Inflammation and Cancer Risk | The Gut Health Markers You Should Track
Test your gut, don’t guess your health
Standing on stage as the keynote speaker at the Annie Appleseed 17th Annual Conference, I looked out at a room filled with incredible individuals—people navigating their own cancer journeys, caregivers, advocates, and health seekers searching for answers. Each conversation I had that day was a reminder of just how much strength and resilience exists within this community.
But there was also a common theme in these conversations—so many people had no idea how critical gut health is in the cancer equation. It’s not just about digestion. Your gut microbiome plays a powerful role in cancer risk, treatment efficacy, and even recovery. And here’s the part that truly matters—your gut is something you can control.
When faced with a cancer diagnosis, it can feel like the ground has been pulled from beneath you. So much is out of your hands. But this? This is an area where you can take action. Your gut microbiome is malleable, responsive, and deeply tied to the inflammatory pathways that either promote or protect against disease.
As I spoke on stage, the hour flew by in what felt like minutes. There was so much to share, and I could have easily stayed up there for another hour, diving deeper into the science and solutions. But in that time, I covered the most essential takeaways—practical insights that can help you understand and optimize your gut health to reduce inflammation and support your body’s defenses against cancer.
As I wrapped up my talk, I could feel the energy in the room—so many heads nodding in realization, so many people eager to take control of something tangible in their health journey. The questions, the curiosity, the urgency—this conversation is just getting started.
So, let’s dive into the key takeaways from my talk—the gut health markers you should be tracking and how they relate to inflammation and cancer risk.
Cancer Isn’t Just About Genetics—It’s About Signals
We often think of cancer as something that just happens—a random, uncontrollable event. But science tells us otherwise. In fact, genetics only account for about 10% of most cancer cases. That means lifestyle and environment play a much bigger role in determining risk.
So what exactly is driving cancer at the cellular level? The answer lies in inflammation and the gut microbiome.
Imagine a thriving city where everything runs smoothly—transportation, resources, emergency response. Now picture that same city in chaos—fires, traffic jams, resources running out, emergency responders overwhelmed.
That’s exactly what happens inside the body when chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction take over. Your cells—like that city—are under attack.
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And when this disruption continues unchecked, your defenses weaken. Your immune system isn’t as sharp, your ability to repair DNA is compromised, and disease—like cancer—can take hold.
But here’s the good news: This process isn’t inevitable. It’s modifiable.
By focusing on #CellCare—an intentional approach to cellular health—we can start shifting our bodies toward disease prevention rather than just treatment.
The Gut-Cancer Axis | How the Microbiome Regulates Disease
The gut microbiome is one of the most potent regulators of immune function, inflammation, and even DNA repair. But when it’s out of balance, it can create an internal environment where cancer is more likely to develop.
We now know that gut health influences cancer through three key pathways:
1. Regulating the Immune System
Over 70% of immune cells reside in the gut, constantly communicating with the rest of the body to detect and destroy abnormal cells. A balanced microbiome strengthens immune surveillance, while an imbalanced one weakens it. Weakened immune surveillance allows cancer cells to evade detection.
2. Controlling Inflammation
A healthy gut microbiome produces compounds that reduce inflammation, while an imbalanced one fuels chronic inflammation, a known driver of cancer.
3. Modulating Detoxification and Metabolism
The gut microbiome influences how we process hormones, toxins, and even carcinogens. When dysbiosis (an imbalanced gut) occurs, it can lead to higher circulating levels of harmful substances, promoting the production of carcinogenic metabolites and triggering genetic mutations that increase cancer risk.
The exciting part? These processes are measurable and modifiable.
And that brings us to three key lab markers that provide critical insight into your gut health and cancer risk.
The Three Gut Health Markers That Matter Most
By measuring and modulating specific gut health biomarkers, we can gain early insights into cancer risk and make targeted interventions to reduce inflammation, support immunity, and create an internal environment where health can thrive.
1. Secretory IgA – The Immune Shield of the Gut
When Michael walked into my clinic, he wasn’t just looking for answers—he was looking for validation. At 55, with a family history of colon cancer, he had spent the last few years dealing with gut issues, unexplained fatigue, and persistent inflammation. He had done all the "right" tests, but every result came back "normal."
Yet, he didn’t feel normal.
