How Probiotics Can Save Your Life (from Colon Cancer!)

October 15th, 2008 . Posted in colon cancer No Comments »
Tags: colon cancer, colon health, probiotics

Probiotic Supplements may be the silver bullet against Colon Cancer.

Photograph by SuperFantastic @Flickr

What are probiotics and what do they do?

Probiotics are living micro-organisms, or bacteria, that have been shown to have tremendous health benefits when taken either in enriched foods or supplements. Some of these benefits include helping digestive problems, providing relief from intestinal disorder, boosting the body’s immune system and have even been linked to the possible prevention of colon cancer.

Probiotics are most effective because they help balance the good and bad bacteria naturally found in the intestines. This is how they are so helpful for relieving gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea and the pain and cramps associated with all of these afflictions. This is also the same reason they are believed to be an important preventative measure for colon cancer.

What does science say about Probiotics & Colon Cancer?

While, there is no evidence that taking probiotic supplements prevents the growth of cancer cells directly,the benefits they create in the human body suggest that probiotic supplements are ideal for colon cancer prevention.

It has been shown that certain probiotic bacteria minimize the appearance of the harmful bacteria that occurs in the colon. Much of this harmful bacteria has been linked to the growth of cancer cells or mutation of healthy cells in the colon. Probiotics have been shown to inhibit the levels of this bacteria in the colon and even neutralize it, which has obvious benefits for preventing colon cancer.

Probiotics also promote a healthier digestive system, helping the body more effectively break down fat. There are many chemicals and harmful bacteria in this fat that have been shown to have a direct link to causing cancer. When the body is not properly balanced, harmful chemicals are released into the digestive system when it tries to break down these foods. Probiotic strains attack these chemicals and neutralize them, helping to ward off their potentially cancer causing effects.

Should You Take Probiotics to Help Prevent Colon Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, there are an estimated 112, 000 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed every year and some of the main known causes of colon cancer are found in something most of us consume every single day — cooked meat. For that reason, it’s vitally important to do everything you can to prevent colon cancer. Probiotics are a great first step in the right direction.