Gut Health and Chemotherapy: Why It Matters and How to Support It
Chemotherapy, while an essential treatment for many types of cancer, can come with a range of side effects that impact a patient’s quality of life. Among these, the effects on the gastrointestinal (GI) system are particularly significant. Understanding and supporting gut health during chemotherapy is crucial for managing these side effects and enhancing overall well-being.
The Impact of Chemotherapy on Gut Health
Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, a hallmark of cancer. Unfortunately, this approach also affects some healthy cells in the body, including those in the gut lining, termed epithelial lining or gastrointestinal barrier. This barrier is functional and is vital for absorption of nutrients as well as the necessity of keeping nutrients (electrolytes, water, etc.) "inside" the body. A disrupted barrier can trigger a loss of nutrients by means of diarrhea, a common side effect of chemotherapy. The gut is home to trillions of microbes collectively known as the microbiome, which play vital roles in digestion, immune function, and overall health, particularly cardiovascular, but also may be preventive in cancer.
Chemotherapy can disrupt this delicate balance by directly targeting the microbiome. A disrupted microbiome allows "bad microbes" to grow more than the "good bugs" leading to an imbalance.
This is often manifested by symptoms and common signs such as:
Diarrhea or Constipation: Changes in bowel habits are common during treatment. While most patients will have diarrhea due to the direct targeting of the gastrointestinal lining/barrier function, a fraction of patients may get constipation with chemotherapy, particularly later in the course.
Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms are often linked to disruptions in gut signaling and are the most common side effects of chemotherapy. Frequent vomiting can lead to dehydration as well as electrolyte losses.
Gut Inflammation: Chemotherapy can damage the gut lining, leading to a translocation of infectious particles from the gut into the bloodstream. This can increase a patient's infectious risk and often manifests as discomfort. Furthermore, this can lead to a deficient absorption of nutrients and malnutrition which further worsens the outcome of cancer.
Altered (or dysbiotic) Microbiome: The diversity and abundance of beneficial gut bacteria may decrease, impacting immune response, inflammatory response and digestion.
Why Gut Health Matters During Chemotherapy
A healthy gut is essential for:
Immune Function: A significant portion of the immune system resides in the lymphatic system within the gut. Maintaining gut health can bolster the body’s defenses and help fight cancer naturally and can augment the chemotherapeutic response.
Nutrient Absorption: Efficient digestion and nutrient absorption are vital for energy and recovery during treatment. Malnutrition during cancer, particularly due to chemotherapy is associated with poor outcomes.
Quality of Life: Managing gut-related side effects can improve a patient’s overall comfort and ability to adhere to treatment schedules.
Supporting Gut Health During Chemotherapy
Here are strategies to maintain and improve gut health while undergoing chemotherapy:
Stay Hydrated: Hydration is critical for maintaining bowel regularity and supporting the gut lining. Products like HuMOLYTE, formulated with electrolytes and prebiotics, can help combat dehydration and promote gut health. HuMOLYTE has human milk oligosaccharides, which are non digestible prebiotic sugars, that can strengthen the gastrointestinal lining and reduce the severity of gastrointestinal damage during chemotherapy. [link prior blog of me presenting the data at San Diego meeting to create an internal backlink]
Incorporate Natural Prebiotics and Probiotics in foods:
Prebiotics: These non-digestible fibers feed beneficial gut bacteria. Foods like bananas, garlic, avocados and oats are excellent sources.
Probiotics: Consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, or supplements can help replenish beneficial bacteria.There are other probiotics available in the market for use.
Eat a Balanced Diet:
Prioritize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Limit processed foods and sugars that can negatively affect gut health.
Manage Stress: Chemotherapy can be emotionally taxing, and stress directly impacts the gut-brain axis. Techniques like meditation, gentle yoga, or counseling can help reduce stress.
Consult a Nutritionist: A healthcare professional can provide personalized recommendations tailored to your specific needs and treatment plan.
The Role of Innovative Products in Gut Health
Emerging products like HuMOLYTE are designed to address the unique challenges chemotherapy patients face. By combining hydration with ingredients that support gut health, these solutions offer a practical way to mitigate side effects and promote recovery. Specifically, the role of human milk oligosaccharides such as 2'-Fucosyllactose is now being studied in the supportive care to improve hydration during chemotherapy. HMOs are foods for the microbiome and can help reduce the off-target damage by chemotherapy, and may hel
Conclusion
Gut health plays a pivotal role in the journey of chemotherapy patients. By understanding its importance and taking proactive steps to support it, patients can experience improved comfort, better treatment outcomes, and an enhanced quality of life. Whether through dietary adjustments, stress management, or innovative products like HuMOLYTE, prioritizing gut health is an essential part of the cancer care journey.
For more information on how HuMOLYTE can support your gut health during chemotherapy, visit our product page or consult your healthcare provider.
About Dr. Sourabh Kharait
Dr. Sourabh Kharait (MD / PhD) is Clinical Nephrologist and Medical Director of Clinical Trials at Summit Nephrology Medical Group, and the Founder and CEO of IGH Naturals, a platform company that designs Functional Foods and Nutritional products for athletes and patients with chronic diseases.
