Gut microbiota can get built by the bacteria in yogurt. A relationship between the microbiome found in the gut and cancer is extensively studied. These reveal a relationship between the two. A summary of the role of the gut microbiome in bowel cancer prevention is as under:
- Regulation of inflammation: The gut microbiome can regulate inflammation in the digestive tract, and chronic inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer. A healthy gut microbiome can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of bowel cancer.
- Metabolism of bile acids: Bile acids are produced by the liver and are important for digesting fats. However, some types of bile acids can also promote the development of bowel cancer. The gut microbiome can metabolize these harmful bile acids, reducing their cancer-promoting effects.
- Production of short-chain fatty acids: The gut microbiome can produce short-chain fatty acids, which have been shown to protect against bowel cancer.
- Modulation of the immune system: The gut microbiome can influence the immune system, and a healthy gut microbiome has been associated with a lower risk of bowel cancer.
It’s important to note that while the gut microbiome may play a role in bowel cancer prevention, it is one factor among many. A healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding risk factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also help reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
Gut microorganism aids in the digestion of food. They assist digestion by helping release nutrition from the food — making it available to the body. Gut microbiota help protects the body from external infections. Healthy and balanced gut microbiota is critical to a healthy gut and body.
Misbalances in the gut microbiota can lead to diarrhea, constipation, inflamed bowels, and other gut ailments. Even diabetes and allergies have been connected to the gut microbiome’s state (International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics).
The EFSA — European Food Safety Authority — has approved a group of probiotic bacteria genera and species in yogurt cultures. Canadian, Italy, and European regulators have accepted that probiotics help in maintaining a healthy gut. They recommend a level of billion colony forming units (CFU) per serving of probiotics in food.
Many food and food supplements contain probiotic bacteria. These include dietary supplements, pharmaceutical products, medical foods, infant formula, fermented foods like fresh yogurt, fermented milk, aged cheese, kimchi, craft beer, miso, fermented vegetables, sauerkraut or pickles, and sourdough bread.
Processing can kill bacteria. This happens during baking and when the product is exposed to heat. In the case of aged cheese, bacteria die with time. However, probiotic shelf-life stability can be achieved by storing these in a low-moisture environment.