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(Health Secrets) Probiotic foods and supplements may lower the risk of cancer development. Many links have been found between diet and cancer, and research suggests that probiotics may be useful as part of an anti-cancer diet. Now we are learning that probiotics may prevent cancer.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that may suppress the growth of bacteria that transform procarcinogens into carcinogens. Procarcinogens are chemical substances that become carcinogenic after being altered by metabolic processes. A carcinogen is one of any number of substances involved in causing cancer. Many forms of cancer can also be caused by infections, but probiotics boost immune system functioning to better fight off viruses and parasites.
Taking probiotics may prevent cancer
Research presented at the 3rd International Immunonutrition Workshop in Spain demonstrated a link between fermented milk containing the probiotic strain Lactobacillus helveticus and delayed growth of breast tumors. The study found that fermented milk can inhibit tumor growth by reducing the inflammatory response in cases of hormone-dependent breast cancer models and induced colon cancer.
The most popular probiotics strains are lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), Bifidobacterium bifidus and lactic acid bacteria. These are all healthy bacteria that are similar to the good bacteria that reside in the intestinal tract.
Sometimes people do not have enough good bacteria in their system. Probiotic foods can increase levels of healthy bacteria. Both live and dead bacteria help, because they work in separate ways. The ideal
probiotics are those that contain large amounts of microorganisms, such as multiple Bifido and Lactobacillus strains. At least three billion bacteria per serving is best.
Probiotics help the immune system stay strong
Probiotics help to strengthen the immune system and prevent diseases. By improving gut health, probiotics boost the body’s immune defenses, which in turn fight infections. The intestinal tract is home to between 70 and 80 percent of the body’s immune cells. If the immune cells are functioning well the body is more resistant to infection. Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, the human papillomavirus (HPV) and Helicobacter pylori are the four primary infections linked to cancer. Combined, these four infections cause around 1.9 million cancer cases annually.
When the gut has plenty of healthy bacteria it can more easily digest food and expel waste. Toxins and waste can back up in the intestinal tract instead of moving through the colon and out of the body when there are not enough healthy bacteria. These toxins can then get absorbed back into the body through the bloodstream. Toxicity in the body can interfere with oxidation, which can cause stress to cells that are not getting enough oxygen. Stressed cells do not function as well, which leaves the body vulnerable to infection.
Probiotic foods and supplements
Yogurt is the food most commonly associated with probiotics but there are several others that produce better results. Fermented milk in the form of Kefir is an exceptionally good probiotic food, as is fermented sauerkraut. Other non-dairy fermented foods include tempeh and miso. Probiotics are also sold in supplement form. Probiotic supplements come in tablet, capsule and powder forms. Supplements may contain 1 to 10 billion bacteria.
Probiotic foods and supplements may help with many other several other conditions. Probiotics can help end diarrhea and other digestive problems. They may also assist with elimination, allergies and weight management.
For more information:
http://breastcancerconqueror.com/probiotics-and-cancer/
