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This week at ICBL, we are paying special attention to Digestive Health, also known as Gut Health. The theme for this year’s World’s Digestive Health Day is Colorectal Cancer, and we are placing emphasis on educating you on the general Gut Health and the Gut-Brain Connection. Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, is the third most common cancer worldwide. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, in 2020, Barbados ranked 8th in deaths from Colon Cancer, with men ranking 10th and women ranking 7th worldwide. Barbados’ death rate is very high. According to the Barbadian National Cancer Registry Colorectal Cancer, it accounted for 15% of all cancer diagnoses on the island, rendering it the third most common cancer in Barbados, following prostate and breast cancer cancers, respectively. Nevertheless, Colon Cancer remains one of the most treatable cancers. Here at ICBL, through our easyWELLNESS program, we have been offering colon cancer screening as a routine service because we value the importance of early detection. This screening test is called the M2PK (glycolytic pyruvate kinase isoenzyme type M2 dimer) and is done via the collection of a stool sample which is then analyzed by the laboratory. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended that regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer and early detection. Several screening tests are available, but we are more familiar with the colonoscopy here in Barbados. We encourage you to have digestive health conversations with your primary care physician so that risk factors can be identified, and the screening options be chosen. Digestive health is dependent on a well-balanced diet and adequate water intake. A diet that includes a variety of plant foods will fill your body with a healthy balance of bacteria. Plant foods, like fruits, beans and vegetables, rich in dietary fibre, will aid in elimination. In recent years, foods rich in probiotics such as yoghurts or yoghurt drinks and fermented vegetables have become go-to gut health foods. Gut health remains essential if we are going to lead healthy and productive lives. Our gut is often referred to as the ‘second brain’, and some studies have shown that disorders of the gut (intestinal and bowel) are often correlated with poor mood, anxiety and depression. Did you know that your gut and digestive tract contain more than: • 70% of your immune cells • 400x more serotonin (your ‘feel-good’ chemical) than your brain • 500x more melatonin than your brain (necessary for proper sleep patterns) With poor gut health, we cannot absorb essential nutrients for brain health. Without ‘brain nutrients’ like zinc, omega 3, and vitamin B, our brain does not have the tools needed for proper or optimal functioning. Team ICBL, remember that imbalances in your gut health bacteria, low fibre intake, overweight and obesity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption are all risk factors for colon cancer. Last week, colon cancer survivor Mr. Graham Bannister shared his testimony at our Lunch – and – Learn session under the theme Colon Cancer – Before, During and After Diagnosis. These efforts are geared towards our efforts of awareness and promotion of a healthy lifestyle. In addition, we recognise World Digestive Health Day on Sunday, May 29, 2022, and we want to encourage you to take care of your Gut-Health!