Eating fiber may lower cancer risk, Stanford study reveals
- Stanford researchers confirmed that dietary fiber can alter gene activity through gut bacteria fermentation.
- The study highlights a concerning low fiber consumption among Americans, with only 7% meeting daily recommendations.
- Increased fiber intake may reduce cancer risk and promote overall health, especially against colorectal cancer.
In a recent study conducted at Stanford Medicine, researchers investigated the impact of dietary fiber on cancer risk. They discovered that fiber consumption alters gene activity through its breakdown into short-chain fatty acids by gut bacteria, specifically propionate and butyrate. These molecules can modify histones, the proteins that package DNA, which in turn influences gene expression. Their findings suggested that by promoting certain gene functions, these fatty acids can suppress cancer-promoting genes while activating tumor-suppressor genes. The implications of this research are significant, especially given the alarming rise in colorectal cancer rates among younger people. As reported, only 7% of Americans meet the recommended daily fiber intake, underscoring a health crisis related to poor dietary habits. The American Heart Association advocates for a daily fiber intake of 25 to 30 grams, while the average American consumes merely 15 grams. Researchers tracked how dietary fiber affects both healthy and cancerous colon cells, along with intestinal cells in mice fed fibrous diets. They found that propionate and butyrate can inhibit cell growth, encourage cellular specialization, and induce programmed cell death in cancer cells—a crucial process that counters the uncontrolled growth characteristic of cancer diseases. This evidence supports a more significant role of the microbiome in health and disease, highlighting the importance of fiber for optimal microbial function. With the rise in colorectal cancer incidences, particularly among young adults, the findings of this study highlight the urgent need for dietary fiber optimization. Encouraging people to improve their fiber intake could play a vital role in diminishing cancer risk and promoting overall health. The research not only emphasizes the relevance of dietary choices but also calls for increased public awareness regarding the benefits of fiber in preventing serious health issues such as cancer.