way OT: curing allergies with hookworms?

Submitted by Rodriguesqe on

Anyone know any one/ try this themselves? For those who don't know, its apparently a bit of a rage that hookworm infections can lead to allergy immunity.

If your like me nice weather is synonymous with dry itchy eyes and sneazing. Allergy medications have lead to migraines in the past for me, so I'm very interested in doing this even though it sounds rather icky. 

Curious if anyone is in the know. Especially curous about MgoHealthcareprofessionals.

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GG Allin

March 8th, 2016 at 7:48 PM ^

Just drink an ounce of Harbaugh's blood or have him spit in your eye. He has an immune system unkown to Mankind and will cure you of everything including hang nails!

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Sac Fly

March 8th, 2016 at 7:49 PM ^

Understand the risk here, that's what they're not talking about. 60,000 people die per year from Hookworms, you want to voluntary put them inside your body to help with itchy eyes.

Joined: 04/03/2010

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rob f

March 8th, 2016 at 8:00 PM ^

came out of left field. Take that into account. In the meantime, stick to the tried-and-true: rub some dirt into your eyes when they bother you. With enough dirt and vigorous rubbing, you'll no longer have to worry about eyesight. /s

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Honey Badger

March 8th, 2016 at 8:06 PM ^

Mgoblog is great place to get information about who will be the starting linebackers, recruiting, and talk about Michigan sports. However, it would be the last place I would think to go to get advice about getting a parasite placed in your body.

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mgobleu

March 8th, 2016 at 9:02 PM ^

This sounds like the old "dutch worm treatment" I keep trying to sell my wife on. Guaranteed to cure the vapors, but she's a bit of a prude and won't let the good doctor in the door but once every other fortnight.

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treetown

March 8th, 2016 at 9:23 PM ^

OK - as others have posted there is actually a kernel of scientific truth behind this idea.

1. allergies to many minor things seem to be on the rise in places where little kids are all sealed up (especially for years 0-4).

2. allergies to many minor things are uncommon if not down right rare in places where there are a lot of chronic minor parasites.

3. The theory is that chronic stimulation of the immune system and early exposure to many types of potential allergens makes these minor allergens "not a problems" and one doesn't get a strong allergic reacion.

4. Some have speculated this may help with diseases more serious than minor allergies - those that have an autoimmune component.

Problems with this idea - it might not work if you are already grown up and your immune system is fixed, it might not work, or not work enough to make a major difference. These minor parasites might end up doing some major harm if you have some other issues.

If anyone is going to actually do this I suggest the following  - look and see if there is some reputable place doing a true medical trial (blinded randomized trial of placebo versus the worm) and enroll in it - this will both potentially help you and definitely help nail down this concept.

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Brewers Yost

March 8th, 2016 at 10:17 PM ^

The hygiene hypothesis only applies to your environment early in life. In other words individuals who were raised in "industrialized countries vs less developed countries or maybe farming/agricultural areas.
I do agree with your conclusion. To try this treatment without medical supervision would be stupid.
Fwiw, my background is in immunology and I have a couple publications in the area of immune response to vaccination.



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kalamazoo

March 8th, 2016 at 10:54 PM ^

I read research that said kids early in life who are around dogs tend to have a stronger immune system, perhaps because the dog brings all the stuff in that stimulate the immune system. I have a weaker immune system and grew up mostly inside without a dog, so I'm going to try this with my kids. Can't hurt. Dogs are cool.

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GoBlueBill

March 9th, 2016 at 12:13 AM ^

So , once the little creatures are in do they need to stay for this to work?

Is there any way to get rid of them after they are in?

If you can get rid of them do your allergy problems return ?

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