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Daily Yoghurt Consumption May Reduce Bowel Cancer Risk, Experts Suggest
Incorporating a simple dietary change, such as eating yoghurt daily, could significantly reduce your risk of bowel cancer, according to health experts. Professor Justin Stebbing, a specialist in Biomedical Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, detailed on The Conversation Website how yoghurt consumption might offer a crucial health boost, potentially acting as a preventative measure against colorectal cancer. This recommendation comes at a time when medical professionals are observing an alarming rise in colorectal cancer cases among younger individuals, with diagnoses doubling in those under 55, suggesting that factors like ultra-processed foods could be contributing to this increase.
Yoghurt’s Potential Role in Colorectal Cancer Prevention
Professor Stebbing stated, “Emerging evidence indicates that consistent yoghurt intake may exert a protective effect against certain aggressive forms of colorectal cancer. This benefit is attributed to yoghurt’s ability to modulate the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria residing in our intestines.” He further emphasized the critical role of the gut microbiome in overall wellness: “The gut microbiome significantly influences digestion, immune system function, and even cancer risk.”
Gut Bacteria and Cancer Development
“Beneficial gut bacteria can inhabit tumors themselves,” explained Professor Stebbing, “and a balanced gut bacteria composition is widely recognized as vital for maintaining a robust immune system and preventing inflammation, both of which can contribute to the onset and progression of cancer.”
Specific Type of Colorectal Cancer and Yoghurt Consumption
The expert clarified that yoghurt may be particularly effective in lowering the likelihood of developing an aggressive form of colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, that develops on the right side of the colon. This form of bowel cancer is often associated with poorer patient outcomes.
Study Findings on Yoghurt and Aggressive Colorectal Cancer
He elaborated on research findings: “The study revealed that consuming two or more servings of yoghurt per week was linked to a decreased risk of this specific, aggressive colorectal cancer type located on the right side of the colon. This form is unfortunately associated with reduced survival rates compared to cancers on the left side.”
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Long-term Yoghurt Intake and Gut Microbiome Changes
A comprehensive study involving 150,000 participants demonstrated that sustained yoghurt consumption can induce beneficial alterations in the gut microbiome. These modifications can potentially offer protection against certain types of cancers.
Bifidobacterium and Reduced Cancer Risk
Researchers assessed the levels of Bifidobacterium, a bacterial strain present in yoghurt, within participant tumor tissue every two years.
The study’s results indicated that individuals who consumed two or more weekly servings of yoghurt exhibited a lower risk of developing “Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer.”
Rising Bowel Cancer Rates in Younger Adults
A separate Cancer Research study conducted in the previous year highlighted a concerning trend: bowel cancer cases in younger demographics are increasing more rapidly in England compared to numerous other nations globally.
England’s Bowel Cancer Increase in Young Adults
England is experiencing an average annual increase of 3.6% in bowel cancer diagnoses among individuals aged 25-49.
Cancer Research UK on Early Onset Bowel Cancer
Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, commented on the findings: “This significant study underscores that escalating rates of early onset bowel cancer, affecting adults aged 25 to 49, represent a global health concern.”
“Alarmingly, this research has, for the first time, highlighted that these rates are rising more sharply in England than in many other parts of the world.”
“A cancer diagnosis at any age has a profound impact on individuals and their families. Whilst it’s crucial to acknowledge that incidence rates in younger adults remain considerably lower than in those over 50, it’s imperative that we gain a deeper understanding of the factors driving this upward trend in younger people.”