Why Does Gut Health Matter?
The microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganismsbacteria, viruses, and fungiliving in the body.
Some microbes are helpful to the body, while others can be harmful.
Photo Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Your microbiome may change slightly as you grow based on your diet and environment.
How May the Gut Microbiome Affect Cancer Risk?
An increasing number of studies have considered the role of the gut microbiome in colorectal cancer progression.
When theres an imbalance in the gut microbiomeparticularly a reduction in helpful microbesinflammation can occur.
In research, scientists have identified specific strains of bacteria present in fecal samples from people with colorectal cancer.
The bacteria speciesFusobacterium nucleatumandpks+ Escherichia colihave also been linked to colorectal cancer, Ng said.
How Can You Better Take Care of Your Gut?
Keep this in mind as you feed the helpful and harmful bacteria in your gut.
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