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Gut health and muscle health are often thought of as separate concerns. The first brings to mind eating fiber and probiotics, while the other centers on exercise and protein.

But researchers are increasingly finding that the two may be connected through what is described as the "gut-muscle axis"—a two-way communication network between the gut and our muscles. This connection could be key when investigating whether foods that are good for gut health could also be beneficial for muscle health.

My colleagues and I recently conducted a review that investigated what is known about the gut-muscle axis. We also explored whether fermented foods such as kefir, yogurt and cottage cheese—which are also rich in protein—influence both gut and muscle health. The paper is published in the journal Communications Biology.

The gut and its community of microbes (collectively known as the gut microbiome) can influence many processes throughout the body. Our review looked at the processes relevant to muscle function and metabolism.

The research we explored shows that the gut microbiome produces molecules that can affect how the body uses nutrients, regulates blood sugar and controls inflammation.

The research also demonstrated that the gut acts as a barrier between the contents of the intestine and the rest of the body. A healthy gut barrier helps keep potentially harmful substances from entering circulation. Changes in the gut microbiome and this barrier can influence inflammation, which may in turn affect muscle and wider health .

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