Gut Health and Colorectal Cancer: What You Need to Know (2025)
Some researchers believe the gut microbiome may actually end up being a game-changer for cancer prevention and treatment. Not only have gut bacteria been shown to influence gene expression, turning some genes on and others off, research published in 2018 found gut microbes actually control antitumor immune responses in your liver, and that antibiotics can alter the composition of immune cells in your liver, triggering tumor growth.
Research published in Nature 2019 also suggests that microbiome has a role in some cancers and the microbiome in many populations has been adversely affected by some modern lifestyles.
According to a 2019 Lancet publication, risk reduction associated with a range of critical outcomes was greatest when daily intake of dietary fibre was between 25 g and 29 g.
On July 11, 2024, CA, a Cancer Journal for Clinicians published a study investigating modifiable risk factors that can lead to cancer. The top examples they identified include cigarette smoking and obesity. Another leading modifiable factor was alcohol consumption.
Harvard Medical School researchers have identified the specific
population of gut microbes that modulates both localized and systemic
immune response to ward off viral invaders.
Certain gut bacteria also promote inflammation, which is an underlying factor in virtually all cancers, whereas other bacteria quell it. The presence of certain gut bacteria has even been shown to boost the patient's response to anticancer drugs. (Nature 2018)
One way in which gut bacteria improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment is by activating your immune system and allowing it to function more efficiently. Researchers have actually found that when these specific microbes are absent, certain anticancer drugs may not work at all.
Diet and Colorectal Cancer
Findings from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study and meta-analysis (BMC Medicine 2022) concluded that a vegetarian/pescetarian diet is associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer compared to a carnivorous diet.
Certain gut bacteria also promote inflammation, which is an underlying factor in virtually all cancers, whereas other bacteria quell it. The presence of certain gut bacteria has even been shown to boost the patient's response to anticancer drugs. (Nature 2018)
One way in which gut bacteria improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment is by activating your immune system and allowing it to function more efficiently. Researchers have actually found that when these specific microbes are absent, certain anticancer drugs may not work at all.
Diet and Colorectal Cancer
Findings from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study and meta-analysis (BMC Medicine 2022) concluded that a vegetarian/pescetarian diet is associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer compared to a carnivorous diet. A 2023 umbrella review (more than 100 studies analysed) of the literature indicated that a high intake of dietary fiber is associated with a reduced risk of several types of cancer, including esophageal, gastric, colon, rectal, colorectal cancers.
Fasting, Low-Carb Diet and Keto Diet (Controversial)
You’ve probably read online that fasting, low-carb diets, and keto diets can reduce your risk of cancer. We’ve included this topic due to its popularity, but after analyzing various available evidence, the conclusion remains mixed. That’s why we’ve labeled this recommendation as ‘controversial.’Avoid extreme measures like severe caloric restriction or high-intensity workouts, which can increase cortisol levels due to the stress they place on the body.
If you are underweight; fasting, low-carb diets, calorie restriction, and keto diets are NOT suitable for you. However, if you are overweight, you might consider one of these strategies on a short-term basis, as the long-term safety evidence is still mixed.
Further, a Japanese study, included in the Korean guidelines for gastric cancer, concluded that low-carbohydrate diets are associated with a higher risk of overall incidence of colorectal and lung cancer but reduce the risk of gastric cancer.
Avoid Alcohol
Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all. Alcohol increases the risk of various types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, lung, kidney and liver. Drinking more increases the risk.
A 2021 umbrella review (Nature) of the literature also concluded that Alcohol consumption is positively associated with risk of postmenopausal breast, colorectal, esophageal, head & neck and liver cancer.
Magnesium and Colorectal Cancer
Several studies have demonstrated an association between high magnesium intake and reduced risk of colorectal cancer (CRC).A study of 140,601 postmenopausal women from the Women’s Health Initiative (2015) with an mean follow-up of 13 years demonstrated a significant reduction in CRC risk with the highest quintile of total magnesium intake compared with the lowest quintile of magnesium intake. The benefit was driven by colon cancer, with a trend for rectal cancer.
A case-control study evaluated 2204 subjects from the Tennessee Colorectal Polyp Study (2007), which demonstrated that increasing total magnesium intake was significantly associated with decreasing risk of CR.. The highest tertile of dietary magnesium intake (>298 mg/day) was significantly associated with reduced risk of CRC in an age-adjusted model.
An analysis of the prospective, Swedish Mammography Cohort (JAMA 2005), evaluated 61,433 women aged 40 to 75 without a history of cancer for a mean follow-up of 14.8 years. The highest quintile of magnesium intake was associated with a significantly lower risk of ColoRectal Cancer compared with the lowest quintile. This benefit was observed for both colon and rectal cancers.
