Colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the United States. Significant markers for the eventual development of this cancer are adenomas, or colon polyps. According to the Food and Drug Administration, most cases of colorectal cancer develop from adenomatous polyps, which are present in approximately 25 percent of at risk adults ages 50 and up. A healthy diet and probiotics may decrease your risk of colon polyp development.
About Colon Polyps
The colon, located in the lower segment of your large intestine, serves as the ending point of digestion. It absorbs water from stool, stores waste for later elimination and houses trillions of bacteria, mostly intended to maintain colon health by reducing invasion from harmful bacteria. Colon polyps form in the lining of the colon from abnormal cell development or mutations that cause cells to keep dividing uncontrollably. Adenomatous, hyperplastic or inflammatory polyps are the three main types; larger polyps are more likely to become cancerous. Aging, heredity, unhealthy nutrition and lifestyle habits all contribute to increased risk of polyps. Colon polyps can take years to develop, and annual screenings with early detection reduce your risk of finding cancerous growth.
Probiotics
A probiotic is a supplemental form of living, "good" bacteria intended to promote the health of your intestines and digestive system. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the most common genre of probiotic found in fermented dairy products and over-the-counter supplements. To effectively promote colon health, a probiotic must be "live" and cannot be heated or exposed to a highly acidic environment. Otherwise, the probiotic is rendered useless. The acidity of your stomach can kill the live bacteria in the probiotic, but supplements made with excess bacteria per dose have a higher likelihood of reaching your intestines than in smaller doses.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
The catch in getting the positive effects from a probiotic supplement is having plenty of prebiotics to nourish good bacteria. Unlike probiotics, a prebiotic is a fiber found in many plant-based foods. Essentially, prebiotics work with good bacteria and probiotic supplements to maximize colon health. Onions, garlic, bananas, agave, yams and wheat are natural foods with prebiotic fibers. According to a 2008 review published in the "World Journal of Gastroenterology," the combination of prebiotics and probiotics has a synergistic effect that is conducive to reducing your risk of colon polyps and later colon cancer development.
Colon Health
A healthy diet plentiful in daily consumption of various fruits, vegetables and grains supports colon health naturally. If you are a healthy individual with good nutrition habits and do not experience digestive complications like irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal infections or a history of colon polyps, the likelihood of needing a probiotic supplement is diminished. According to MayoClinic.com, the most effective ways to prevent colon polyps is by getting plenty of fiber from produce and grains in your diet, low consumption of saturated fat, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding substances like alcohol and smoking. Probiotics can help in certain cases as evidenced by ongoing research, but do not add these supplements to your diet without physician consultation.
References
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology; Probiotics; What You Need to Know; 2008
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know About Colon Polyps
- Jackson GI; Prebiotics vs. Probiotics
- "World Journal of Gastroenterology"; Role of Probiotics, Prebiotics and Synbiotics in Chemoprevention For Colorectal Cancer; Constantine losif Fotiadis et al; Nov. 14, 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Colon Polyps; July 24, 2009
- ColonCancer.net; Probiotics for Cancer Prevention; Karen Collins, MS, RD
