Harnessing the Power of Fibre

It is easy to overlook the importance of dietary choices in safeguarding against various ailments. One such silent protector in our diet is fibre, a nutrient with profound implications for our digestive health and, notably, in the prevention of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the 4th most diagnosed cancer in Canada[i], and lifestyle factors such as diet can play a significant role in its development.

At Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine, we practice a comprehensive approach to wellness, and understanding the role of fibre in colorectal cancer is paramount.

What is fibre?

Fibre is the portion from plant-based foods that our bodies cannot fully digest and end up being fermented or broken down by the bacteria that live in our digestive tracts (called the gut microbiome).

The fermentation of fibre by our gut bacteria produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) including butyrate, which is the main source of energy for colon cells.

Why is fibre important?

Fibre helps move substances through our GI system, thereby facilitating the elimination of carcinogenic substances. Additionally, the SCFAs (including butyrate) have anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and anti-carcinogenic effects on the cells of our colon and help slow the growth of colon cancer cells.

Gut Dysbiosis

Our diet plays an important role in balancing the bacterial populations that make up our gut microbiome. Diets that are higher in fibre help to promote bacteria that produce butyrate and reduce inflammation. Diets low in fibre can lead to gut dysbiosis (a decrease in the beneficial bacteria and an increase in bacteria that promote inflammation).

We believe in empowering our patients with actionable steps to optimize their health. Here are some practical tips for incorporating more fibre into your diet:

• Embrace whole foods over refined, highly-processed options.

• Load up on produce, aiming for a colorful variety to maximize your nutrient intake.

• Snack smart to curb cravings and boost fibre intake throughout the day.

• Experiment with legumes in soups, salads, and stews.

Great sources of fibre for fermentation, butyrate production, and promoting microbiome diversity include soluble fibres such as:

Beta-glucans – oats, barley, sorghum, rye, mushrooms

Pectins – Apples, oranges, apricots, white beans, black beans

Inulin – Agave, artichokes, asparagus, bananas, chicory root, garlic, onions, leeks, wheat

A diet rich in a variety of dietary sources of fibre is beneficial for health – it helps substances move through the gut, balances sugar and cholesterol levels, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome. Aim for 30 grams of fibre per day from foods including grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds.

We stand committed to guiding you on your journey to vibrant health, one fibre-filled meal at a time.

[i] https://www.colorectalcancercanada.com/colorectal-cancer/statistics/

Sources:

Fratila, T. D., Ismaiel, A., & Dumitrascu, D. L. (2023). Microbiome modulation in the prevention and management of colorectal cancer: A systematic review of clinical interventions. Medicine and Pharmacy Reports, 96(2), 131–145. https://doi.org/10.15386/mpr-2526

Madrigal-Matute, J., & Bañón-Escandell, S. (2023). Colorectal Cancer and Microbiota Modulation for Clinical Use. A Systematic Review. Nutrition and Cancer, 75(1), 123–139. https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2022.2108468

Rinninella, E., Mele, M. C., Cintoni, M., Raoul, P., Ianiro, G., Salerno, L., Pozzo, C., Bria, E., Muscaritoli, M., Molfino, A., & Gasbarrini, A. (2020). The Facts about Food after Cancer Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of Prospective Cohort Studies. Nutrients, 12(8), 2345. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082345

Holscher, H. D. (2017). Dietary fiber and prebiotics and the gastrointestinal microbiota. Gut Microbes, 8(2), 172–184. https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2017.1290756

Bashir, K. M. I., & Choi, J.-S. (2017). Clinical and Physiological Perspectives of β-Glucans: The Past, Present, and Future. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(9), 1906. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18091906

Ross, J. K., English, C., & Perlmutter, C. A. (1985). Dietary fiber constituents of selected fruits and vegetables. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 85(9), 1111–1116.

Tosif, M. M., Najda, A., Bains, A., Kaushik, R., Dhull, S. B., Chawla, P., & Walasek-Janusz, M. (2021). A Comprehensive Review on Plant-Derived Mucilage: Characterization, Functional Properties, Applications, and Its Utilization for Nanocarrier Fabrication. Polymers, 13(7), 1066. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13071066

Dhingra, D., Michael, M., Rajput, H., & Patil, R. T. (2012). Dietary fibre in foods: A review. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 49(3), 255–266. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-011-0365-5

Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer - How Naturopathic Medicine can help?

Prostate cancers have certain features or qualities that allow clinicians to “grade” or classify the cancer as less aggressive or more aggressive - specifically, they are given a label of risk. There are five different risk groups: very low, low, intermediate, high, and very high. Patients with prostate cancers that are very low and low risk, and in some cases intermediate risk, are usually recommended active surveillance [1].

What is active surveillance?

Many prostate cancers tend to be slow-growing, but they can be diagnosed very quickly with the use of laboratory tests and procedures. Unfortunately, what can happen with a quick diagnosis of a slower-growing cancer is a tendency to over-treat patients. Research has suggested that the outcomes of immediately treating very low to low risk prostate cancer patients are similar to implementing an active surveillance approach; also, treating prostate cancers earlier than necessary can lead to unwanted negative side effects, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction [2]. Therefore, in an effort to avoid over-treatment, active surveillance has been recommended as the first line for patients with very low and low risk prostate cancer.

Active surveillance involves regular monitoring for cancer progression, through regular testing procedures and visits with an oncologist. When there is a sign of progression is usually when various treatments are implemented. For some individuals, this can be anywhere from months to years [3].

So what can I do during active surveillance?

Understandably, it can be overwhelming and stressful for patients to be given the recommendation of active surveillance; patients often feel anxious about waiting for disease progression or delaying treatment. 

During active surveillance, there are many ways to support your health, and naturopathic medicine can help by:

• Optimizing physical activity levels for improving health and fitness

• Taking a close look at your diet, ensuring you meet optimal nutritional requirements and individualizing dietary recommendations to meet your health goals and reduce risk factors for cancer

• Analyzing environmental risk factors and making recommendations to decrease or eliminate various environmental toxins that can increase risk for cancer

• Using targeted laboratory testing to identify levels of important nutrients, as well as assessing levels of inflammation, assessing immune function and cardiovascular health

• Optimizing lifestyle factors and reducing stress levels

Remember, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or oncologist about the pros and cons of active surveillance and what is the best treatment option for you. 

If you are wondering about how naturopathic medicine can help you, call us at 306-664-2150!

References:

[1] Kang, D.-W., Fairey, A. S., Boulé, N. G., Field, C. J., Wharton, S. A., & Courneya, K. S. (2021). Effects of Exercise on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Biochemical Progression in Men With Localized Prostate Cancer Under Active Surveillance: The ERASE Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncology, 7(10), 1487. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.3067

[2] Romero-Otero, J., García-Gómez, B., Duarte-Ojeda, J. M., Rodríguez-Antolín, A., Vilaseca, A., Carlsson, S. V., & Touijer, K. A. (2016). Active surveillance for prostate cancer. International Journal of Urology: Official Journal of the Japanese Urological Association, 23(3), 211–218. https://doi.org/10.1111/iju.13016

[3] National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2021). Prostate cancer (version 1.2022). Retrieved from https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/prostate.pdf.