If you haven’t been paying attention to the microscopic community living in your gut, it’s time to start. Your gut is home to trillions of microbes collectively known as the gut flora or microbiota, and they play a crucial role in determining the strength of your immune system. In fact, groundbreaking research has shown that having a healthy gut flora may even help you prevent cancer.
The secret lies in the delicate balance of bacteria that live within you. Researchers have discovered that a specific kind of bacteria, called Bifidobacterium, can boost your immune system’s T-cells. These T-cells not only play a critical role in warding off disease but also have the power to attack and kill tumors.
Supercharged mice and their gut bacteria
In a remarkable experiment conducted by Taconic Biosciences, scientists observed an impressive immune system response in mice purchased from Jackson Laboratory for cancer research. The mice had such a strong response that tumors simply wouldn’t grow, as they were being efficiently attacked and eliminated by their immune systems.
When these mice were put together with others from the Taconic lab, something incredible happened. After merely three weeks of cohabitation, all the mice had developed immensely cancer-resistant immune systems. How? The scientists suspected that the Jackson Lab mice had shared their beneficial Bifidobacterium microbes, resulting in these tumor-killing effects.
Indeed, this hypothesis was confirmed when transferring microflora from the robust Jackson mice to other Taconic mice prompted similar immune responses. In fact, the enhanced T-cells powered by Bifidobacterium were found to be as effective as certain cancer drugs known as checkpoint inhibitors.
Why gut bacteria is crucial for good health
The research conducted by Taconic Biosciences has shed light on the important role gut bacteria play in our overall health. We already know that healthy and plentiful gut bacteria are crucial for good digestion and waste elimination, thereby contributing to our well-being. Research has also shown that imbalances in intestinal bacteria are often present in colon cancer patients.
The link between having balanced digestion and the ability to fight off cancer has only recently been identified, but the potential implications are enormous. If specific gut bacteria can truly boost our immune system’s response to cancer, we should do everything in our power to ensure that these microbial populations are flourishing.
Boosting your gut bacteria
So how can you ensure that your gut flora is in fighting shape? One of the best ways to improve your gut bacteria is through a good probiotic supplement. Additionally, eating foods rich in probiotics is a great way to naturally promote the growth of healthy bacteria. Some excellent sources of probiotics include kimchi, miso, pickles, sauerkraut, raw kefir, and whole buttermilk.
Eating these foods can help promote the growth of Bifidobacterium strains. These strains are among the first colonizers of an infant’s gastrointestinal tract, and the various strains offer the most benefits to humans when their naturally symbiotic relationship is preserved.
Ultimately, maintaining a healthy, balanced gut is critical to your overall health. The discovery of the relationship between gut flora and fighting cancer is just another reason to take steps toward improving this essential aspect of your wellbeing.
