Yes, a specific bacteria in your colon could possibly cause colon cancer.  Colon cancer is common, affecting more than 150,000 Americans every year, and 40% of them will die from the cancer.

Normal colon bacteria are possibly involved in the development of colon cancer.  A specific bacteria in the colon, called Enterococcus faecalis has been implicated in the development of colon cancer.  Enterococcus faecalis can produce superoxide molecules called "oxygen radicals" that can damage the DNA in the cells that line the inside of the colon.

Scientist have found that the oxygen radicals produced by these bacteria can alter the manner in which the colon cells grow and divide, and may alter the DNA, inducing mutations that can cause colon cancer.

This is according to a study from the Journal of Medical Microbiology.  Scientists identified 42 different genes within colon cells that could be affected by this bacteria and lead to colon cancer.

Although it is intriguing to contemplate a specific bacterial as the cause of colon cancer, it is not that easy.  Enterococcus faecalis is a normal part of the colon flora, so everyone has this organism and not everyone develops colon cancer.

More studies are needed to confirm a relationship between Enterococcus faecalis and colon... [Read More]

• The short answer is no, and antibiotics do not weaken your immune system.

· Your immune system is what it is.

· Other than conditions of immunodeficiency such as HIV, cancer, diseases of antibody deficiencies, your immune system functions adequately to protect you from life-threatening infections.

• Your immune system is made up of inflammatory cells: WBCs(White Blood cells) and antibodies.

· You can think of your immune system as an army that fights against foreign invaders.

· WBCs are soldiers that will recognize and attack pathogens such as bacteria, virus and fungus.

· Antibodies are like smart bombs in that they are made specifically for a specific bacteria or virus.

· For example, Influenza is a relatively common virus that infects millions of people every year.

· The Flu vaccine will alert your immune system to produce an antibody that will specifically fight the influenza virus.

• Medications such as Neulasta are available which act just as your own chemical messengers, stimulating the immune system in immune-deficient states.

· These are reserved for people on chemotherapy or documented immunodeficiency disease.

• Antibiotics do not interact with the immune system.

· Antibiotics typically function by... [Read More]

Yes, a specific bacteria in your colon could possibly cause colon cancer.  Colon cancer is common, affecting more than 150,000 Americans every year, and 40% of them will die from the cancer.

Normal colon bacteria are possibly involved in the development of colon cancer.  A specific bacteria in the colon, called Enterococcus faecalis has been implicated in the development of colon cancer.  Enterococcus faecalis can produce superoxide molecules called "oxygen radicals" that can damage the DNA in the cells that line the inside of the colon.

Scientist have found that the oxygen radicals produced by these bacteria can alter the manner in which the colon cells grow and divide, and may alter the DNA, inducing mutations that can cause colon cancer.

This is according to a study from the Journal of Medical Microbiology.  Scientists identified 42 different genes within colon cells that could be affected by this bacteria and lead to colon cancer.

Although it is intriguing to contemplate a specific bacterial as the cause of colon cancer, it is not that easy.  Enterococcus faecalis is a normal part of the colon flora, so everyone has this organism and not everyone develops colon cancer.

More studies are needed to confirm a relationship between Enterococcus faecalis and colon... [Read More]