Scientists make ‘profound’ discovery about food and cancer as they hunt for cause of colon tumor explosion in young people

Scientists investigating a surge in bowel cancer among young people say they have made a “significant” discovery about the role that dietary differences play.

The researchers compared and contrasted 176 previous scientific studies to dig deeper into how six common diets affect the human gut microbiome and which diets lead to more gut bacteria. Associated with tumor growth.

Their comprehensive review of nearly 200 studies found that a Western diet high in sugar, saturated fat and processed foods poses the greatest risk.

However, the research team found that high-fiber diets, which are used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, cancer.

The study also sparked strong skepticism about the health benefits of high-protein, ketogenic diets, which are popular among health-conscious athletes.

One microbiologist involved in the new review called the study a significant milestone in providing “concrete data” about how the microbiome relates to health.

The Western diet reduces gut bacterial diversity, Bacteroides Species associated with obesity.

These foods also contain a soup of additives and preservatives, which the researchers found led to a “surge in chronic inflammation” in the gut.

The research team also found that a Western diet that is low in fiber, fruit and vegetables can make it harder for the digestive system to break down the healthy fiber that we eat.

People eating a Western diet also had fewer varieties of bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation in the gut, the researchers said.

Chronic, or long-term, inflammation in the gut is a concern because it can cause harmful mutations in cells and increase the likelihood of cancer.

Ultra-processed foods like doughnuts, pizza and chips have previously been linked to increased inflammation and associated health risks.

on the other hand, Green Mediterranean Diet — It is rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, green tea, and protein-rich aquatic plants. Duckweed — had the best overall health outcomes.

The researchers said it caused a surge in “health-promoting bacteria” in the gut and reduced the numbers of bacteria associated with cell damage.

Many of the 176 studies reviewed for the new analysis published this week in the journal Nature Reviews Microbiologyrelied on a bacterial gene identification technique called “metagenomic sequencing” to investigate the gut microbiome.

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The method has also been used by wildlife ecologists to study the hidden microbial world and to assess the environmental health of contaminated industrial waste sites.

just Just one of those studiesFor example, a study tracked changes in the gut bacteria of 307 male participants over a six-month period in conjunction with their diet.

In the end, the scientific reviewers broke down this vast body of research into six different broad dietary categories: not only Western and Mediterranean diets, but also high-fiber diets, high-protein diets, plant-based diets and ketogenic diets.

A high-fiber diet, i.e. one that is high in whole grains, is popular among people who suffer from chronic constipation and those trying to lose weight.

The review also suggests that altering the mix of bacteria in the gut microbiota may have protective effects, particularly against colorectal cancer, type 2 diabetes, and inflammation.

Ingested high-fiber plant matter: Lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacteria The bacteria release beneficial compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids, that can reduce inflammation.

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A plant-based, or vegetarian, diet has also been found to lower the risk of colon cancer because the polyphenols found in plants promote the growth of other beneficial bacteria.

A particular group of bacteria, especially in a plant-based diet, AkkermansiaThe researchers write that this could help fight bacterial diseases.

The researchers called for more research on the ketogenic diet, warning of a history of previous studies showing it can lead to a sharp decline in populations of 19 types of beneficial bacteria. Bifidobacteria.

like Akkermansiathese Bifidobacteria The researchers said it also plays an important role in “modulating the immune system” by suppressing the growth of infectious bacteria.

But the team also raised concerns about high-protein diets that are high in red meat.

In their review, the researchers noted that as meat breaks down in the intestines, hydrogen sulfide is released, which can cause harmful mutations in nearby cells.

“Our study highlights the profound impact that different diets can have on the gut microbiome,” Dr. Katherine Stanton, lead author of the study, said in a statement.

“This understanding is crucial to developing dietary recommendations that promote health and prevent disease,” said Dr Stanton, who works at Teagasc, an Irish public-private government agency that researches food and agriculture.

“It will be interesting to see how dietary choices affect microbial balance and metabolic function in the gut,” she added.

The study comes as researchers race to understand the causes of a sharp rise in colon cancer cases among people under 50.

Currently, approximately 17,000 people under the age of 50 are affected by the disease each year, up from 12,000 per year in 1999, a nearly 50 percent increase in just 20 years.

During the same period, incidence of colorectal cancer in people in their late 20s and early 30s increased by an estimated 70%.

Other cancers, including intestinal bile duct cancer, breast cancer and appendix cancer, are also on the rise among young people.

Kate Middleton (42) is brave I had cancer this year. Meanwhile, actress Olivia Munn (43) revealed last year that she had breast cancer.

Scientists are puzzled as to what is causing the surge in cancer among young people; so far, Obesity rates soar To Eating processed foods regularly.

Meanwhile, another study has found that additives used in Red Bull and other energy drinks Promotes the growth of cancer cells.

A government-funded research team launched a $25 million study in March to investigate the cause of the rise.

Colon cancer is of particular concern because it often does not cause symptoms until it has progressed and is at a stage where it is difficult to treat.

Guidelines currently say all Americans over 45 should be screened for cancer, but some doctors They are calling for this age limit to be lowered even further.