Science Update

The bacterial gut biome may guide colon cancer progression.

"""Colorectal cancer develops in what is probably the most complex environment in the human body a place where human cells cohabitate with a colony of approximately 10 trillion bacteria most of which are unknown.""  (Wistar Institute 2014)

Intestinal bacteria provide many benefits such as aiding in digestion crowding out pathogenic bacteria and reducing inflammation. Research from The Wistar Institute suggest that some infective intestinal bacteria which normally cause gastric distress have the capability of in causing genetic changes in intestinal cells which could lead to tumor development. It is possible that limiting the amount of this bacteria in our gut may protect us from the genetic changes which accumulate in our intestinal cells over time and lead to cancer development.

This is a new way to look at the microbiota in the gut as an incubator for colon cancer depending upon which type and species of bacteria are present in our large intestines. Probiotics play an integral part of gastrointestinal health and inhibiting harmful bacteria. In addition probiotics improve intestinal function maintain a strong immune system and maintain the integrity of the lining of the intestines.