Introduction
Yogurt is not just a tasty dairy snack enjoyed in every culture around the globe; more importantly, it is rich in beneficial nutrients that play a vital role in digestive system health, especially colon health. This article discusses the impact of yogurt on colon health, including its probiotic benefits, its role in preventing colon diseases, and its contribution to enhancing digestive health. (1–4)
Probiotic Benefits
Yogurt contains live microbes, called probiotics, that enrich the gut with beneficial bacteria. These probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, help maintain a healthy digestive system if consumed properly by the following:
- Maintaining the natural balance of microorganisms in the gut.
- Supporting efficient digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Stimulating phagocytosis (ingesting and eliminating harmful substances).
- Preventing inflammation.
- Enhancing immune function.
Prevention of Colon Diseases
Colorectal cancer has been reported to be the third most common type of cancer in both males and females, and irritable bowel syndrome is also prevalent worldwide. One significant risk factor for these colon diseases is unhealthy dietary consumption. However, fermented foods, including yogurt, have proven to be effective in reducing the risk of colon diseases by the following mechanisms:
- Balancing the Gut Microbiota
Probiotics in yogurt help maintain a balanced gut microbiota, which reduces the risk of colon diseases and enhances the overall digestive health.
- Production of Immune-reglating Modulators
The probiotics produce immune-regulating substances, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which lower the PH of the intestines, thus making the environment more acidic and less suitable for the growth of harmful bacteria, leading to the prevention of infections and diseases
- Anti-inflammatory Properties
Additionally, SCFAs have anti-inflammatory characteristics that prevent inflammation in the colon, which helps prevent colon conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and irritable bowel disease (IBD).
Butyrate, a type of SCFA, promotes apoptosis (programmed cell death) of cancer cells, and prevents the growth of these cancerous cells, thereby reducing the risk of cancers.
Enhancing Digestive Health
Yogurt helps in enhancing the overall digestive health by:
- Improvement of Gut Barrier
Probiotics found in yogurts produce mucus and proteins that strengthen the structure of the epithelial cells, preventing harmful substances from entering and causing systemic inflammation.
- Reduction of Pathogenic Bacteria
Probiotics prevent pathogenic bacteria growth by competing for nutrients and attachment sites.
- Enhanced Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
Probiotics help break down food, stimulate the absorption of nutrients needed for the body, and prevent diarrhea and constipation, leading to a healthy colon.
- Enhanced Lactose Digestion
Probiotics help digest lactose which can be more tolerated in patients sensitive to lactose, helping in relieving symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements.
Conclusion
With the proper intake of fermented yogurt, which is rich in healthy probiotics, the risks of infections, inflammation, and colon diseases are significantly reduced. Probiotics enhance the immune system, improve digestion and essential nutrient absorption, and strengthen the gut barrier. These benefits improve overall colon health, making it essential to include yogurt as a part of a daily healthy dietary plan for long-term advantages for overall health.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7727484/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8761765/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522009364
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/yogurt-prevent-colon-cancer-risk-5093168
