Tag Archives: Inflammation

Helminthic therapy: the basics

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 … Continue reading

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Infection-fighting oral bug may point to new medical frontier

A common bacterium found in the mouths of 1 in 20 healthy individuals may offer probiotic potential against upper respiratory tract infections. In a recent study, two strains of Streptococcus salivarius were found to be able to bind to human … Continue reading

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Fermented milk may ease chronic gastritis

Probiotics and fermented foods have already been demonstrated to ease diseases of the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as IBD, IBS and diarrhoea, but little attention has previously been paid to their potential in preventing and treating diseases of the stomach. … Continue reading

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Olive oil may protect against colitis

A diet rich in oleic acid, which is present in olive oil, has been linked to a reduced risk of developing ulcerative colitis. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid found in peanut oil, grapeseed oil, butter and certain margarines, … Continue reading

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Hookworm vaccine: double-edged sword

Reading the information on the development of the hookworm vaccine may fill most readers with the warm glow that comes from the belief that yet another medical milestone is about to be passed en route to a disease-free world. My … Continue reading

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Food supplements may impact inflammation + autoimmunity

Researchers have discovered that a cocktail of ingredients obtained from common food supplements effectively forestalls major aspects of the aging process in mice. The study found that a complex mix of supplement-derived ingredients offset the decline in physical activity of … Continue reading

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Appendix: backup bug bank

When my appendix was removed, many years ago, I was assured by my doctor that it was just a useless vestige – all that remains, according to Darwin, of a much larger organ, the caecum. However, recent observations and experiments … Continue reading

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The worm’s next success?

The worm is already transforming lives previously blighted by asthma, allergies and autoimmune disorders (Which diseases have responded well to helminthic therapy?). Now, unfolding research suggests that the worm might also be effective against a diverse range of conditions that … Continue reading

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A probiotic for IBD

Already available in Japan and South Korea, where it is used in the treatment of intestinal disorders such as diarrhoea and constipation, Bacillus polyfermenticus has now been found to reduce rectal bleeding, lessen tissue inflammation, and promote weight gain in … Continue reading

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‘Friendly’ bacteria: side-lined healers

Of the 100 trillion ‘friendly’ bacteria, from hundreds of different species, that we each carry around in our gut, only a few may have a special role in shaping our immune responses, but one of this select group involved in … Continue reading

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