The importance of being "useless" Imagine how different life would be if people just discarded or brushed off things they didn't understand. You probably wouldn't be reading this e-mail right now -- or even own a computer, for that matter. But we've all come to realize the importance these things have in our lives. So why doesn't that hold true when it comes to the so-called medical "experts" and their ideas about nature and the human body? Scientists are often a bit trigger happy when it comes to writing off things they can't explain as "unimportant" or "useless." The upcoming February issue of Nutrition & Healing features a prime example: a naturally occurring molecule that the "experts" deemed inconsequential -- until they discovered recently that it can literally cure cancer. (If you're not already receiving Nutrition & Healing, this is news you won't want to miss. Visitwww.wrightnewsletter.com for details on becoming a subscriber.) Another example is the appendix. For years, scientists have believed that this organ serves no particular purpose in the body. Now, though, they've made a discovery that could leave a lot of appendectomy patients holding the short end of the stick. According to new research from Duke University Medical Center, the appendix could be the key to keeping your gut healthy and your body levels of good bacteria in check. The Duke researchers found that it may serve the purpose of quickly repopulating the gut with these beneficial bacteria following any sort of illness or event that wipes them out -- things like intestinal flu, food poisoning, diarrhea, etc -- before harmful bacteria can step in and cause even more problems. They don't seem overly concerned about people who have already had their appendix removed, and the report I read said that "the purpose of the appendix is marginalized by advances in modern medicine." Still a bit of a brush-off if you ask me, but, to some extent, it's true. Fortunately, we have access to probiotic supplements than can help supply your body with the beneficial bacteria it needs even if you've had your appendix removed. Talk to a doctor who's been trained in nutritional and natural medicine for help choosing a specific supplement and dose that's right for you. To locate such a physician in your area, contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine at (800)532-3688 or www.acam.org. Source:
"The appendix: Maybe not useless after all," NewsTarget (www.newstarget.com), 12/8/07 | 
