2 weeks Ago By Anthony Orrico, Ben Hurst
A scientist has revealed a simple breakfast addition that could significantly lower the risk of deadly bowel cancer. Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, shared insights on The Conversation website about a study indicating its potential protective effects against cancer. Justin Stebbing, who is also a consultant oncologist, noted the alarming rise in colorectal cancer cases among individuals under 55 , which has recently doubled worldwide.
The diet, especially the rise in ultra-processed foods, is believed to be a significant contributor. Prof Stebbing explained: "As a consultant oncologist, many people have asked me how their risk can be reduced." He highlighted the benefits of regular yogurt consumption: "The emerging evidence suggests that regular yogurt consumption may have a protective effect against certain aggressive forms of colorectal cancer by modifying the gut microbiome, the natural bacteria that live in the gut.
" Stebbing emphasized the importance of the gut microbiome for overall health, affecting digestion, immune function, and even cancer risk. He added, "The gut bacteria can live inside cancer itself, and in general, a healthy balance of these bacteria is thought to be essential for maintaining a strong immune system and preventing inflammation, which can contribute to cancer development." He highlights the benefits of yogurt because of its live cultures, including Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, which help maintain a healthy gut balance, adding: "The study found that consuming two or more servings of yogurt per week was associated with a lower risk of a specific type of aggressive colorectal cancer, which occurs on the right side of the colon and is associated with poorer survival outcomes compared with cancers on the left side.
" The research involved 150,000 participants and spanned several decades, suggesting that prolonged yogurt consumption might influence the gut microbiome to provide protection against particular cancers. Every two years, the researchers asked their subjects about their yogurt consumption habits and analyzed tumor tissue for Bifidobacterium—a bacteria frequently present in yogurt—from 3,079 individuals who developed colorectal cancer within the cohort. Though yogurt didn't reduce the incidence of all colorectal cancers, those who ate at least two servings per week were less likely to develop "Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer," a particularly lethal type of cancer on the right side of the colon.
Nutritional scientist Prof Tim Spector, who founded the popular Zoe app, swears by yogurt as a daily must-have for a healthy gut microbiome. It makes digestion easier and fortifies the immune system. Tim advised: "For yogurts, I never go for fat-free products.
I don't like the taste of them and they're not good for my sugar spikes either." His video caption also claimed, "By choosing fat-containing yogurts, I feel fuller for longer, and I also prefer the taste." Yogurt is packed with calcium, crucial for keeping bones sturdy and warding off osteoporosis.
Studies have consistently linked regular yogurt intake to lower blood pressure and a diminished risk of heart disease. It might even be a weapon against type 2 diabetes and other illnesses. When it comes to bowel cancer, the UK reports nearly 45,000 cases annually, positioning it as the country's fourth most common cancer and ranking third globally.
Yet many instances are preventable. Research from Cancer Research UK indicates that 54% of all bowel cancers could be avoided through healthier living habits. Key risk contributors include smoking, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption, processed meat, and a poor diet.
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