Let’s talk about something we’d all rather avoid—colorectal cancer (CRC). It’s one of the most common and deadliest cancers, and as I quickly approach my 50th birthday, I am reminded about just how important it is to take charge of my health. With colon cancer looming in my family history and having just lost a lifelong friend to this terrible disease, I wasn’t about to take any chances. Thankfully, my colonoscopy gave me a clean bill of health—but let this serve as a reminder: if you’re due for this simple yet life-saving procedure, schedule it now!
Now, onto something that could be fueling the rise in colorectal cancer—chronic inflammation driven by our modern diet, particularly seed oils.
New Study Linking Seed Oil Metabolites to Colorectal Cancer
A recent study has gone viral, shedding light on how chronic inflammation fuels tumor growth in CRC. Researchers found that CRC tumors are loaded with pro-inflammatory molecules derived from arachidonic acid—a compound commonly sourced from omega-6 fats in seed oils (like soybean, corn, and sunflower oils) and industrially-fed animal products. Even more concerning? These tumors were severely lacking in inflammation-resolving compounds like lipoxins, which help the body heal.
This imbalance, described as “defective lipid class switching,” means the body gets stuck in a low-grade inflammatory state—unable to fully resolve and repair tissue damage. Essentially, when inflammation runs unchecked, it creates a perfect storm for autoimmune disorders and disease, including cancer. The study highlights that genes responsible for driving inflammation are overactive in tumors, while the genes that produce anti-inflammatory molecules are significantly underexpressed.
What Does This Mean for You?
The Standard American Diet (SAD) is notoriously high in inflammatory seed oils and ultra-processed foods, which may be fueling chronic disease, including CRC. When omega-6 fats—abundant in vegetable oils—are consumed in excess, they disrupt the delicate balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory compounds in the body. This can interfere with the beneficial effects of omega-3s, which help combat inflammation and promote healing.
The takeaway? If you want to reduce inflammation and support long-term health, it’s time to eliminate seed oils from your diet.
How to Support Your Body’s Ability to Resolve Inflammation
Instead of fueling chronic inflammation with seed oils and processed foods, focus on a whole-food, nutrient-dense diet that supports your body’s natural ability to heal. Here’s how:
Test Your Gut Health & Inflammation Levels at Body Tonic
If you’re serious about optimizing your health, don’t just change your diet—test your body’s response.Chronic inflammation often starts in the gut, and the best way to assess your digestive and inflammatory health is through comprehensive testing. At Body Tonic, we offer GI MAP microbiome testing to analyze gut bacteria, detect imbalances, and identify markers of gut inflammation.
We also provide advanced inflammation testing to assess systemic inflammation levels and guide you toward targeted interventions that truly make a difference. These tests give you the data you need to make informed decisions and fine-tune your approach to reducing inflammation and improving long-term health.
Final Thoughts: Take Action Now
The link between chronic inflammation and disease is becoming clearer every day, and your diet plays a massive role in either fueling or fighting inflammation. By eliminating seed oils, focusing on nutrient-dense foods, and making lifestyle changes, you’re giving your body the best chance to stay resilient against chronic illness—including colorectal cancer.
And one last thing—don’t skip your colonoscopy! Early detection saves lives, and staying proactive about your health is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
Take the next step in your health journey. Schedule your GI MAP test and inflammation panel at Body Tonic today and get a clear picture of your body’s internal health. Because prevention is always better than cure!