The Impact of Diet on Colon Health

Colon cancer has become a significant health concern, particularly among nonsmokers, highlighting the importance of diet in preventing this disease. The Western diet, characterized by high levels of animal products and processed foods alongside low fiber intake, contributes to an imbalance in the gut microbiome. This imbalance can lead to the production of harmful metabolites linked to colorectal cancer, while a high-fiber, plant-based diet supports beneficial bacteria, generating protective short-chain fatty acids like butyrate. Switching to a plant-based diet has been shown to rapidly reverse the negative effects of a meat-based diet on gut health, indicating the potential for diet to influence cancer risk significantly.