In this blog, Surrey based naturopath and nutrition expert Natalie from @natnuthc explores the role of the Gut Hormone Cancer Connection.
The relationship between gut health and various aspects of our overall well-being is intricate and profound.
Among the fascinating insights emerging from the study of the gut microbiome is its influence on hormone-related cancers such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.
Research indicates that certain gut bacteria can reactivate previously deactivated hormones intended for excretion, leading to their reabsorption into the bloodstream. This process can fuel hormone imbalances and potentially contribute to cancer development. Understanding this complex interplay, including the role of the liver in hormone deactivation and the consequences of hormone reactivation, is crucial in devising preventive and therapeutic strategies.
The Gut Microbiome and Hormone Metabolism
Our gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms that play pivotal roles in digestion, immunity, nervous system health and even hormone regulation. The balance and composition of these microbes have far reaching effects on our health, including the risk of developing hormone related cancers.
The mechanisms involved in the Gut Hormone Cancer Connection include:
Reactivation of Hormones
The intestines are a primary site for the metabolism and excretion of oestrogens and other hormones. After circulating in the bloodstream, these hormones are processed by the liver, which deactivates them and prepares them for excretion via the bile into the intestines. However, certain gut bacteria possess an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase, which can reactivate these deactivated hormones.
Reabsorption and Hormonal Imbalance
Once reactivated, hormones like oestrogen can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. This is more likely to occur if the lining of the gut is also compromised aka if there is increased intestinal permeability also known as leaky gut – read more about this concept here.
If these reactivated hormones leak into the bloodstream via a compromised gut lining, they can disrupt the body’s hormone balance. This can lead to elevated hormone levels, which have been linked to an increased risk of hormone related cancers, such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. However, they are also linked to any kind of hormone imbalance, as may be seen in PCOS, PMS, endometriosis and poorly managed perimenopause symptoms for example.
The Liver’s Role in Hormone Deactivation: An expert naturopath’s point of view:
The liver plays a crucial role in supporting hormone balance by deactivating and detoxifying hormones. This process is complex, but in simple terms involves making the hormones water soluble (phase 1 liver detox), and then making them safe (phase 2 liver detox) for excretion. However, this process can become problematic when:
The gut lining is compromised
A compromised gut lining (leaky gut) allows for the reabsorption of reactivated hormones and other toxins that were passed to the bowels for excretion, increasing the load on the liver and systemic circulation. This causes a hormone imbalance but also causes the immune system to respond to a potential attack due to increased toxins from the gut leaking into the bloodstream.
Enzymatic Interference
Gut bacteria producing enzymes like beta-glucuronidase break the bonds formed during conjugation, leading to the reactivation of previously deactivated hormones. This reactivation overrides the liver’s regulatory mechanisms, flooding the system with surplus hormones.
Genetic Variations
Some individuals have a fast phase 1 liver detox and a slow phase 2 liver detox, this leads to a back up of the water soluble compounds produced as part of phase 1 detoxification. These water soluble compounds are highly toxic and if dietary modifications aren’t used to dampen their effects and to promote a faster phase 2 response, they can drive an inflammatory cascade in the body, which can fuel DNA mutations. We can utilise the nutrigenomics detoxification and methylation report to understand if you are susceptible to this: find out more here.
Hormonal Imbalance and Cancer Development
Hormonal imbalances, particularly elevated levels of hormones like oestrogen and testosterone, have been implicated in the development of several types of cancers:
Breast Cancer
Oestrogen promotes cell proliferation in breast tissue. Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of oestrogen increases the risk of mutations and cancerous growths. The reactivation and reabsorption of oestrogen from the gut can thus elevate this risk.
Ovarian Cancer
Imbalances in oestrogen and progesterone can affect ovarian tissues, promoting an environment conducive to cancer development. Reactivated hormones entering the bloodstream can worsen this risk.
