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Small Intestine Cancer Risk Lowered By Eating More Fiber and Whole Grains

Apr 17, 2009 by TacticularCancer.com

When we eat more fiber, we visit the toilet more regularly. That, intuitively, means a cleaner colon and a lower risk of large intestine disorders and colorectal cancer. Natural healers, however, have always asserted that a lack of regular elimination can cause many illnesses and ailments, including ones which are in another part of the intestinal tract or seemingly totally unrelated to it.

At the same time, there can be little or no doubt that the health benefits conferred by whole grains far outweight those offered by refined grains. In fact, refined grains can really hurt your health. Here, a study draws a link between whole grains, dietary fiber and small intestine cancer.

Dietary Fiber and Whole Grains Lower Risk of Small Intestine Cancer

by Reuben Chow

The link between the consumption of more dietary fiber and whole grains and a lower incidence of colorectal cancer has been well established through a number of epidemiological studies. Evidence regarding the relationship between such eating habits and the risk of getting cancer of the small intestine has, however, been largely limited or unavailable. However, recent research published in the October issue of Gastroenterology found that the protective effects of dietary fiber and whole grains against cancer extend to the small intestines as well.

Details of Study

The study team from the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics at the National Cancer Institute conducted a prospective cohort study to attempt to establish any link between the consumption of whole grains and dietary fiber, and the incidence of small intestine cancer. In gist, the team looked at and conducted statistical analysis on dietary data of almost 300,000 men and almost 200,000 women, collected in 1995 and 1996 in the National Institutes of Health – American Association of Retired Persons Diet and Health Study.

Findings of Study

Up to 2003, 165 persons from the entire cohort had developed cancer of the small intestine. Broadly speaking, those who consumed more dietary fiber and whole grains were less likely to get struck by the disease.

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