Helminthic therapy and diverticular disease
The fact that diverticular disease is now common in the Western world, with the highest rates in the US and Europe, suggests that this may be yet another disease that has arisen as a direct result of the now widespread deficiency in helminths in these countries, especially since diverticular disease was almost unheard of in 1900 but had become the most common affliction of the colon by the 1970s.
It has been suggested that there might be an allergic component to diverticulitis, and that antihistamines might therefore help. [1] Since helminthic therapy is very effective against allergies, this paper raises the hope that helminths might also be of some value in treating diverticulitis.
An article discussing the involvement of inflammation in diverticular disease [2] added further weight to the possibility that helminths might help because helminths are very effective in reducing inflammation. So, while helminths may not be able to correct the structural abnormality that is referred to as a diverticulum (an abnormal sac or pouch formed at a weak point in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract), they might help to prevent the inflammation that results in diverticulitis.
Someone who had diverticulitis before hosting NA found that this condition never returned once he began hosting worms, but did return after he terminated his hookworm colony. [3] The diverticulitis went into remission again when he reintroduced NA and began exercising. [4] Having used both NA and HDC, this self-treater reported that HDC delivered relief more quickly, but NA provided more lasting relief. [5]
Anyone with diverticular disease who decides to try this therapy should start with small doses to reduce the possibility of the worms causing a temporary initial increase in inflammation in the gut, thereby briefly exacerbating this condition. This applies in particular to NA (see Hookworm dosing and response).