Appendectomy Is Associated With Alteration of Human Gut Bacterial, Dysbiosis and The Loss of Protective Bacteria Species

An appendectomy can significantly impact the gut microbiome due to the following reasons:

1. Loss of the Appendix's Functions: The appendix serves as a resivore for beneficial gut bacteria. It helps repopulate the gut with healthy bacteria after disturbances like infections or antibiotic use. Additionally, the appendix contains lymphoid tissue that plays a crucial role in immune function, aiding in the maintenance of the gut microbiome's balance. When the appendix is removed, these beneficial roles are lost, leading to a disruption in the microbial community and making it harder for the gut to recover from disturbances.

2. Loss of Appendix and Antibiotics: Appendectomy and the use of antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria, leading to an imbalance known as dysbiosis. With the appendix gone, it can't help repopulate the gut bacteria after surgery, further contributing to the imbalance.

3. Altered Gut Environment: The removal of the appendix changes the gut environment, making it less hospitable for certain beneficial bacteria.

4. Reduced Diversity and Inflammation: Appendectomy can reduce microbial diversity, cause chronic inflammation, and impair digestion and nutrient absorption.

5. Long-Term Health Effects: Persistent dysbiosis can contribute to chronic gastrointestinal conditions and affect overall health, including mental health, immune function, and metabolism.

Supporting gut health through diet and probiotics is crucial, especially after an appendectomy, to restore and maintain a balanced microbiome, here's what I am doing: 

1. Test don't guess: You can't truly understand what's happening in your gut without testing. I took the Flore Gut Microbiome Home Test to get a clear picture of my gut health. Overall, the results were pretty good, but key strains of Lactobacillus probiotics were not detected, and some harmful pathogens were present at higher-than-normal levels. This information gave me the insights I needed to heal my gut, such as taking Lactobacillus probiotics and consuming more fermented foods like kefir.

2. Studies: Studies on the human microbiome after an appendectomy show altered gut flora compared to those who still have their appendix, specifically in protective and beneficial strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. We can use this information to empower ourselves through personal research and discussions with your doctor or holistic health practitioner as part of your healing journey and what supplements you may need to help bring your gut into homeostasis. 

3. Take action: For me, I am taking Seed probiotics, which contain clinically studied and live strains of Lactobacillus species. I am also using Silver Fern Ultimate Probiotic, which includes Bacillus and Saccharomyces boulardii strains. These probiotics are among the most clinically researched and proven for improving gut health and supporting healthy gut bacteria. 

4. Lifestyle: Walking and weight lifting help to increase beneficial bacteria strains in the gut. Additionally, consuming gut-supporting foods, red light therapy on the gut, getting sunlight, reducing cell phone use, and avoiding overly stimulating or stressful activities can also support gut health. 

5. Hope: Never get discouraged by posts like this. This post is meant to inform and empower you on your journey. The human body is truly amazing and naturally strives to thrive and maintain good health. It ingeniously adapts and overcomes unfavorable situations like an appendectomy. With the right action plan, we can support our gut health through supplements and lifestyle changes to create a healthy gut flora.