Digestive Health and Your Appendix

Is the appendix really a useless organ? Maybe not. In 2007, researchers at Duke University uncovered research supporting the fact that the appendix is indeed necessary. However, doctors claim that in developed countries, loss of an appendix is not a problem because if the flora from your digestive system dies it can easily be replenished by germs from other people. Considering the average health of a person from a developed country such as the United States, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you would be receiving sufficient support for the digestive system.

The world is chock-full of microorganisms, and the more beneficial bacteria in your gut, the better. Something you aren't likely to find from casual contact with other people is beneficial bacteria that will help your immune system and digestion. Furthermore, when you engage in intimate contact with others such as family members and significant others, the types of bacteria you are most likely to pick up are the kind that can cause disease and illness such as candida overgrowth.

Prevention can help avoid disease of the appendix. That prevention is a healthy lifestyle. People who have experienced appendix problems or ruptured (perforated) appendix may not have had issues had they maintained a healthy way of life up to that point.

Some ways to protect your appendix and support digestive health include the following dietary considerations:

• Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, and moderate amounts of whole, sprouted grains. Avoid processed grain products such as crackers, bagels, cereal bars, pastas, and other similar items.
• Take a good probiotic that contains at least 9 active strains
• Drink plenty of filtered water (mineral water is a plus)
• Eat a good variety of healthy meats and poultry that are naturally sustained and fed on pasture or alfalfa, certified organic is a plus.
• Make certain you are getting enough fiber in your diet. If you aren't, supplement with a good product such as Biotics Research Colon Plus or Sonnes.

Another important component for good digestive health is proper nutritional supplementation with organic, whole-foods based vitamins and minerals to help heal a damaged immune system, as well as a detoxification program. Consult a knowledgeable health care practitioner before undertaking any cleansing activity, as you can cause further damage and waste a lot of money if you don't know exactly what to do for your own individual needs.

One of the main reasons other than a genetic predisposition to appendix trouble for a diseased appendix is poor diet and lifestyle choices. This organ typically begins to act up when the hollow portion of this finger-shaped structure becomes obstructed with various particles such as hardened stool, parasites, tumors, stones, or other foreign bodies. If you have had your appendix removed, it is of particular importance to supplement your diet each day with good quality probiotics.