Latest Colon News

A new study out today shows that there are ten times more bacteria living in the human intestines than was previously found.

This new research from the Standford University School of Medicine roughly calculates that there are at least if not more than 5,600 different species or types of bacteria living in the colon, which is quite a bit more than the 500 that was reckoned before. These many varied strains live in small quantities and feed off the complex carbohydrates which human digestive enzymes are not influenced by. Some types perform useful roles like the production of vitamin K but together, they prevent pathogens from invading the body.

What this study shows is that there is some good news for people who are concerned about the use of antibiotics and what impact these may have on the bacteria in the colon. It is long known that prolonged use of antibiotics can remove the friendly bacteria in the gut, but this bacterial balance does come back after a period of time.