Beactivia, probiotics for digestive health

Oestrogens are excreted in urine and bile. In the intestine, excreted oestrogens are largely reabsorbed following deconjugation by bacterial betaglucuronidases before being reconjugated and recycled. The intestinal bacterial flora increases the biological activity of the absorbed oestrogens by transforming reduced oestrone into active oestradiol. Also, slowing of intestinal transit seemingly increases the oestrogenic environment, thereby favouring hormone-dependent breast cancer. Although a diet rich in fibre and vegetables, which are known to enhance transit, is thought to protect against breast cancer, to date there have been no studies supporting a relationship between intestinal transit time and breast cancer risk. In addition, it has been shown that a fibre-rich diet rich reduces blood oestrogen levels in pre-menopausal women.

A further consequence from slow intestinal transit is the occurrence of increased levels of deoxycholate and biliary cholesterol, which facilitates the formation of gallstones. In the general population, constipation is associated with a higher incidence of gallstones, particularly in non-obese women.