Helminthic therapy and Sjögren's disease
Sjögren's disease (SjD), previously known as Sjögren syndrome or Sjögren's syndrome, is a long-term autoimmune disease that primarily affects the body's exocrine glands, particularly the lacrimal and salivary glands. Common symptoms include dry mouth and dry eyes, and it often seriously affects other organ systems, such as the lungs, kidneys, and nervous system.
The anectodal evidence[edit | edit source]
The first two reports are more detailed than the quotes that follow them.
- What you Sjo (Using NA and HDC to treat Sjogren's syndrome).
- "This is awesome, I am almost 50 so the scar tissue damage is never going away, but I have a huge increase in saliva in my mouth, my eyes have tears and my skin is very different. I lost about 20 lbs and my digestive system is much different. Also my desire for sugar which was the only thing that made me salivate is gone. My energy level is much better. I go weeks without having to take a nap or go to bed. I think everyone should get the worms." (Reported in a private discussion, Apr 2012)
- "...had saliva in my mouth at night...unheard of for me!" (Link expired)
- The following reports were all posted by the same person.
- (Oct 2008) "The Doctor raved at how my tear production had returned to normal..." (Link expired)
- (Jan 2009) "After a half a year, I consider my treatment successful beyond what I have hoped for." (Link expired)
- (Jul 2010) "Overall, I am in a state of joy at being able to blink and talk without constant eye drops, etc." (Link expired)
- (Apr 2011) "My terrible symptoms have left me, and as a result, my quality of life has changed for the better." (Link expired)
- (July 2017) “So I decided to get my Sjogren's specific antibodies retested. (They) are now at 8!! So my good news continues... For a price of $3 per day necator americanus is a bargain for me!” [1]
- “I wanted to let you know how I am doing. Starting in mid-May I experienced a great increase in energy - not to the "bounce" level, but much better than it's been for the past 4 years. That has remained steady. Also, I have secondary sjogrens, which means I also have rheumatoid arthritis. Luckily it was inactive until December, when it became quite painful in my right hand. In addition to my anti-inflammatory diet, I became stricter by adding another diet I heard about. Soon my hand felt much better. I could not stick to it and realized after I stopped that my hand feeling so much better was due to the worms, not the diet. I now only have rare twinges. I don't know where I'd be without the two improvements I do have.” (Reported in a private message, July 2013)
- “I've been on HW for over a year and it's been very effective for the Sjogren's. It's lessened the dry eyes considerably, the dry mouth completely, and it has greatly eased some neuropathic issues that are related. The abdominal side effects have been very hard on me, however, and, unlike for many, the treatment has increased my food allergies significantly. That aside, I do recommend giving it a try. It took about 18 weeks to kick in with Sjogren's symptom relief.” (Link expired)
- “Before I started this therapy, I felt so lack lustre and generally unwell I wanted to stay home … and didn’t want to live for another 30 years (I was 50 then) as I thought life would be too tedious, fatiguing and painful … my quality of life sat at about 3-4 out of 10. Pretty dreary most of the time … 21 months into Hookworm therapy a lot has changed … I enjoy life and am happy. I have a quality of life that is often at about 8-9 most of the time. I can exercise most days. I can engage with my family and friends and I can go out a lot more and go away now. I now sweat, after the 3rd month of hookworm inoculation, and my mouth is a lot less dry. I use half of the eye drops I used to use and I haven’t had an eye flare up since I started the hookworms. I handled this last summer’s heat that lasted 6 months and was one of the hottest on record … and I have worked outside in 30C heat painting! I would never have achieved that 18 months ago. My skin and nails have improved big time … I have more energy in general and my head is a lot clear. I’m not in a haze the whole time. And best of all, I seem to be improving over time still … It probably took 15 months before I really started to feel WELL.” [2]
- “I have lupus bloods but all symptoms can be explained by sjogrens. I started helminth therapy in August last year (7 months ago) and have had 2 doses of 25 HW… my fatigue has improved - I would guess it is only about 10% of what it was. I think because of this my 'brian fog' has gone. All other SS symptoms still progressing though - but early days and I intend to have 1 or 2 further top ups in the next few months.” (Link expired) Full media article here.
- “(I have) Lupus, Sjogrens, MCS and Food Allergies. I had diagnosed positive to Schrimers test as well as dry eye exam with split lamp. I'm ANA positive speckled SSB AB. I’ve had 25 NA for 1 year. I would go days without speaking to people because I had such significant mouth pain and my throat was so dry I could not swallow, tongue would be burned at the tip just from talking. It really took quite some time for the worms to get in their stride, but saliva and mucosal protection is now astounding. My dry eye also improved where before it felt like plaster. Joint pain is also improved. Heat regulatory system is better as well and not as much swelling in the hands. I itch, but no swelling or internal burning. But, just given the mouth benefits are life changing.” [3]
- “I was diagnosed with Sjogrens about 15 years ago, after several years of symptoms, particularly dry eyes, photophobia, brain fog, inflammation and fatigue. Food intolerances began about 10 years ago. Eliminating wheat and dairy improved symptoms somewhat, but not entirely. I started with NA two years ago, seeing positive results after 9 months. Dosage has been conservative (4 doses of 5, 5, 10, 5) and inconsistent. However, I can clearly see improvement in all symptoms. When viable doses were not available, I saw a return of symptoms.” (Link expired)
- “I lived for many years with Sjogren’s Syndrome - fatigue, dryness, joint and muscle pain, cognitive limitations, food intolerances. Hookworms have saved me from a deteriorating life. Positive results were slow to come, but so worth it. (Nine months and 3-4 inoculations of 5 worms each.) Ultimately, I know that I need worms to function well. I am 66 years old and walked 85 miles in 6 days - historic Cotswold Trails. Never could have managed this without worms.” [4]
- “HT has been the most useful treatment, helping reduce most of my symptoms, particularly flares.” [5] Full 10.5 month update here.
- "I started with 3NA in January of 2020 then 5NA in May of 2020 but didn't feel much response. I know it can take up to 2 years but the pain was really impacting my whole life (especially as a marathon runner, it was devastating to not be able to even walk with a crutch). I added 2500 TSO every 2 weeks for 10 doses starting in July of 2020 and I haven't had a major flare since. I still dose about 600 TSO every 2 weeks and 10-12NA 2-3x per year and I'd say I've achieved about 90% improvement." [6]
The scientific evidence[edit | edit source]
- 2025 Nov 6 Tuft cells contribute to the pathogenesis of human primary and experimental murine Sjögren's disease
May not be directly related