Gut Microbiome and Colorectal Cancers

Gut health is certainly a buzzword these days. Our body’s microflora outnumber our own human cells 10 to 1, so is it any wonder they’re a major integral part of our health?

From the surface of our skin to the spaces between our teeth, underneath our toenails and inside our bowels: all of our non-human cells are working to communicate with our human cells constantly. This can be a good thing, helping us to digest our food properly and boost our immune system, among other symbiotic functions. On the other hand, if our microbiome is imbalanced, bad things start to happen – and not just food poisoning or other acute and transient events – we’re talking chronic damage that can be relatively asymptomatic for years before it’s noticed.

This article discusses the important relationship between the bad behavior of some of our gut bacteria, contributing to inflammatory processes and cancer development. This has major implications with regard to stool testing, nutrition, and the use of probiotics and prebiotics.

“By interacting with the host and other microorganisms present in the intestinal microbiota,” Dr. dos Reis explains, “these microorganisms modulate the functioning of the whole organism through different mechanisms, contributing to intestinal and systemic health.”

Contact me to get to work on optimizing your gut and reducing inflammation – some of these strategies might surprise you!