ArcaMax

Bear Bryant, who won six national championships and 13 conference championships as the head coach at the University of Alabama, once said, "There's no substitute for guts." And while gumption can power a lot of positive accomplishments, when it comes to fighting cancer (instead of Auburn), you want to make sure your guts are healthy enough for the challenge.

According to a lab study published in Immunity, you can do that by eating a good supply of dietary fiber (soluble and insoluble) found in fresh fruits and vegetables. The researchers found that in mice, a high-fiber diet helped them stay tumor-free longer and, when they developed tumors, they were smaller and progressed more slowly.

You see, fiber is fermented by bacteria in the colon, and that releases a short-chain fatty acid called butyrate. Turns out that it's a substance that can revive and re-energize your immune system's cancer-fighting T-cells, which become worn out in their ongoing fight against cancer.

So, to help protect yourself from cancer -- and to reinforce your fight against it if you're diagnosed -- talk to your doctor about the nutritional and supplement sources of fiber that may benefit you.

I recommend a diet filled with fresh vegetables and fruits, minimally cooked and free of added fats, sugars, sauces, etc. -- at least seven servings a day! There are fiber supplements (if the doc says OK) that can boost your intake, too -- but they don't come with the nutrients found in fresh produce that you need. My "What to Eat When Cookbook" offers you great, fiber-filled recipes.

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.

(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.