You may have heard a lot about the importance of your gut microbiome, or the community of bacteria, viruses, and assorted microscopic organisms living in your digestive track. What you eat, how much you sleep, and the kinds of bacteria you are exposed to can change the balance between beneficial and harmful microbes in your gut. That's why researchers from several fields are interested in learning how this balance influences things such as heart disease, arthritis and dementia.
What do we know so far about your gut microbiome and cancer? "It isn't connected to any specific kind of cancer," says Krista Maruschak, a registered dietician at the Cleveland Clinic. But it may still be a good idea to add probiotics to your diet. Why? These healthy, fermented foods add to the good bacteria in your gut. Think yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kombucha.
Read More