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A lot of people get their appendix out these days because it causes trouble and doesn’t really affect your overall health. However, it turns out your appendix may be a more important health risk than previously suspected.

 

 

When you’re monitoring your health risk, you probably don’t often think about the appendix. Its role in the body in the modern world is unclear even to doctors and medical researchers. And because of this, a high percentage of people have their appendix removed, seemingly without changing their health status. However, recent research suggests that the absence or presence of your appendix could be used as a predictor for Parkinson’s disease. To learn how, and what you should do about it, keep reading.

 

The Basics on the Appendix

The appendix is located in the lower right side of the abdomen and not much is known about it. The specifics of its role in the body aren’t fully understood. However, there are a lot of theories about what it actually does. Some medical experts suggest that it’s a vestigial organ meant to digest foods that humans no longer eat. And others suggest that it stores good bacteria for emergencies. What is known is that removing the appendix has no discernible effect on health over the long term.

 

Sometimes it’s actually beneficial to have the appendix removed because it has a distressing tendency to get infected. And when this occurs it can cause pain and fever and even lead to death if it isn’t addressed.

 

The Link Between Parkinson’s and the Appendix

A recent study has shown that people who have their appendix removed have a 20 percent lower chance of developing Parkinson’s disease. And not only does this operation seem to act as a preventative. It may also delay the development of Parkinson’s. A small, adjacent study showed that people who had their appendixes removed developed the disease 3.6 years later than those who still had their appendix. These findings suggest a number of things about the role of the appendix in the body. They also hold significance for Parkinson’s research.

 

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder, which means that it occurs when the cells in the brain malfunction or die. Parkinson’s is one of many neurodegenerative disorders and causes tremors, stiffness and trouble walking. Despite the fact that Parkinson’s is caused by problems in the brain, this study suggests that it may also be connected to the inflammation and the digestive system.

 

This is important information because the cause of Parkinson’s is not yet known. However, recent research suggests that inflammation plays a key role. Inflammation is the body’s response to damage, stress or toxins. The immune system causes inflammation to rid itself of irritants. And the gut plays a key role in the immune system and in the amount of inflammation in the body. However, inflammation can also be chronic due to poor lifestyle choices, a bad diet, certain diseases or stress.

 

The results of this study suggest that the appendix may be linked to the immune system and to inflammation. The appendix is attached to the intestines and also contains good bacteria. So it’s clearly meant to play a role in inflammation and the immune system. Consequently, removing the appendix may lower the amount of inflammation and decrease the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. If future studies bear this out, it explain why the appendix is a health risk factor for Parkinson’s. It also suggests future avenues for Parkinson’s research, treatment, and prevention.

 

The Takeaway

This study doesn’t mean that you should run out and have your appendix removed. Even simple surgeries can be dangerous, and undergoing them when you don’t need to is a clear health risk. However, what you can do is factor in your appendix when you do your health assessments. This is an easy and simple way to get a more accurate idea of your health risk and status.

 

This study also strongly highlights the importance of lowering gut inflammation. Although the connection between the appendix and inflammation isn’t proven, this health strategy is a good one. It will not only decrease your risk of developing Parkinson’s, it may also lower your overall health risk as well.

 

 

If you see signs of health risk, try using HomeLab to keep track of your condition and any preventative measures you take. And if you see signs of a significant problem, you should check with your doctor as soon as possible.

 

Tags: Health Risk, Parkinson’s