An analysis of the prospective, Swedish Mammography Cohort (JAMA 2005), evaluated 61,433 women aged 40 to 75 without a history of cancer for a mean follow-up of 14.8 years. The highest quintile of magnesium intake was associated with a significantly lower risk of ColoRectal Cancer compared with the lowest quintile. This benefit was observed for both colon and rectal cancers.
Garlic (Allicin) and Onion to Prevent Colorectal Cancer
PubMed has indexed more than 1,200 research studies on garlic and cancer. Garlic and onions belong to the Allium genus of plants.
2020 - A meta-analysis of 11 studies, published in January 2020, did find evidence that garlic could reduce the risk of
ColoRectal Cancer.
Another study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology (2019) revealed the odds of getting ColoRectal Cancer
were 79% lower in those who a diet high in allium vegetables,
which include garlic, leeks and onions.
Colorectal Cancer: Ivermectin and Fenbendazole
A rapidly growing subcategory in the treatment of
cancer is the utilization of prescription drugs
originally approved for treating conditions other than
cancer. Such off-label use of drugs has taken the world
of integrative oncology by storm.
This is a review of 7 case reports of ivermectin and/or
fenbendazole for colorectal cancer. Read more at "
How to Improve Gut Health Naturally
1. Fiber-rich foods
Eating a wide variety of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods, encourages the growth of a rich and diverse gut microbiota. Fiber-rich foods, in particular, fuel beneficial bacteria, aiding digestion and maintaining a healthy balance in the gut.
2. Probiotics and Fermented Foods
Probiotic supplements or fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi can increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria. A study shows that fermented foods can affect the gut microbiome in both the short and long term, and should be considered an important element of the human diet.
3. Prebiotics
Prebiotic-rich foods, like garlic, onions, and bananas, are an important fuel for the growth and maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome.
Psyllium is also a prebiotic — a substance needed for healthy colonies of probiotics to grow in the gut. A healthy colony of good bacteria in the digestive system is essential for healthy immune function. Your body is better able to fight infection, reduce inflammation, and maintain healthy tissue and cells.
4. Hydration
Drinking plenty of water may be an important factor in shaping the human gut microbiome, however the water source does matters. Therefore, be attention to your water quality in order to ensure the positive impact of hydration on the gut microbiome is maximized.
5. Limiting Processed Foods
Highly processed foods may negatively impact the gut microbiome. Limiting the intake of these foods can help prevent disruptions in microbial balance and encourage a healthier digestive system.
6. Regular Exercise
Engaging in regular exercise promotes overall health and contributes to a thriving gut environment. According to a study, exercise can enhance the number of beneficial microbial species, enrich the microflora diversity, and improve the development of commensal bacteria.
7. Adequate Sleep
Quality sleep is integral to overall well-being, and may also influences gut health. Adequate sleep may help to maintain a healthy gut microbiome and contributes to overall digestive health.
8. Stress Management
According to a 2019 study, stress and depression can increase gut barrier permeability. The result, a ‘leaky gut,’ allows bacteria to seep into circulation, producing an inflammatory response. Indeed, both depression and stress can provoke heightened inflammation and gut leakiness. Incorporating stress-management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness or consult with mental health provider.
9. L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine plays a crucial role in gut health by fueling the cells lining the intestine, known as enterocytes, and maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier. This nutrient supports the growth and upkeep of the intestinal mucosa, reducing gut permeability and preventing the passage of harmful substances into the bloodstream.
Additionally, L-Glutamine helps regulate the immune response in the gut, ensuring a balanced level of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, L-Glutamine may help to preserve gut lining health, minimize permeability, and sustain immune balance.
10. Vitamin D
1. Fiber-rich foods
Eating a wide variety of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods, encourages the growth of a rich and diverse gut microbiota. Fiber-rich foods, in particular, fuel beneficial bacteria, aiding digestion and maintaining a healthy balance in the gut.
2. Probiotics and Fermented Foods
Probiotic supplements or fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi can increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria. A study shows that fermented foods can affect the gut microbiome in both the short and long term, and should be considered an important element of the human diet.
3. Prebiotics
3. Prebiotics
Prebiotic-rich foods, like garlic, onions, and bananas, are an important fuel for the growth and maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome.
Psyllium is also a prebiotic — a substance needed for healthy colonies of probiotics to grow in the gut. A healthy colony of good bacteria in the digestive system is essential for healthy immune function. Your body is better able to fight infection, reduce inflammation, and maintain healthy tissue and cells.
