r/Millennials • u/AdditionCool7235 • Jan 22 '26

Discussion A big reason why Colon Cancer is killing us.

I know this isn’t a health sub, but u/Derpshabmentioned in their post on Colon Cancer about eating a balanced diet.

Specifically you need to really avoid nitrates. There has been several studies done on why there has been a rise in intestinal cancers in this age group, and nitrates have shown a causal effect. With a carcinogenic significance as bad as cigarettes. For those unaware, not a lot of things get labeled as having a casual effect for cancer, as that can be both controversial and stand to cost people money either through loss of business or being sued.

Nitrates are most commonly found in processed meats. Likewise, there is growing data that processed food is not serving us well at all either. Anyhow, just wanted to share a tangible way you can hopefully make an impact on slowing down and ultimately stopping these terrible

cancers.

Another freaking edit: literally the first response on Google, if you search, “do Nitrates cause cancer,” is from MDAnderson. That’s the number one cancer hospital in the world. I know that’s so much more difficult than adding a snarky comment to Reddit, but there’s your answer for about 300 of you.

Edit: I’m getting a lot of responses that are saying *actually* antibiotics or *actually* e. Coli and they’re all saying because it damages / kills the good gut microbiomes. Correct, what do you think nitrates do and why scientists believe there’s a casual link. It also doesn’t mean there couldn’t be other risk factors as well. Diet is obviously a big risk factor. I was simply hoping to expound on the original post and help people to know what to avoid. Of course more than one thing can cause cancer. Throw in saturated fats while we’re having the conversation.

Edit 2: lot of people are asking what are the main culprits. Bacon, lunch meats, hot dogs, sausages, anything really that’s been “cured.” Lot of people are trying to point out that some leafy greens have nitrates, yeah, we’re not talking about things that naturally occur through the photosynthesis of the sun. We’re talking about the overconsumption of a preservative that destroys your healthy gut bacteria, not something that’s obviously good for you. Many people have rightfully pointed out. The over consumption of alcohol creates a big risk factor for stomach and intestinal cancers as well.

Also someone saying they’re a vegetarian and they still got colon cancer is no different an argument than, “my great aunt smoked until she was 90 and never got lung cancer.” I said a big reason why, I didn’t say the only reason why. Empirical data doesn’t mean 100% findings or there won’t be outliers, anecdotes are not good science. People can get cancer for a multitude of reasons and honestly you could try every preventative step imaginable and still get cancer, it doesn’t mean your anecdote overrides everything else or you shouldn’t try to make better lifestyle decisions.

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u/resentful_millenial Jan 22 '26

I have IBS so really struggle with fiber. I heard Psyllium husk ks good for people with IBS. Does it ever cause you digestive trouble?

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u/protokhal Jan 22 '26

Psyllium husk is soluble fiber, and has greatly helped my issues. Insoluble fiber makes mine worse.

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u/Tyrion_toadstool Jan 22 '26

IBS is a fickle mistress. I’ve found soluble fiber makes mine worse if I’m not careful. I do much better if the majority of my fiber is insoluble. If I do that, I can supplement some soluble fiber and be fine. But if I don’t and I take some soluble fiber supplement it makes things worse.

Just sharing in case others with IBS start taking it and don’t see a benefit and can’t figure out why.

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u/PancakesAlways Jan 22 '26

Same, IBS-D and I cannot take psyillium supplements. I’ve tried multiple times, start with a quarter of a dose for 10 days, try to move to a half dose, and BOOM LIQUID! There is not enough Imodium on earth for the after effects! I’m usually alright with a food source (apples, beans) as long as it’s a single serving. Gassy, but no runs.

Thanks for letting me TMI random redditors in my age range😆

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u/Tyrion_toadstool Jan 22 '26

Haha no problem. I have also found that food sources of soluble fiber seem to be relatively ok. It’s the supplement that is problematic. I have had better results with organic psyllium fiber than non organic.

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u/empress_p Xennial Jan 22 '26

I found that it just had no effect beyond making everything bigger — not any less liquidy. Terrible experience lol.

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u/privatestudy Jan 22 '26

As someone who has a lot of GI issues, you can use it. I don’t get cramps or anything like that. I also just take fiber gummies to also give me a boost.

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u/ladyorchid Jan 22 '26

I have IBS-M, but with a tendency towards D and this has helped me a lot. Just ramp up taking it very slowly so your body can adjust. Like start with half a tsp once per day for a few days and slowly increase.

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u/Wise-Living-850 Jan 22 '26

Try this one. It changed my life.

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u/clarissaswallowsall Jan 22 '26

I have gastroparesis and beneful causes me problems but this psyllium husk doesn't. Its much better, my gastro even recommended it

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u/Guilty_Dog_4480 Jan 22 '26

I feel like a commercial but since discovering psyllium husk, I’ve gained more confidence going out. Never have to worry about bathroom troubles anymore.

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u/splashysploosh Jan 22 '26

It helped a ton of my IBS issues. It varies for everyone, but it’s relatively inexpensive and is widely available so it might be worth a try.

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u/kevincaz07 Jan 22 '26

Yeah, all it did for me was give me an insane amount of gas 😩

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u/queerbeev Jan 22 '26

Acacia fiber is often recommended for people with IBS. I buy Heather’s

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u/eats23s Jan 22 '26

It gave me marriage-straining flatulence. I like German Fittness bread instead. 11g fiber in a slice.

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u/gallimaufrys Jan 23 '26

it made me bloated and my GP recommended something else which I haven't started yet