Worms
Hygiene Hypothesis and more…
Worm infections were a norm, until recently. Scientists continue to ask the question of whether there is an association of increased autoimmune diseases with the decrease in worm infections.
Types of worms
Hygiene Hypothesis
Humans have co-evolved, with worms. The hygiene hypothesis proposes that the immune system needs to be trained by exposure to germs and certain infections. Infections in the childhood, teaches the body to differentiate harmless substances from the harmful substances. So in theory, exposure to certain germs teaches the immune system not to overreact.
Worm Medicine
Fitting with the hygiene hypothesis, it was thought that worm and/or their secretions help train the immune system. Some of the recent work shows that worms themselves and their secretions can help patients with Inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease.
Wormy gut.