Impact of Diet on Gut Bacteria and Colon Cancer
Diet plays a significant role in shaping the gut microbiome and its influence on colon cancer. A study from the University of Toronto found that a low-carbohydrate diet can worsen the DNA-damaging effects of certain gut microbes, leading to colorectal cancer development in mice. Specifically, a unique strain of E. coli that produces the DNA-damaging compound colibactin, when paired with a low-carb diet, drove the growth of polyps in the colon.
Similarly, a low-carb, low-fiber diet has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, as it may alter the balance of gut bacteria in a way that promotes polyp formation. High consumption of red and processed meats, smoking, and alcohol use are also risk factors for colorectal cancer and can influence the gut microbiome.