That’s the thing about gut health—it’s not just about digestion. It’s a window into immune function, inflammation, and long-term disease risk. So we dug deeper.
When we ran a comprehensive stool test, one key marker stood out: his Secretory IgA (sIgA) levels were dangerously low.
Secretory IgA is the immune system’s first line of defense in the gut. It acts as a barrier, identifying harmful bacteria, toxins, and pathogens before they can trigger inflammation or illness. It also plays a role in immune tolerance, ensuring that the body reacts appropriately to beneficial and harmful microbes.
When sIgA is too low:
The gut’s protective barrier weakens, allowing toxins and harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
Chronic infections and inflammation increase, setting the stage for immune dysfunction and tumor growth.
The immune system loses its ability to monitor and eliminate abnormal cells, raising cancer risk.
When sIgA is too high:
The immune system becomes overactive, leading to chronic gut inflammation, a known driver of colorectal, gastric, and liver cancers.
Persistent immune activation can damage healthy tissue and disrupt immune balance.
Cancer does not develop overnight—it arises from a long-term imbalance in immune regulation. Testing for sIgA provides an early warning sign of immune dysfunction in the gut.
2. Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) – The Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouses
After working with Michael to restore his gut immunity, there was still more to uncover. Secretory IgA had shown us that his immune defenses were weakened. Still, another key marker would help us understand what was happening on a deeper level—his gut’s ability to regulate inflammation and support cellular health.
This brought us to Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)—a critical factor in inflammation control, metabolic function, and even cancer prevention.
SCFAs—butyrate, acetate, and propionate—are metabolites produced by gut bacteria when they ferment fiber. These small but powerful compounds act as fuel for intestinal cells, helping to:
Reduce inflammation by balancing immune responses.
Strengthen the gut barrier, preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream.
Support immune function, ensuring that immune cells stay vigilant but not overactive.
SCFAs are a cornerstone of gut health, influencing everything from metabolic function to neurological well-being. But what happens when SCFA levels are too low?
Low SCFA levels signal a gut that is struggling. Without enough SCFAs:
Inflammation increases, creating an environment where cancer cells can thrive.
The gut barrier weakens, allowing toxins and harmful bacteria to escape into the bloodstream.
Immune function is compromised, reducing the body's ability to detect and eliminate abnormal cells.
Butyrate, in particular, plays a unique role. Studies have shown that butyrate induces apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells while protecting healthy cells. This means that low butyrate levels could increase cancer risk by allowing harmful cells to survive and replicate unchecked.
3. Beta-Glucuronidase – The Detoxification Enzyme Linked to Cancer Risk
When Sarah, a 48-year-old woman with a history of estrogen-positive breast cancer, came to my clinic, she was determined to take charge of her health. She had completed conventional treatment but was concerned about recurrence. She wanted to know, “What else can I do to lower my risk?”
One of the biggest overlooked factors in hormone-driven cancers is detoxification—specifically, how the body processes and eliminates estrogen, toxins, and carcinogens. Sarah, despite eating a relatively “healthy” diet, was struggling with digestive issues, bloating, and fatigue.
One marker stood out when we tested her gut microbiome: her beta-glucuronidase levels were elevated.
Beta-glucuronidase is an enzyme in the gut that plays a key role in detoxification and hormone metabolism. It helps regulate how the body processes:
Excess estrogen
Toxins and carcinogens
Environmental pollutants
Under normal conditions, the liver packages up excess estrogen, harmful toxins, and metabolic waste and sends them to the gut for elimination. But when beta-glucuronidase levels are too high, this process gets disrupted.
Instead of being excreted, these substances are reabsorbed into the bloodstream, recirculating through the body and increasing cancer risk.
How to Support Gut Health and Optimize These Key Markers Through Diet
Now that we’ve explored Secretory IgA, Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), and Beta-Glucuronidase, it’s clear that gut health plays a central role in immune function, inflammation, and detoxification.
But here’s the key takeaway: These markers are modifiable.
Through targeted dietary choices, we can restore balance, support the gut microbiome, and create an internal environment that reduces cancer risk and promotes long-term health.
1. Supporting Secretory IgA: Strengthening the Gut’s Immune Barrier
Since sIgA serves as the immune system’s first line of defense, the goal is to:
Reduce chronic inflammation
Support gut microbial diversity
Enhance immune function without overstimulation
Foods That Support sIgA:
Polyphenol-rich foods – Berries, green tea, turmeric, cacao, and pomegranate help regulate immune responses.
