Colorectal Cancer: Beware of Syrups and Additives Used in Drinks

Cancer can be caused by a wide a variety of different factors. Certain cancers are due to genetics, others are due to environmental factors like cigarette smoke. Whatever causes a particular cancer, all cancer is the result of your cells reproducing in an incorrect manner. They begin to mutate and grow out of control which is how you develop the oh so iconic tumor that cancer is famous for. Researchers are finding new causes for cancer all the time. One of the less surprising causes is for colorectal cancer; it turns out that the artificial sugary drinks we love to consume can actually cause colorectal cancer.

It is simple enough to say, but not so simple to arrive at that conclusion. Basically, colorectal cancer has a lot to do with your gut microbe environment. Your digestive tract has millions upon millions of microbes, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Your gut microbes are directly related to your health, especially when it comes to your digestive system. When changes occur in your gut environment it can lead to all types of different diseases, including, obesity, Type-2 diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, and of course, colorectal cancer.

Dietary emulsifiers have the ability to alter your gut microbe environment. These emulsifiers are typically added to foods to extend their shelf life. This is especially the case when it comes to processed foods like sugary foods or really anything with high fructose corn syrup in it.  When researchers fed mice low levels of common dietary emulsifiers, they found that the mice had developed altered gut microbiota and the mucus membrane protecting the intestinal lining was thinned out. They also developed inflammation and metabolic syndrome. This led to the development of colorectal cancer in some of the mice. So next time you’re in the mood for one of those sugary drinks, think twice.