UNEXPECTED LINK: Beneficial bacteria linked to reduced risk of breast cancer

by: | March 9, 2023
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breast-cancer-risk-reduced(NaturalHealth365)  Did you know that your gut microbiome, which is the community of microorganisms in the digestive tract, may significantly impact the development and progression of breast cancer?  Recent studies have shed light on the crucial role played by the microbiome in this disease.  An unhealthy gut environment, characterized by imbalances in microorganisms, can trigger inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, both increasing the risk of breast cancer.

While there is still much to learn about the complex interplay between the gut microbiome and breast cancer, more and more research highlights the importance of taking good care of our gut health to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Reduce your risk of breast cancer by improving the health of breast tissue

According to a study by Dr. Gregor Reid and his team, certain harmful bacteria were present in the breast tissue of women with breast cancer.  In contrast, beneficial bacteria were more prevalent in healthy breast tissue.  The study was published in collaboration with the American Society for Microbiology in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.

This study’s findings suggest that beneficial bacteria in breast tissue may play a role in protecting women from breast cancer.  As a result, taking probiotics may be a valuable preventative measure for women to defend against the disease.

The study examined breast tissue samples from 58 women who underwent mastectomies or lumpectomies for either benign (13 women) or cancerous (45 women) tumors, as well as 23 healthy women who had breast enhancement or reduction surgery.

Probiotics work at the DNA level of cells

Scientists used culturing and DNA sequencing techniques to identify the types of bacteria present within breast tissues.  The study revealed that women diagnosed with breast cancer had higher levels of staph and E. coli bacteria, known to cause harmful double-strand breaks in the DNA.  The body’s ability to repair this type of damage is complex and prone to errors, making it more likely for cancer to develop.

On the other hand, Lactobacillus bacteria were abundant in the breasts of women without cancer.  These bacteria are known to promote good health and have anti-carcinogenic properties.  In addition, a low level of natural killer cells in the immune system is associated with a higher risk of cancer development.  As such, having Lactobacillus bacteria in breast tissue may help support the immune system’s ability to control tumor growth and protect against cancer.

Beneficial bacteria crucial to immune system health

The idea for this type of research came from an awareness that lower incidents of breast cancer are linked with breastfeeding women.  Human milk contains abundant beneficial bacteria, so the researchers speculated that increasing these levels could play a role in reducing cancer risk.

But, keep in mind, lactation is likely not necessary to improve bacterial flora in the breasts.  Spanish researchers have found that the probiotic lactobacilli reach the mammary gland when ingested.  Probiotics are well known for their ability to increase beneficial bacteria and reduce the presence of harmful strains.

Naturally, more research will help determine how specific probiotics could fight or prevent breast cancer.  But, for now, be sure to eat some probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut, miso soup, or tempeh – every day.

To learn more about how to stop cancer naturally – own the Stop Cancer Docu-Class, created by Jonathan Landsman.

Sources for this article include:

NIH. gov
Journals.asm.org
NIH.gov
Eurekalert.org

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