Fiber fights radiation side effects: new study hopes to soothe cancer Patients' guts

This study tested whether taking extra dietary fiber (from psyllium husk capsules) during pelvic radiation therapy can reduce long-term gut inflammation and side effects in cancer patients. 354 adults with cancers of the pelvis (like rectal, prostate, or gynecological cancers) were randomly assigned to receive fiber or placebo capsules alongside their usual diet. The goal was to see if the fiber could lower inflammation markers and improve bowel symptoms without increasing short-term discomfort.