Food Additive Alters Gut Bacteria, Causes Colon Cancer

Recently, a new review of existing research shows the disruption of microbiota in the gut can lead to low-grade inflammation (another precursor to colon cancer).

A healthy gut environment is necessary for optimal health.

The vast quantity of microbacteria that co-exist in our gut are very important.

In fact, the hundreds of millions of strains can impact many other non-GI related concerns, including fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis and insulin resistance.

The Review

Firstly, this latest review puts forth a common cause for poor gut health: dietary emulsifiers.

Secondly, research conducted by Georgia State University was published in Nature journal.

It revealed that low amounts of two common emulsifers (carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate-80) caused low-grade inflammation and obesity syndrome in mice.

How Do These Damage the Gut?

Emulsifiers are added to processed goods that require water and oil to be bound together to create a smoother texture.

The intestine is normally immune to damage from bad bacteria due to a protective mucus lining the walls.

However, these emulsifiers carry harmful strains of bacteria easily to those walls.

This is what causes inflammation.

Firstly, Georgia State University researchers added quantities of the two emulsifiers in the same proportion found in human food.

Secondly, the results showed an increase in inflammation and greater cell death, which increase the likelihood of tumor formation.

Thirdly, according to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.

Hundreds of thousands are stricken with it each year.

The ACS estimates that as of 2016 there was 134,490 active cases in the country.

Finally, common items that contain carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate-80 include:

• Breads
• Ice cream
• Crackers
• Cake
• Mouthwash
• Chewing gum
• Margarine
• Peanut butter