Parasite Implantation
The parasitic worms that lurk in some people’s intestines may be revolting, but they seem to forestall Crohn’s disease and other types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) - Mitch Leslie
image by: Biome Restoration
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Have we become too clean?
The prevalence of helminths – harmless minute parasitic worms – in our population has been drastically decreasing since the middle of the 20th century. Historically, humans co-existed with these creatures in what researchers are now coming to believe to be an essential immune regulatory relationship. Scientists wonder if we have become too hygienic, removing natural harmless species that may, in fact, form a pivotal role in our health.
The ‘too clean’ theory has arisen in part due to the correlation between exposure to worms from childhood in less developed parts of the world and the corresponding low incidence of inflammatory bowel disease. However, in the hygienically focused developed…
Resources
The Parasite Underground
A shadow network of patients are trying to treat their own debilitating diseases — by infecting themselves with gastrointestinal worms.
Parasitic worms may prevent Crohn’s disease by altering bacterial balance
The parasitic worms that lurk in some people’s intestines may be revolting, but they seem to forestall Crohn’s disease and other types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A new study might explain how, revealing that the worms enable beneficial microbes in the intestines to outcompete bacteria that promote inflammation. The results could lead to new ways of treating gut diseases by mimicking the effects of the parasites.
When Parasites Could Be The Treatment Instead Of The Illness
Treating yourself with intestinal parasites is not necessarily safe," he says. "Our hopes are that we can use a treatment that mimics the body's immune response to the worms that will result in the same helpful change in the population of bacteria in the intestine" without the worms.
Have we become too clean?
Scientists wonder if we have become too hygienic, removing natural harmless species that may, in fact, form a pivotal role in our health. The ‘too clean’ theory has arisen in part due to the correlation between exposure to worms from childhood in less developed parts of the world and the corresponding low incidence of inflammatory bowel disease.
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