Fermented foods – Miso, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, and plant-based yogurt support gut microbiota and mucosal immunity.
Healthy fats – Omega-3s from walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds help reduce inflammation.
Prebiotic fibers – Asparagus, onions, garlic, and leeks nourish beneficial bacteria, which in turn support sIgA production.
Lifestyle Considerations:
Chronic stress lowers sIgA, so incorporating breathwork, meditation, and restorative sleep is essential.
Avoid ultra-processed foods, which can disrupt gut immune function and contribute to dysbiosis.
2. Supporting Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) | Fueling the Gut for Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Since SCFAs regulate inflammation and gut barrier integrity, increasing fiber and resistant starches is key.
Foods That Boost SCFA Production:
Fiber-rich foods – Legumes, lentils, quinoa, and whole grains promote SCFA production.
Resistant starches – Cooked and cooled potatoes, green bananas, and oats feed SCFA-producing bacteria.
Cruciferous vegetables – Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale support gut bacterial diversity.
Nuts and seeds – Almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds contribute to microbial balance.
Lifestyle Considerations:
Eating diverse plant-based foods encourages microbial diversity, increasing SCFA production.
Prioritizing sleep and stress management helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome.
3. Supporting Beta-Glucuronidase | Optimizing Detoxification and Hormone Balance
Since elevated beta-glucuronidase can lead to the reabsorption of harmful substances, the focus is on:
Supporting liver detoxification
Promoting the elimination of excess hormones and toxins
Encouraging the growth of beneficial gut bacteria
Foods That Help Regulate Beta-Glucuronidase:
Cruciferous vegetables – Broccoli, cabbage, arugula, and bok choy help regulate estrogen metabolism.
Flaxseeds and citrus fruits – These provide lignans and fiber that support detoxification pathways.
Probiotic-rich foods – Fermented vegetables, tempeh, and kombucha encourage microbial balance.
Prebiotic foods – Artichokes, chicory root, and dandelion greens help nourish beneficial bacteria.
Lifestyle Considerations:
Reduce exposure to environmental toxins by choosing organic produce when possible and using glass over plastic for food storage.
Minimize alcohol and ultra-processed foods, which can impair detox pathways.
Final Thoughts | Your Gut Is the Key to Cancer Prevention
Cancer prevention isn’t just about avoiding disease—it’s about creating health.
Your gut is not just a digestive organ—it’s a central regulator of immune function, inflammation, and detoxification. By understanding and optimizing Secretory IgA, SCFAs, and Beta-Glucuronidase, we can create an internal environment where the body is resilient rather than reactive.
This isn’t about a quick fix—it’s about shifting the way we think about health.
Every meal, every mindful choice, and every effort to support gut balance is a step toward strengthening immunity, reducing inflammation, and supporting long-term wellness.
And the best part? That shift starts with what’s on your plate.
A heartfelt thank you to the team at the Annie Appleseed Project—John, Julia, and Johanna (the 3Js)—for their dedication to empowering individuals on their wellness journeys.
To the attendees and to everyone taking charge of their health—don’t wait another day. Your body is always listening. Start today.
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References:
Anand P, Kunnumakkara AB, Sundaram C, et al. Cancer is a preventable disease that requires major lifestyle changes. Pharm Res. 2008 Sep;25(9):2097-2116.
Garrett WS. Cancer and the microbiota. Science. 2015 Mar 6;347(6223):1259472.
Louis P, Hold GL, Flint HJ. The gut microbiota, bacterial metabolites and colorectal cancer. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2014 Oct;12(10):661-672.
Canani RB, Costanzo MD, Leone L, et al. Potential beneficial effects of butyrate in intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. World J Gastroenterol. 2011 Mar 28;17(12):1519-1528.
Plottel CS, Blaser MJ. Microbiome and malignancy. Cell Host Microbe. 2011 Apr 21;10(4):324-335.
Rebersek M. Gut microbiome and its role in colorectal cancer. BMC Cancer. 2021 Dec 11;21(1):1325.
The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. Information is shared for educational purposes only. You must consult your doctor before acting on any content on this website, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Our content may include products that have been independently chosen and recommended by Dr. Monisha Bhanote and our editors. We may earn a small commission if you purchase something mentioned in this article.
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