I was taught as a medical student that the major function of the colon was that of a storage organ. Since then, premises about the colon have evolved and the complexities of colon function is much better understood, as described by Gibson and Roberfroid's multi-authored book Colonic Microbiota, Nutrition and Health.

Although the authors state that the purpose of the book is to overview current knowledge of the activities and functions of the gut microflora, the scope goes beyond these boundaries and takes us on an ecological journey into the exciting life of gut microflora and their impact on colon function in health and disease, and the intimate critical relationship between diet, bacteria, and quality of life.

Gastroenterologists are still recovering from the impact that a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, has had on upper gastrointestinal …