Large Intestine Function Overview
Article Sources
- 1. Quigley, Eamonn M M. 'Gut Bacteria in Health and Disease.' Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Millennium Medical Publishing, Sept. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3983973
- 2. Rinninella, Emanuele, et al. 'What Is the Healthy Gut Microbiota Composition? A Changing Ecosystem across Age, Environment, Diet, and Diseases.' Microorganisms, MDPI, 10 Jan. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6351938
- 3. Sender, Ron, et al. 'Revised Estimates for the Number of Human and Bacteria Cells in the Body.' PLoS Biology, Public Library of Science, 19 Aug. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4991899
- 4. Hsiao, William W L, et al. 'The Microbes of the Intestine: an Introduction to Their Metabolic and Signaling Capabilities.' Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4411945
- 5. Sears, Cynthia L. 'A Dynamic Partnership: Celebrating Our Gut Flora.' Anaerobe, Academic Press, 27 June 2005, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1075996405000685
A Mutual Relationship
According to research, the relationship between human beings and their gut bacteria is not merely non-harmful or commensal, but rather one that is mutually beneficial.5Sears, Cynthia L. ‘A Dynamic Partnership: Celebrating Our Gut Flora.’ Anaerobe, Academic Press, 27 June 2005, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1075996405000685 While it's possible to survive without gut bacteria, these microorganisms benefit the body in many ways.
Gut bacteria ferment unused energy substrates. They help prevent the growth of harmful, disease-causing bacteria and help train the immune system. Gut bacteria also produce vitamins and hormones that facilitate the storage of fat.
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