Gastrointestinal bacteria play a major role in promoting or inhibiting cancer growth in the intestines and throughout the body.
Research has shown that pathogenic bacteria from the mouth and dental plaques can infiltrate tumors in the intestines, esophagus, stomach, peritoneum (ovaries), prostate and more. Two well-known oral bacteria linked to cancer are Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis.
Therefore maintaining good dental hygiene is essential, including regular brushing and flossing. If you have any active infection, some natural health practitioners suggest brushing with aluminum-free baking soda and 3% hydrogen peroxide for oral hygiene and to address infections.
In the rest of the gastrointestinal tract, other cancer-promoting bacteria include Peptostreptococcus anaerobius. Negative changes in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, can weaken the immune system, cause depression, increase inflammation, and contribute to gastrointestinal disorders—most notably, colon cancer.
Some harmful bacteria even feed tumors with methionine, helping them grow. This is why it’s crucial to support beneficial gut bacteria through diet and lifestyle.
Saccharomyces boulardii helps prevent and combat cancer in the GI tract. Lactobacillus rhamnosus strengthens immunity, increases IgA immune protection in the gut and releases cancer-fighting interferons.
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species are crucial for GI health, enhancing the success of chemotherapy, reducing radiation damage, inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines and increasing tumor apoptosis. Other bacteria, like Lachnospiraceae and Enterococcaceae, help repair radiation damage, restore hematopoiesis in chemo patients, and protect leukemia patients’ GI tracts.
OTHER TYPES OF good bacteria that boost the immune system, improveS mood, reduce inflammation and fight cancer.
Certain foods, such as those rich in polyphenols (like berries) and sulforaphanes (found in broccoli and cabbage) can boost beneficial bacteria like Lachnospiraceae and Bifidobacterium, enhancing gut protection and overall health.
Two immune-enhancing cancer drugs benefit from a healthy gut microbiome. CTLA4 inhibitors, used in cancer therapies like melanoma treatment, are more effective with the presence of Bacteroides species such as B. fragilis and B. thetaiotaomicron. PD1 inhibitors are enhanced by Akkermansia muciniphila, increasing their efficacy in various cancers.
In gallbladder cancer, P. fungoratum has shown promise and Clostridium butyricum produces butyrate, which inhibits tumor growth via the WNT signaling pathway. Butyrate can also be increased through certain foods, such as organic oats and ghee.
A diet rich in organic plants, berries, fruits, and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi promotes good bacteria, providing a natural defense against cancer. These dietary choices can not only help prevent cancer but also reduce side effects of conventional therapies and support the body’s healing process.
Nature truly gives us the “guts to heal.”
