A breakthrough in understanding how inflammation in the colon works could lead to cancer prevention

A newly discovered link between a cellular process and inflammation is paving the way towards learning how to prevent colon cancer, Crohn’s, and other gut diseases. As published in the Nature Communications journal, the study from the University of Warwick discovered a new protein which is regulated by a cellular process that breaks down cells and recycles harmful elements to keep the body healthy.

The cellular process, known as autophagy, causes inflammation when it is dysfunctional, leaving us prone to getting diseases in the gastrointestinal system. The study was led by Dr. Ioannis Nezis from the School of Life Sciences at Warwick. Nezis and his colleagues observed the cellular phenomenon in fruit flies, and found that dysfunctional autophagy causes serious inflammation which makes the fruit fly susceptible to disease and cuts its life span by half.

“Kenny,” the discovered protein, contains amino acids that causes itself to break down through autophagy. When autophagy does not work properly, Kenny accumulates and is the factor that causes inflammation. Nevertheless, autophagy can be managed through good nutrition. Natural compounds in fruits and vegetables activates autophagy and helps prevent inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of gut diseases. The study was limited, however, since it is yet to be discovered how science can manipulate or control autophagy in individuals with gut diseases, besides boosting the process with natural foods.

Help autophagy help you

Generally, autophagy is boosted by intermittent fasting and caloric restriction. By skipping some meals, your body turns to its own cells, recycling them to ensure proper functioning. The ketogenic diet promotes autophagy too, since it reduces carbohydrate intake and increases fat intake. In a ketogenic diet, your body shifts its energy source from glucose (from carbohydrates) to ketones.

Some foods promote autophagy: coffee, green tea, coconut oil, ginger, galangal, reishi mushroom extracts, resveratrol (red wine), curcumin (turmeric). These foods activate the cellular process of autophagy,