Summary: The microbiome plays a crucial role in our overall health and our response to cancer treatment. In her lecture, Dr. Shah discusses studies that highlight the significance of dietary diversity and a high-fiber diet. She also offers advice on how to implement these changes before, during, and after cancer treatment.
Presenter: Urvi Shah MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
To read the transcript, go to:
bmtinfonet.org/video/microbio...
Highlights:
(00:04:32): The human body has more bacteria cells than human cells. We can impact overall health by improving an unhealthy microbiome that has insufficient healthy bacteria, which can lead to inflammation and gut dysfunction.
(00:07:45): Studies have associated microbial diversity with improved survival.
(00:08:51): Dietary diversity, such as eating 30 or more different types of plants, is associated with improved microbiome health.
(00:13:29): Many people do not get enough fiber in their diets. A fiber-rich diet improves the microbiome and the gut lining and helps support the immune system. Studies show that patients who follow high-fiber, plant-forward diets have a 15-20% reduced risk of being diagnosed with cancer.
(00:19:49): In a clinical trial, overweight patients with MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) were given a high-fiber plant-based diet and nutrition coaching. The patients lost 8-9% weight and improved their health overall.
(00:22:44) By adopting a plant -forward, high fiber diet, patients were able to increase the biodiversity of their microbiome and decrease inflammation.
(00:23:12): It is possible that improving the microbiome improves the immune system enough to slow down the progression of cancer.
(00:25:46): A diet that does not allow fresh fruits and vegetables, has not been shown to reduce infection. It may cause additional unwanted weight loss and lower quality of life.
(00:27:39): A plant-based, high-fiber diet may also contribute to better outcomes, including remission rates and sustained MRD (minimal residual disease) negativity.
(00:32:24): Diet changes can be made slowly over time and should be individualized to each patient, taking into consideration disease state, symptoms, comorbidities and willingness to make changes.
April 2024, Part of the Virtual Celebrating a Second Chance at Life Survivorship Symposium 2024
Presentation is 40 minutes long with 19 minutes of Q & A
Key Points:
The microbiome refers to the collection of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that live in and on our bodies. A healthy microbiome is associated with improved overall health and improved survival in many cancer patients.
Dietary diversity is vital to a healthy microbiome. Eating a wide variety of plant-based foods can achieve this.
Eating a plant-forward diet high in fiber improves the microbiome, improves the gut lining, and helps support the immune system. A high-fiber diet should include at least 25-30gm of fiber daily.
Meet the speaker:
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