Study Suggests Yogurt, Probiotics May Reduce Colorectal Cancer Risk

Kathmandu. Daily diet directly impacts health, as everyone knows. A recently published new study has indicated that yogurt, probiotics, and prebiotic-rich foods may help improve gut health and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

According to experts, yogurt is considered beneficial for health, not just for taste. The probiotics in it increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut, while prebiotics provide essential nutrition to those bacteria. Both help improve the digestive system and strengthen immunity.

How was the study conducted?
This research was conducted with the support of a research program at Chang Shan Medical University Hospital. The study included individuals aged 50 years or older. Researchers analyzed data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2001 to 2020. There were 9,405 participants in the study, representing approximately 37 million adult populations in the US.

During the study, participants' diet, supplement intake habits, and history of colorectal cancer were analyzed. To ensure the results were more reliable, factors such as age, gender, smoking, weight, physical condition, other dietary habits, and various health-related aspects were also included.

The research indicated that individuals who regularly consume probiotics, prebiotics, or yogurt had a nearly 50 percent lower chance of developing colorectal cancer. According to the researchers, a potential reason for this could be the positive impact of these foods on the balance between microbiota, i.e., beneficial and harmful bacteria, within the gut.

What are probiotics and prebiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that help increase beneficial bacteria in the body. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are fibers that serve as nutrition for those beneficial bacteria. Since fermented foods like yogurt contain these elements, they are considered beneficial for the digestive system.

Researchers clarified that this study only showed an association and did not prove that yogurt or probiotics directly prevent cancer. As this study is based on past data, further research following people's health conditions over a long period is necessary, they stated.

The study indicated that a balanced diet and good gut health can be an important part of the strategy to prevent cancer. According to experts, including yogurt, fiber-rich foods, and other nutrients that support gut health in the daily diet can be beneficial for overall health. However, it is not appropriate to consider this as the sole solution for reducing cancer risk. Regular health check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and medical advice are equally important.