The Shocking Truth About Microplastics, Microbes, & Pollution: Why Colon Cancer Is on the Rise - With Dr. Emeran Mayer

7 snips

Apr 15, 2026

They explore why colorectal cancer is rising in younger people and which environmental exposures may be driving it. The conversation covers microplastics, processed diets, and how the microbiome and low-grade gut inflammation interact with hormones. Innovations in screening, engineered microbes and bioengineered fibers are discussed. Regenerative agriculture and cutting ultra-processed foods as prevention strategies are highlighted.

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INSIGHT

Younger Colon Cancer Surge Linked To Environment

Colon cancer rates fell in older adults due to aggressive screening but are rising rapidly in much younger people.
Dr. Emeran Mayer links this shift to environmental exposures and diet altering the colonic microbiome and low-grade inflammation.

ANECDOTE

Colonoscopy Workflow Shortchanges Patient Education

Mayer notes colonoscopy practice pressures: speed is rewarded so post-procedure patient communication often gets truncated.
He frames the age-lowering of screening to 45 without adequate counseling as a missed prevention opportunity.

ADVICE

Doctors Should Counsel Patients On Nutrition After Screening

After finding polyps or cancer, clinicians should provide patient education on diet and prevention rather than delegating it.
Mayer argues physicians need nutrition training and time to counsel patients about modifiable risks.

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It was once believed that young adults were largely safe from developing colorectal cancer. But the sad truth is, rates of cancer and cancer deaths have been on the rise in younger age groups in recent years. Today, we’re going to unpack some of the environmental factors that could be behind this uptick and how to optimize your diet and lifestyle for a healthier gut.

Dr. Emeran Mayer is a gastroenterologist and neurologist who specializes in the intricate role between the gut and the brain. Today, he’s back on The Model Health Show for an enlightening conversation on the important topic of colon cancer. Dr. Mayer is sharing the risk factors for colon cancer, new innovations in microbiome research, and how to strengthen your gut health.

You’re going to learn about advances in colon cancer screening methods, the optimal diet for a healthy gut and microbiome, and the role your hormones play in regulating your gut and overall health. Dr. Mayer is passionate about taking a holistic role to health, as well as empowering folks to understand the brain-gut connection to make more informed decisions about their health. I hope you enjoy this interview!

In this episode you’ll discover:

How advances in colon cancer screenings have impacted cancer rates. (6:35)
The different methods of screening for colon cancer. (7:16)
Why colon cancer rates are rising in young adults. (8:53)
The connection between processed food intake and colorectal cancer rates. (18:36)
What intrinsic health is and how to influence it. (33:20)
How early life trauma can predispose humans to chronic illnesses. (36:55)
What the estrobolome is. (43:34)
Dr. Mayer’s approach to taking probiotics. (54:13)
Dietary principles that can help you reduce your risk of developing illnesses. (1:02:51)
The importance of regenerative agriculture. (1:03:20)
How eliminating ultra-processed foods can improve your health. (1:07:15)

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Beekeepersnaturals.com/model - Save up to 30% on natural remedies!
Piquelife.com/model - Get exclusive savings on bundles & subscriptions!
Mayer Nutrition - Shop gut health supplements, organic olive oil, and more!
Books by Dr. Emeran Mayer - Learn more about the brain-gut connection!
Connect with Dr. Emeran Mayer Website / Newsletter / Podcast / YouTube

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