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intestine. More than 400 strands of beneficial bacteria live in the human gastrointestinal tract. By
attaching themselves to the lining of the gut, they can elbow out potentially troublesome bacteria, such as
Candida Albicans. Balanced populations of the friendly, probiotic bacteria in the gut effectively prevent
vaginal and urinary tract infections. They also discourage tumors, particularly cancerous growths in the
colon, either by emitting protective chemicals or by inhibiting the production of compounds that nurture
cancers. A diminished population of probiotic bacteria, as caused for example by antibiotics, alcohol or
junk foods exposes the gastrointestinal lining numerous toxins. This leads to an overstimulated immune
system and, thereby, causes asthma, allergies and eczema.
Until very recently, doctors believed that the appendix has no real use or function. In 2005, 321,000
Americans were hospitalized with appendicitis. Removal of the appendix is one of the most commonly
performed surgeries. Now, researchers comprised of surgeons and immunologists at Duke University
Medical School say the appendix is there to protect the gut, which is not a small job by any means. This
worm-shaped organ outgrowth acts like a bacteria factory, cultivating good germs, according to their
study, published in the Journal of Theoretical Biology, October 2007.
Apparently, according to the “new” discovery (which Ayurveda has known for 6,000 years), the
function of the appendix seems related to the massive amount of bacteria populating the human digestive
system. Most of the trillions of bacteria in the human body are beneficial and help digest food. But
sometimes the flora of bacteria in the intestines die or are purged or are overtaken by destructive bacteria.
Given the high number of congested colons and inflamed appendixes, this is a common phenomenon
today. The appendix “acts as a good safe house for bacteria,” said Duke surgery professor Bill Parker, a
study co-author. Also, the worm-shaped organ outgrowth acts like a bacteria factory, cultivating the good
germs, Parker said. The appendix's job is to reboot the digestive system.
For all practical purposes, and supported by the cleansing action of the bile from the liver, the
appendix's job is to keep the colon neat and clean. If large quantities of undigested and decomposed foods
reach this part of the intestines, congestion occurs. The intestinal congestion is followed by microbial
infestation (through destructive bacteria), which can lead to thickening of the protective mucus membrane
and ulceration of the intestinal wall. If microbial growth increases further, the appendix may become
inflamed and even burst (illustration 6), undermining proper performance of the colon in the future.
Removing the appendix can have long-term consequences for colon health and, as explained below, the
health of the entire body. In most cases of an inflamed appendix, fasting for a few days and cleaning out
the colon (colema, colosan, or colonic irrigation) can save it.
As opposed to the more continuous peristalsis of the small intestines, fecal contents are propelled into
the large intestine (now commonly referred to as the “colon”) by periodic mass movements. These mass
movements occur one to three times per day in this final section of the gastrointestinal tract. Once they
have reached the rectum, the fecal matter stretches the nerve endings in the rectal walls and causes a
reflex urge for a bowel movement.
The large intestine no longer breaks down food in this stage of digestion. It simply absorbs vitamins
that are created by the bacteria inhabiting the colon. The large intestine is essential for absorbing water
and compacting the feces.