The type of diet you follow and your fitness programme can have profound effects on your gut microbiome. A recent study looked at differences between bodybuilders and endurance runners compared to controls.1 High-protein diets typical of bodybuilders had much lower levels of beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacillus. They also found that athletes involved in aerobic and resistance sports eating a high-protein, low-carb, low-fibre diet had less short chain fatty acid producing bacteria known for their antiinflammatory benefits. The take-home: even if you’re upping your protein, don’t neglect the role fibre has on your gut health.