#gastrointestinal disease

It’s a common topic in microbiology forums that the past century’s obsession with cleanliness has contributed to our increasing allergies and autoimmune disorders. Rises in nut allergies, celiac disease, and gastrointestinal diseases suggest that something has changed for the worse in our bodies.

Many scientists, such as gastroenterologist Joel Weinstock of Tufts, believe the removal of parasites in the digestive system is the problem. Weinstock believes that “re-parasitizing” can be the answer to diseases such as one patient’s ulcerative colitis. This inflammatory bowel disease has been on the rise in the U.S. since the early 20th century–coinciding with the elimination of parasites like whipworm from American society. Weinstock has had success inserting Trichuris suis, or pig whipworm, into those suffering from gastrointestinal disorders (he uses the pig variety to prevent spreading of the virus between human hosts). After 12 weeks, 43% of his patients saw improvement.

For one patient, Vik, the mild improvements he saw from the pig whipworm were not enough, and he acquired human whipworm eggs from a doctor in Thailand. After experimenting to activate the eggs at home, he began swallowing them regularly, and saw pretty immediate improvements. Vik’s success with the parasite was neither unprecedented nor unique. Whole communities of people, fed up with medicines unable to help them, turn to self-treatment or alternative treatment in parasites. 

Though the results are mixed and mainstream doctors continue to advise against parasite treatment, the tone in these communities remains hopeful. Alex Loukas, a parasitologist at James Cook University in Australia who published a paper on parasites curing celiac disease, said “modern medicine has just failed” these people. For many, this seemingly drastic cure is the only option.

Read more here.