4. Hydration
4. Hydration
Drinking plenty of water may be an important factor in shaping the human gut microbiome, however the water source does matters. Therefore, be attention to your water quality in order to ensure the positive impact of hydration on the gut microbiome is maximized.
5. Limiting Processed Foods
Highly processed foods may negatively impact the gut microbiome. Limiting the intake of these foods can help prevent disruptions in microbial balance and encourage a healthier digestive system.
6. Regular Exercise
Engaging in regular exercise promotes overall health and contributes to a thriving gut environment. According to a study, exercise can enhance the number of beneficial microbial species, enrich the microflora diversity, and improve the development of commensal bacteria.
7. Adequate Sleep
7. Adequate Sleep
Quality sleep is integral to overall well-being, and may also influences gut health. Adequate sleep may help to maintain a healthy gut microbiome and contributes to overall digestive health.
According to a 2019 study, stress and depression can increase gut barrier permeability. The result, a ‘leaky gut,’ allows bacteria to seep into circulation, producing an inflammatory response. Indeed, both depression and stress can provoke heightened inflammation and gut leakiness. Incorporating stress-management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness or consult with mental health provider.
9. L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine plays a crucial role in gut health by fueling the cells lining the intestine, known as enterocytes, and maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier. This nutrient supports the growth and upkeep of the intestinal mucosa, reducing gut permeability and preventing the passage of harmful substances into the bloodstream.
Additionally, L-Glutamine helps regulate the immune response in the gut, ensuring a balanced level of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, L-Glutamine may help to preserve gut lining health, minimize permeability, and sustain immune balance.
10. Vitamin D
Optimizing your vitamin D level is of crucial importance for good health and will help avoid leaky gut.
11. Avoid Antibiotics, unless necessary
Antibiotics, as you may know, indiscriminately kill your gut bacteria, both good and bad. This is why secondary infections and lowered immune function are common side effects of taking antibiotics.
Chronic low-dose exposure to antibiotics through your food also takes a toll on your gut microbiome, which can result in chronic ill health and increased risk of drug resistance.
Conventionally-raised meats and other animal products, as these animals are routinely fed low-dose antibiotics, plus genetically engineered and/or glyphosate-treated grains.
12. Others: Magnesium and Garlic (refer above)
Antibiotics, as you may know, indiscriminately kill your gut bacteria, both good and bad. This is why secondary infections and lowered immune function are common side effects of taking antibiotics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gut Health and Colon Cancer
Q: Why are more young adults getting colorectal cancer?
A: Poor diet, processed foods, gut microbiome imbalances, and environmental toxins are major factors driving the rise.
Q: What are the early warning signs of colorectal cancer?
A: Unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits are key symptoms to watch for.
Q: How does gut bacteria affect colon cancer risk?
A: Harmful bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum and pks+ E. coli produce toxins that damage DNA, increasing cancer risk.
Q: How do processed foods increase cancer risk?
A: They fuel harmful gut bacteria, trigger inflammation, damage mitochondria and create conditions for cancer to grow.
Q: What steps can I take to protect my gut and lower cancer risk?
A: Remove vegetable oils from your diet, reduce toxin exposure, balance your carb intake, limit antibiotic use and introduce Akkermansia after improving diet for six months.
Q: Why are more young adults getting colorectal cancer?
A: Poor diet, processed foods, gut microbiome imbalances, and environmental toxins are major factors driving the rise.
Q: What are the early warning signs of colorectal cancer?
A: Unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits are key symptoms to watch for.
Q: How does gut bacteria affect colon cancer risk?
A: Harmful bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum and pks+ E. coli produce toxins that damage DNA, increasing cancer risk.
Q: How do processed foods increase cancer risk?
A: They fuel harmful gut bacteria, trigger inflammation, damage mitochondria and create conditions for cancer to grow.
Q: What steps can I take to protect my gut and lower cancer risk?
A: Remove vegetable oils from your diet, reduce toxin exposure, balance your carb intake, limit antibiotic use and introduce Akkermansia after improving diet for six months.
Disclaimer:
This guide is not intended as a stand-alone guide to prevent or treat colorectal cancer. It is used in concert with other therapies to give the best possible outcome to the patient. Nothing in this document should be taken as a basis to initiate treatment without guidance or avoid any treatment prescribed by your treating physician. This information is offered as a basis to assist mutual decision-making. Cancer care should always be supervised by a healthcare provider. Patients with cancer should ALWAYS consult with their regular oncologist as well as an integrative provider/oncologist, in addition to their primary care provider.
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