Question

Will Give Medal... How do bacteria in the large intestine help keep us healthy?

Answer 1

Most of the bacteria in your intestines are in the colon or large intestine. While they do not play a major role in digestion, they do manufacture Vitamin K, essential in blood clotting. They break down bile salts and are thus responsible for the normal brown color of the stool. The normal coliform bacteria also suppress the growth of more harmful bacteria like Staphylococci and perhaps C. diff. Often when a person takes antibiotics the bacterial population of the colon is altered, and the "bad guys" can take over. That's one reason your doctor may be reluctant to prescribe antibiotics for minor infections.