How can probiotics play a part in fighting against cancer?

• Post by: Zara Feroz
• February 25, 2021
• No Comment

Probiotics are living microorganisms which have beneficial effects on the health of host. They do this by balancing the host’s gut flora. Gut flora or intestinal microflora is a term used to define the bacteria and other organisms that live inside the intestines. Also, they digest food and produce vitamins such as Biotin and vitamin K.

Probiotics are playing important role in fight against infectious disease and cancer. The anti cancer properties of probiotics help to fight against toxic materials and prevent genetic damage. Moreover, probiotics can even help prevent cancer by strengthening the immune system and thus fighting against carcinogens. However there is a requirement for clinical studies in this area so that probiotics can be used to treat cancer.

What exactly are probiotics?

Probiotics include living microbial supplements that produce inhibitory compounds. These include both bacteria and yeasts. Furthermore, probiotics fight with pathogenic agents, for example carcinogens, for chemicals and binding sites. Moreover, probiotics also regulate the immune system and improve the microbial balance of the intestine (gut flora). Therefore probiotics are microorganisms that can  benefit us in several ways. 

Read the more: Investigating the role of probiotics in coping with cancer and health in society

Main Groups of Probiotic Microorganisms

There are three main groups of the common probiotic microorganisms. These three groups are:

1. Kettles
2. Fungi
3. Larvae

What are the main uses of probiotics?

1. Ability to maintain genetic stability.
2. Ability to strengthen the immune system without causing inflammation.
3. Have anticancer effects.
4. Ability to deal with pathogens.
5. The ability to maintain the health of mucus.
6. Have the ability to increase bowel movement.

How have probiotics been used for treatment of diseases in the past?

In the 1930s, the Japanese physician Minoru Shirota said that a proper microbial balance in the intestine could prevent disease. In other words, an imbalance of microorganisms in the gut flora was the cause of many diseases such as diarrhea, food allergy and cancer.

In the 1980s, active foods (that contained microorganisms) were first introduced in Japanese supermarkets. These foods were called FOSHU’s foods and were meant to be used to resolve various health issues.

However, nowadays, active foods are available in most supermarkets around the world.

Probiotics in the fight against cancer

The fact is that most cancers have been found to be caused by compounds that are a part of our every day diet. Furthermore, consuming probiotics can actually prevent and treat cancer.

Scientists and researchers have discovered that some probiotics have anti cancer properties. An example of this is that a certain probiotic can prevent colon cancer. This case has been described below.

Studies have shown that the increased growth of bifidobacteria, which is a kind of probiotic, can lead to inhibition of colon cancer.

Probiotic microorganisms help to create an acidic environment in the colon.

The acidic environment stops the growth and proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the colon. Therefore, bifidobacteria can help in the battle against Colon Cancer.

The use of probiotics to cure disease dates back to a 100 years ago when it was used by a Roman physician. Nowadays, active foods are readily available in markets worldwide. These can be used to regulate the gut flora and prevent or cure health problems like diarrhea.

Moreover, probiotics such as bifidobacteria can help treat and prevent cancers such as colon cancer. Nevertheless, more precise and detailed research is required in this area so that probiotics, both bacteria and yeast, can be used for their therapeutic effects.

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