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The appendix is the disposable organ. The approach to appendicitis has long been surgery first, question later. Will that change now that researchers understand the purpose of the appendix?
The role the appendix plays in our body was largely unknown until a 2007 study in which researchers at Duke University Medical center reported the appendix "produces and protects good germs for the gut by "rebooting" the digestive system."
"Good germs" or probiotics, help you fight infections, help keep yeast in balance, improve immune function, improve skin health, improve food allergies, and can even help balance cholesterol levels. The fact that the appendix actually does serve a purpose is not a big surprise but the lack of follow up news on this interesting tidbit was.
Finally, a new study released January 18, 2010 in the journal "Archives of Surgery" and reported on by Rosemary Black at Daily News indicates great news for the appendix; surgery may not be necessary in all cases of appendicitis.
It is unclear if either the 2007 study or the study just released will have an impact on how doctors treat appendicitis. Further investigation with antibiotic treatment for appendicitis will begin this summer. Since the appendix produces and protects probiotics, and probiotics help to fight infections; a study about the effectiveness of probiotics in treating appendicitis could provide interesting results.
You can improve your overall health by making sure you are getting probiotics in your diet. You can find them in foods such as plain yogurt (add your own fruit), kefir, sauerkraut, miso, kimchee, kombucha tea, and other fermented foods. Many people use a probiotic supplement on a regular basis and your local health food store should be happy to help you find a good quality one.
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References:
Balch Enterprises, LLC & Steinglervision, Inc. (2004) Prescription for Natural Cures Wiley & Sons, Inc
Comments
Great and surprising information! I had my Appendix removed when I was 7 or 8 because I had a tummy ache. I may have even been faking it to get our of P.E. for the week.. but next thing I knew I was in the hospital getting an enema and prepped for surgery.. I always knew there had to be a reason "the creator" made an Appendix. (besides the obvious, easy money opperation for Dr's)
Well written and informative. Thanks.
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