Do worms help with chronic intestinal diseases?

Do worms help with chronic intestinal diseases? In one experiment, a patient swallowed intestinal worms. In fact, colitis ulcerative complaints relieved after a few months.

02/12/2010

Can worm eggs help alleviate bowel problems? A 34-year-old man suffering from a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis) and has made an unusual self-experiment: He swallowed worm eggs and apparently the therapy has worked and the health of the patient significantly improved. But doctors strongly advise against imitating this self-therapy, the worms could cause considerable harm to the intestine.

Worm eggs against chronic bowel disease
Scientists at the University School of Medicine in New York are currently reporting in the science magazine „Science Translational Medicine“ from an unusual experiment. A patient has swallowed worm-worm's worm eggs to treat his chronic bowel disease. This was preceded by observations by the P'nG Loke research team, who report that colitis ulcerosa is much less common in countries where worm infections are widespread. Other studies have also indicated that worms can stop and reduce inflammation.

For the medical experiment, the patient voluntarily swallowed eggs of the whipworm (Trichuris trichiura). During the course of the study, the scientists examined the blood values ​​and tissue of the 34-year-old. The investigations took place before and after the consumption of the worms. In fact, the patient's health improved after a few months. The researchers found that the worm had increased immune defense cells in the patient's body. In particular, had protein „Interleukin 22“ formed numerous. The protein is u.a. responsible for the stabilization and healing of the mucous membranes. The researchers suspect that the immune defense has formed more immune cells through the worm infection, to strengthen the mucous membranes and absorb the worm. Other experts suspect that worms probably secrete effective substances themselves. Animal experiments have already shown that the method was able to relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases (for example, asthma).

Researchers advise against imitating the treatment
Despite the currently successful course of alternative treatment, researchers advise against imitating experiment. Even the worms themselves pose health risks. "The problem is that these worms can cause even mild or severe damage to the intestine," write the study authors. At present it is still completely unclear in which patient the therapy helps and how the further disease course is. To reduce the risk to patients in the future, researchers now want to start experimenting with worms, which are usually less dangerous to humans. These include worms, which are more likely to infect pigs and are almost harmless to humans. Pork worms die in the human body within 14 days and can not be transmitted to other people.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic bowel disease
Colitis ulcerosa is a chronic intestinal disease that leads to multiple inflammations. In most cases, the rectum and the colon are affected. Unlike Chronic Chronic Chronic Disease, inflammation from the rectum continues to spread. This often causes smaller and larger ulcers in the intestine, which must be removed with the help of drugs and surgical procedures. Sufferers frequently suffer from diarrhea, flatulence and strong to acute abdominal pain. In addition to the symptoms occur u.a. Also concomitant diseases such as spondylitis, sacroiliitis or osteoporosis. According to the German Crohn's disease / ulcerative colitis society, around 168,000 people are affected in Germany. The exact causes of the disease are still unclear.

Therapy forms of naturopathy
In addition to conventional treatments, there are also a number of forms of therapy in the field of natural medicine. Thus, the intake of myrrh can inhibit inflammation. In addition to the pure myrrh are also preparations available that are neutral in taste, as myrrh tastes very bitter. Another option is the intake of lecithin. In some studies it has already been proven that the intestinal mucous membrane of patients contains less of Lecithin than that of healthy people. In order for the lecithin also reaches the affected large intestine, gastric juice resistant drugs are administered. However, this form of therapy is not yet recognized, as it needs further research.

An essential contribution can also be a change in diet. In particular, foods that can inhibit inflammation have proven helpful. These include foods that contain a lot of omega 3 fatty acids. In addition, some studies have shown that anthocyanin-containing blueberries can alleviate ailments. Eliminating or limiting some, especially aggressive, inflammatory foods has also helped relieve many patients. Patients should therefore seek nutritional advice to exclude foods without suffering from a nutritional deficiency. (Sb)

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