The good bacteria in the gut called probiotics can help improve your health in a number of important ways. You’re probably unaware, however, of the massive positive impact these microorganisms could have.
According to some research, probiotics could be one of the options for reducing certain cancer risks.
How Does It Work?
The American Institute for Cancer Research has created an extensive report on the role that probiotics play in cancer prevention.
The institute quotes a number of studies carried in different parts of the world to assess the effectiveness of the good bacteria. Researchers have found out that probiotics are particularly beneficial for the prevention of certain malignant conditions like colon cancer.
Researchers in Ireland worked with patients suffering either from colon cancer or having non-cancerous polyps in their colon. The volunteers were divided in two groups.
Members of one group were given a probiotic (lactobacillus rhamnosus and bifidobacterium strains) and a probiotic. Members of the second group were given a placebo.
After 12 weeks, researchers found out that the volunteers who were given a probiotic had significantly lower quantities of clostridium bacteria in their gut. Clostridium is one of the microorganisms linked to higher incidence of colon cancer.
In addition, the volunteers who were given a probiotic saw a significant reduction in DNA damage in the colon lining. The reproduction of colon cells, which speeds up in the case of colon cancer, had also slowed down.
These are a few of the specific mechanisms in which probiotic supplements and probiotic-rich foods can reduce the risk of colon cancer. Researchers, however, have also found out that the good bacteria could also play a role in the prevention of other malignancies.
Probiotics And Breast Cancer
While the link between gut health and a reduced risk of colon cancer may seem logical, there’s additional research that suggests probiotics could help for the reduction of other cancer risks.
Physicians have worked with breast cancer victims to find out the exact cause of the condition. One of the physicians – Gregor Reid – found large concentrations of harmful bacteria in the breast tissue of women suffering from cancer.
Probiotics are considered to work on a DNA level, protecting cells against damage or mutation.
An interesting study was presented in the World Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2014. Researchers found out that the consumption of yogurt and other foods containing lactic acid bacteria was associated to a reduced risk of breast cancer development.
In animal studies, researchers discovered that probiotic bacteria modulated the immune response. This is one of the most important cancer fighting mechanism. Strengthening the body and increasing its defenses will make it possible to deal with the malignant growth before it reaches life-threatening dimensions.
Obviously, more research will be required to determine the scope of the positive anti-cancer effect. For the time being, researchers recommend a change in diet as a viable form of prevention.
Improve Your Gut Health Through Supplementation And Diet Improvements
Colon cancer is becoming more and more common. What’s troubling is that the incidence of the disease is increasing among young adults.
According to University of Texas MDs, the incidence of colorectal cancer among individuals aged 20 to 34 will increase by 90 percent until 2030. The incidence rates of the condition will increase by 27 percent for individuals aged 35 to 49.
Poor diet choices and changes in the gut flora could be two of the contributing factors for the higher incidence of the disease.
Diet improvements and probiotic supplementation are two of the most effective options for reducing the risk. Consuming larger quantities of fermented foods and decreasing the intake of processed products can lead to massive gut health improvements.
Choosing the right probiotic supplement is one of the keys to experiencing the anti-cancer benefits. A supplement that contains a sufficient number of bacterial strains and an adequate concentration is a must.
Probiotic America is one such option. The diversified range of bacterial strains that the supplement contains is sufficient for reducing cancer risk through improvements in gut flora.
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