Prostate Cancer
Elevated levels of androgens, such as testosterone especially dihydrotestosterone (the more potent testosterone, which is converted via an enzyme known as 5a reductase), are associated with increased prostate cancer risk. The gut microbiome’s influence on hormone reactivation can disturb the balance, leading to problematic androgen levels.
Naturopathic & Nutrition Cancer strategies for preventive and therapeutic support:
Understanding the gut hormone cancer connection opens new avenues for prevention and therapy. Here are some general strategies:
Gut Health Optimisation
Probiotic and Prebiotic Intake:
Incorporating probiotic foods, such as natural yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables, as well as prebiotic foods such as garlic, onions, leeks and chicory can help support a healthy gut microbiome, promoting a more balanced environment, and can also support a healthy gut lining.
Balanced Diet:
A diet rich in fibre, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids can promote a healthy gut environment, while limiting sugar, processed foods, and trans fats can reduce inflammation and support overall gut health.
Consuming foods high in glutamine:
Glutamine rich foods such as bone broth and cruciferous vegetables can help to support a healthy gut lining.
Hormone Detoxification Support
Liver-Supporting Nutrients:
Nutrients like milk thistle, dandelion root, and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) can support liver function, enhancing its ability to detoxify and remove hormones effectively. However, some of these nutrients may interact with your chemotherapy drugs or other medications so always look for advice from a qualified nutritional therapist before taking any supplements to support the liver.
Regular Detox Practices:
Engaging in regular detox practices, such as drinking ample water, consuming a high-fibre diet, reducing exposure to environmental toxins, and using saunas for example can support the liver’s detoxification pathways and the downstream process of excretion via the kidneys, bowels and skin.
Stress Management
Chronic stress can negatively affect gut health, in essence during a sympathetic fight-flight response the body de-prioritises blood flow to the gut. This means the gut lining does not get the nutrients (delivered via blood flow) it needs to keep its health. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises can help manage stress levels, promoting a healthier gut.
Medications
Never cease medications without the support of your medical practitioners, but you may want to consider the impact of certain medications, known to damage the lining of the gut. Such medications include: clopidogrel, and NSAID’s. If you are taking such medications, you may wish to discuss alternatives with your prescribing doctor or look for advice from a qualified naturopath and nutritional therapist to see what alternative approaches may be available to you.
Naturopathic, Nutrition and Functional Medicine Testing in Surrey
Functional medicine testing such as gut microbiome testing and nutrigenomics testing are used by expert naturopaths and nutritional therapists to specifically understand your genetic susceptibility and current gut imbalances. In turn the results of these tests can help us specifically target the support you need; this may involve a very specific type of gut healing protocol and certain nutrients to support your personalised genetic variations. Learn more about our GUT testing and Nutrigenomics Testing here.
At NatNutHC we have worked with numerous patients throughout London and the South of England especially those living in Epsom, Surrey and Sussex, UK. We are experienced in supporting those with breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, as well as tongue and throat cancer. Optimising gut health to minimise the risks associated with the gut hormone cancer connection are always key to the work we do, and should be fundamental elements of any cancer naturopath and nutrition experts tool kit.
If you would like more information on the best diet and supplements for your particular needs from naturopathic and nutrition experts, get in touch today via: info@natnuthc.co.uk, or visit our website: www.natnuthc.co.uk and book your free 15-minute no obligation discovery call to find out in more detail how we can help transform well-being.
Alternatively, please follow us on Instagram or facebook @natnuthc for more tips and advice on how naturopathic and nutritional health care can support you and your family.
If you liked this post you may also like:
The Gut Health and Cancer Connection
Glutathione, Breast Cancer and why genetic testing is crucial for your cancer survivorship plan
GUT Health Connection: How the Digestive System Impacts Overall Health
The Power of the Gut-Brain Axis: Nurturing Vagal Tone for Optimal Health
Book your Free 15-minute Discovery call with Natalie @natnuthc to find out exactly how we can transform your mental & physical health.
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The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical or nutritional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or health care regimen. Individual needs may vary, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another.
