Salt and colon cancer?

(Amy) #1

Months ago there was a thread here with a link to an article about increased salt intake contributing to colon cancer. I can’t seem to find it anywhere, can someone help?
I was disappointed by my latest colonoscopy results, which showed more polyps than usual. I have had 5 colonoscopies in the last 10 years, and have a genetic predisposition to developing polyps. The only thing that’s changed is my Keto diet, and I’m trying to figure out what I need to change. I had a lot of constipation the first few months, which I suspect caused the polyps, but I’m also wondering about the increased salt intake.

(Scott) #2

I have an in-law that is on a once a year colonoscopy schedule and I am on a three year one. My polyps were all pre-keto so I am hoping for a clean check 2 1/2 years from now will get me back to a 10 year plan. $3K every few years is going to be a problem.

How long have you been keto and did it correlate with an increase/decrease or about the same? I find it hard to believe salt is a proven contributor to polyps but then again I have no idea so I am along for the ride here.

(Amy) #3

I started Keto 1 year ago, was strict keto for 6 months, now I would consider myself low-carb, as I eat a ton of veggies, some fruit and rice, and just use ketosis as a tool to keep inflammation at bay. I need some carbs to balance my hormones, otherwise I am too thin, have constipation, no period and my hair falls out.

I’ve had just 3 adenoma polyps in the last 10 years, one was huge and had some cancer cells, which is why I’m on high surveillance. My latest colonoscopy showed 3 new adenomas and several hyperplastic polyps (too many to count). The 3 new adenomas were small and developed in the past year. I am surprised, as keto seems to reduce inflammation everywhere else in my body. I had read some articles here linking salt to higher incidence of polyps in those that are genetically prone. I’ve been asked to join a genetic study for colon cancer, so I’m doing some research.

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #4

The only studies I have seen are contradictory. One study, done in mice, raises the possibility that salt in processed food might have an aggravating effect on ulcerative colitis, in addition to the known problems with processed food in that connection. A second study raises the possibility that bamboo salt might have a positive effect on colon cancer in mice. A third describes how the salt-absorbing mechanism in colon cells is disrupted in irritable bowel disease.

I would have to see a study of salt intake done on people following a ketogenic diet in order to get a sense of the effects in that case, since the main ketone body, β-hydroxybutyrate, seems from other research to have a healing effect on the bowel.

(Amy) #5

Yeah, my gut tells me it’s not the salt, but the constipation causing polyps. I think I’ll continue to do what makes me feel best, which is low-carb, occasional fasting, eating veggies and berries…and salt.