Studies Show That Our Appendix Is Useful After All
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We often don’t spend too much time thinking about our appendixes, except when it begins to give trouble and pain. When that happens, all we want is for the appendix to be removed! After all, we have never been taught to care for the appendix, nor understand what the real purpose it really serves.
Our Appendix Is Useful After All
Scientists may have finally figured that our appendix is useful after all. This little organ is a slimy, 3-4 inch long tube that hangs between the small and large intestines and sits in the lower right abdomen. It has long been thought of as a worthless, good-for-nothing, except as a lethal case of inflammation.
When infected and inflamed, the appendix can turn deadly. Some people may die if it isn’t removed in time.
For generations, the appendix has been dismissed as superfluous and surgeons routinely removed them, and people continue to live fine without them.
Functions Of The Appendix
According to the study in the Journal of Theoretical Biology: The function of the appendix seems related to the massive amount of bacteria populating the human digestive system. It may serve as a vital “safe house” where good bacteria lie in wait until they are needed to repopulate the gut, for example in the case of diarrhea.
That makes a lot of sense, as we now understand that having a healthy gut flora is essential to not only our survival, but to our optimal health.
It was discovered that patients who have had their appendixes removed were more than twice as likely to have Clostridium difficile infections. C. diff, as it’s usually called, is a bacteria commonly found in people who have been on lengthy courses of antibiotics.
A suggestion here then for people who had performed appendectomies, is to stay away from antibiotics as much as possible. Probiotics and fermented foods are excellent for always keeping a healthy gut flora for prevention of such infections.
Some studies have also reported that the appendix can help make, direct and train white blood cells to the parts of the body where are needed most. White blood cells are also called leukocytes (or leucocytes). They are cells of the immune system that are involved in protecting the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders.
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