Helminthic therapy is an experimental approach to the treatment of asthma, allergies, chronic inflammation and autoimmune disease.
The treatment developed out of understanding gained from scientific studies showing that, while these illnesses have escalated in developed countries during the past 50-100 years, they remain much less common in parts of the world where intestinal worms are still prevalent.
Further studies have shown that the reintroduction of controlled numbers of carefully selected, small, benign intestinal organisms, such as hookworm and whipworm, can rebalance the host’s immune system to put these conditions into remission.
The organisms that are used had, until being eradicated in the developed world, coexisted with humans for millions of years, during which time we have become dependent on them to the extent that our genome is now arguably incomplete without their genes, and they have become masters of the human immune system.
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Helminthic Therapy A brief introduction from Wikipedia.
Helminthic Therapy Success Stories A list of 240 accounts of success using helminthic therapy with more than 60 different medical conditions.
Helminthic Therapy FAQ Answers to frequently asked questions.
Don’t Let Worms Give You The Squirms For those who are interested in helminthic therapy but have an aversion to worms.
Hookworm Timeline A timeline showing what to expect after inoculating with hookworm.
HELMINTHIC THERAPY SCIENCE
Distribution graphic for autoimmune disorders and helminths A startling graphic showing that various immunological and autoimmune diseases are far more common in industrialised countries where the incidence of helminth infestation is low.
Reconstituting the depleted biome to prevent immune disorders An article explaining why replacing our “old friends” may be the only reasonable therapy for a wide range of immune-associated disorders, including allergy, autoimmunity and autism.
Helminth–host immunological interactions: prevention and control of immune-mediated diseases An excellent summary of the science underpinning helminthic therapy.
The above two articles would be ideal to give to a doctor who is interested in helminthic therapy but who is lacking information.
Helminthic Therapy Science Readings A collection of links to 60 articles reflecting some of the medical science pertaining to helminthic therapy.
FORUMS
Yahoo Helminthic Therapy forum This is the original helminthic therapy forum, which now has more than 1,300 members and a searchable archive of almost 10,000 posts.
Facebook Helminthic Therapy Support group This is the most active HT group. Click on the “Join Group” button to request membership.
INTEREST
Pinterest Helminthic Therapy pinboard This features more than 600 research and news articles about helminth therapy, gut health and their relationship with autoimmune diseases.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Pingback: Helminthic Therapy - Foods Matter Research, News and Comment
Pingback: Medical Ecology - tending the body's microbial garden - Foods Matter Research, News and Comment
Pingback: Yoga may benefit adolescent mental health - Foods Matter Research, News and Comment
Pingback: LATEST RESEARCH - Allergy - Page 4 - Foods Matter Research, News and Comment