Optimizing CAR T-Cell Therapy: The Critical Role of Gut Health
The High-Stakes Reality of CAR T-Cell Therapy
When I was preparing for my genetically modified T-cell transplant (CAR T-cell therapy), I knew two things:
The short-term response rates were incredible.
The two-year remission rates were anything but.
This wasn’t just about my body accepting the new T-cells—it was about whether they could continue replicating long enough to keep me in remission. The last thing I wanted was to endure another brutal round of treatment only for it to fail.
At the time, I didn’t have the energy to imagine another outcome. I went into survival mode—must win, no other option. Because if I didn’t? I knew I was done. And if you don’t know, the prospect of death is a hell of a motivator.
Searching for Success Factors
Determined to improve my chances, I started researching every medical study I could find on T-cell efficacy and what factors influenced their success. To my surprise, I found just two key drivers:
✔ Age under 65 – Fortunately, I checked this box.
✔ Gut microbiome – This one intrigued me.
Could my gut health actually determine whether my CAR T-cells would work long-term?
The Science Behind Gut Health & CAR T Success
Emerging research suggests a significant connection between the gut microbiome and the effectiveness and longevity of CAR T-cell therapy. Studies have found that:
The composition of a patient’s gut microbiome can directly influence treatment response.
Specific microbial profiles are linked to better therapeutic outcomes.
Disruptions in the gut microbiome—such as those caused by broad-spectrum antibiotics—may actually reduce CAR T-cell efficacy sciencedaily.com.
Additionally, the gut microbiome appears to play a role in determining how long CAR T-cells remain active in the body. Certain bacterial species and their metabolites help support T-cell expansion and persistence, which ultimately affects the overall success of the therapy frontiersin.org.
These findings suggest that assessing and optimizing gut health before and during treatment could be critical to improving long-term remission rates.
A Doctor’s Unexpected Response
When I brought this up with my very conventional and conservative transplant doctor, I braced for the usual eye rollin response to my independent medical research.
Instead, he agreed—so much so that he told me The University of Kansas was preparing to launch a study of their own on this exact topic.
That was all I needed to hear. If I wanted to stay alive, my gut microbiome had to become a top priority.
4 Ways I Optimized My Gut Microbiome
Before cancer, I was fortunate to have spent 15 years in the natural health space, where gut microbiome health was already a topic of conversation—long before it became mainstream. I was no stranger to probiotics, fermented foods, and the importance of digestive health. In fact, I had been using Body Ecology for years to ferment my own foods and regularly incorporated gut-supporting practices into my routine.
But after my CAR T-cell therapy, I knew that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome wasn’t just about wellness—it was about survival. Here’s how I tackled it:
1. Diversify Your Diet with Fiber-Rich & Fermented Foods
(See my blog post on probiotics and fermented foods for a deeper dive!)
A thriving gut microbiome depends on diversity. Before my diagnosis, I had fallen into a routine of eating the same foods every day. But research shows that variety is key—the more diverse your diet, the healthier and stronger your gut bacteria will be.
Plant-based variety – Incorporating a wide range of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds fuels beneficial gut bacteria.
Fermented foods – I make sure to eat at least 1–2 servings daily, including homemade kefir and sauerkraut, to support microbiome diversity.
Prebiotics for gut health – Foods like garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, and bananas feed beneficial bacteria. A simple way to add diversity? Blend three different fruits or greens in a smoothie instead of just one.
2. Limit Antibiotics & Processed Foods
One of the biggest microbiome disruptors is antibiotic use. While sometimes necessary, broad-spectrum antibiotics don’t just kill harmful bacteria—they wipe out the good ones too.
After CAR T-cell therapy, I was on antibiotics for 6 months. While I was advised to take them twice a week, I listened to my body and took only one dose on Tuesdays—and I did just fine (this is not medical advice, always consult your doctor!).
Ultra-processed foods filled with preservatives, refined sugars, and artificial additives promote gut inflammation and dysbiosis. Instead, I focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods that naturally support a thriving gut microbiome.
3. Prioritize Stress Management & Quality Sleep
Sleep and stress play a massive role in gut health. Poor sleep increases cortisol, which leads to gut inflammation and microbiome imbalances. Chronic stress does the same—triggering gut dysfunction that affects digestion, immunity, and mental well-being.
I prioritized 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night to allow my gut bacteria to repair and thrive.
Regular mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga helped regulate gut-friendly neurotransmitters.
4. Incorporate Infrared Sauna Sessions
One of the most underrated tools for gut health is heat therapy. After cancer, I made infrared sauna sessions a non-negotiable part of my routine. I joined Sweat Theory in Kansas City and committed to four 1-hour sessions per week—and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my recovery.
Reduce inflammation – Creating an optimal gut environment where beneficial bacteria thrive.
Boost heat shock proteins (HSPs) – Strengthening the gut lining and reducing the risk of leaky gut.
Improve circulation & detoxification – Supporting digestion, nutrient absorption, and toxin elimination, which lightens the burden on the gut and liver.
Final Thoughts
Prioritizing gut microbiome health should be a foundational part of any wellness routine—especially after cancer. If I could go back in time, I would have doubled down on it long before my diagnosis. If the gut microbiome can be the key to survival in cutting-edge cancer treatments, then isn’t it also the key to optimal health and longevity?
By diversifying my diet, limiting antibiotics and processed foods, prioritizing sleep and stress management, and incorporating sauna therapy, I gave my gut the best chance to support my immune system and sustain my CAR T-cells. In my post-cancer wellness routine blog, I break down how these strategies align with what I now consider the six key pillars of health.
Whether you're recovering from cancer or simply looking to improve your gut health, start where you can—small changes add up. A stronger microbiome means better immunity, digestion, and overall resilience—and your body will thank you for it.
