“The more fiber you eat—the more fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains—the more diverse your microbiome is,” she said. That helps lower your risk of cancer—especially colorectal cancers—by reducing the risk of chronic diseases and inflammatory illnesses in your gastrointestinal tract.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. Poor diet, obesity, and lack of exercise increase risk. Research links gut bacteria imbalance to tumor growth. Yogurt consumption may lower colorectal cancer risk.