32:20 Fecal transplants 35:36 Microbiota and mood 41:17 Sex differences 43:36 Probiotics and Prebiotics 48:43 Pragmatic advice for a healthy gut microbiome – what should folks do? About our guest: Dr. Sara C. Campbell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health at Rutgers. She received her B.S. and M.S. from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and her Ph.D. from Florida State University. Following her Ph.D., she completed a three-year postdoctoral fellowship supported by the USDA investigating the ability of flaxseed to reverse atherosclerotic lesions. At Rutgers, the Campbell lab investigates the intersection of sex, diet, and exercise on the gut microbiota, and intestinal and systemic health. The Campbell Lab has recently focused on the links between gut microbiota, brown adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and environmental toxicants like ozone. The Campbell Lab has published papers on how exercise impacts gut microbial ecology and intestinal inflammation and permeability in a sex specific manner, how gut microbiota depletion impacts exercise capacity and mitochondrial content of key proteins related to oxidative phosphorylation and biogenesis, hormone deficiency (estrogen in particular) and gut health and the bidirectional link between the gut microbiota and exercise. About the Show We cover all things related to sports science, nutrition, and performance. The Sports Science Dudes represent the opinions of the hosts and guests and are not the official opinions of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), the Society for Sports Neuroscience, or Nova Southeastern University. The advice provided on this show should not be construed as medical advice and is purely an educational forum. Hosted by Jose Antonio PhD Dr. Antonio is the co-founder and CEO of the International Society of Sports Nutrition and the co-founder of the Society for Sports Neuroscience, www.issn.net. Dr. Antonio has over 120 peer-reviewed publications and 16 books. He is a Professor at Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida in the Department of Health and Human Performance. Twitter: @JoseAntonioPhD Instagram: the_issn and supphd Co-host Anthony Ricci EdD Dr Ricci is an expert on Fight Sports and is currently an Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University in Davie Florida in the Department of Health and Human Performance. Instagram: sportpsy_sci_doc and fightshape_ricci