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Human helminth care manual: Difference between revisions
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|Amber - May cause harm to human helminths in some people. | |Amber - May cause harm to human helminths in some people. | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |❖ | ||
|Purple - May cause a temporary reduction in the benefits provided by human helminths. | |Purple - May cause a temporary reduction in the benefits provided by human helminths. | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |❓ | ||
|Black - Insufficient evidence exists to support a judgement on possible effects. | |Black - Insufficient evidence exists to support a judgement on possible effects. | ||
|- | |- | ||
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=== Anaesthetics (anesthetics), local [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaesthetics] === | === Anaesthetics (anesthetics), local [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaesthetics] === | ||
==== | ==== ❖ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_anaesthetic Local anaesthetics] ==== | ||
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
Local anaesthetics interfere with the production of white blood cells as well as the functioning of the cells in | Local anaesthetics interfere with the production of white blood cells as well as the functioning of the cells in | ||
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* These include many antidepressants including | * These include many antidepressants including | ||
** | ** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trazodone trazodone] (Depyrel, Desyrel, Molipaxin, Oleptro, Trazodil, Trazorel, Trialodine, Trittico), | ||
* antipsychotics such as | * antipsychotics such as | ||
** | ** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olanzapine olanzapine] (Lanzek, Zypadhera, Zyprexa), | ||
** | ** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olanzapine prochlorperazine] (Compazine, Stemzine, Buccastem, Stemetil, Phenotil), | ||
** | ** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziprasidone ziprasidone] (Geodon, Zeldox), | ||
* the migraine treatment | * the migraine treatment | ||
** | ** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migraleve Migraleve Pink], | ||
* and antihistamines including | * and antihistamines including | ||
** | ** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buclizine buclizine], | ||
** ⚡ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cetirizine cetirizine] (Zyrtec, Reactine), | ** ⚡ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cetirizine cetirizine] (Zyrtec, Reactine), | ||
** | ** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorcyclizine chlorcyclizine] (Di-paralene, Mantadil, Pruresidine, Trihistan), | ||
** | ** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnarizine cinnarizine] (Stugeron, Stunarone, R5), | ||
** | ** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclizine cyclizine], | ||
** | ** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroxyzine hydroxyzine] (Vistaril, Atarax), | ||
** ⚡ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levocetirizine levocetirizine] (Xyzal), | ** ⚡ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levocetirizine levocetirizine] (Xyzal), | ||
** | ** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meclizine meclizine] (Bonine, Bonamine, Antivert, Postafen, Sea Legs, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dramamine dimenhydrinate] (Dramamine) and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niaprazine niaprazine]) | ||
* as well as antianginals, anxiolytics such as | * as well as antianginals, anxiolytics such as | ||
** | ** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buspirone buspirone] (Buspar), | ||
* urologicals, e.g. | * urologicals, e.g. | ||
** | ** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sildenafil sildenafil] (Revatio, ✅ Viagra) and | ||
** | ** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levitra vardenafil] (Levitra, Staxyn). | ||
However, this does not mean that all these piperazine derivatives will kill helminths. For example, ✅ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viagra Viagra] [https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/topics/2144 does not kill hookworms], | However, this does not mean that all these piperazine derivatives will kill helminths. For example, ✅ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viagra Viagra] [https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/topics/2144 does not kill hookworms], | ||
and they [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/882635271792429/ can survive at least one 50mg dose] of dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). | and they [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/882635271792429/ can survive at least one 50mg dose] of dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). | ||
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⚡ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doxycycline Doxycycline] (Vibramycin, Monodox, Microdox, Periostat, Vibra-Tabs, Oracea, Doryx, Vibrox, Adoxa, Doxyhexal, Doxylin, Doxoral, Doxy-1 and Atridox, etc.) <br>is a tetracycline antibiotic that also has antiprotozoal, antibacterial and some anthelminthic effects, although the latter have been claimed to only affect filarial nematodes. In this case, the drug kills a symbiotic bacterium in the worm’s reproductive tract, thus rendering it sterile. Moreover, an eight-week course of doxycycline may be necessary to achieve this effect. One hookworm host has reported that he took doxycycline for a total of 5 weeks without noticeable effect on his worms [https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/messages/10055], but another has said that her hookworms “completely stopped working” after taking doxycycline for only three days. [https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/messages/8488] She said that this happened “pretty much overnight”, and that, in spite of getting a supplementary dose of worms a month or so after taking the antibiotic, [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/786180988104525/?comment_id=786946941361263&offset=0&total_comments=16] she didn’t feel right again for the following 6 months. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/786180988104525/?comment_id=786624918060132&offset=0&total_comments=15] (NB: doxycycline has also been found to have [http://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-03-antibiotics-unexpected-effects-mitochondria.html unexpected effects on mitochondria].) | ⚡ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doxycycline Doxycycline] (Vibramycin, Monodox, Microdox, Periostat, Vibra-Tabs, Oracea, Doryx, Vibrox, Adoxa, Doxyhexal, Doxylin, Doxoral, Doxy-1 and Atridox, etc.) <br>is a tetracycline antibiotic that also has antiprotozoal, antibacterial and some anthelminthic effects, although the latter have been claimed to only affect filarial nematodes. In this case, the drug kills a symbiotic bacterium in the worm’s reproductive tract, thus rendering it sterile. Moreover, an eight-week course of doxycycline may be necessary to achieve this effect. One hookworm host has reported that he took doxycycline for a total of 5 weeks without noticeable effect on his worms [https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/messages/10055], but another has said that her hookworms “completely stopped working” after taking doxycycline for only three days. [https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/messages/8488] She said that this happened “pretty much overnight”, and that, in spite of getting a supplementary dose of worms a month or so after taking the antibiotic, [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/786180988104525/?comment_id=786946941361263&offset=0&total_comments=16] she didn’t feel right again for the following 6 months. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/786180988104525/?comment_id=786624918060132&offset=0&total_comments=15] (NB: doxycycline has also been found to have [http://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-03-antibiotics-unexpected-effects-mitochondria.html unexpected effects on mitochondria].) | ||
Short courses of most other antibiotics will usually only cause a temporary loss of benefit for between 2 and 8 weeks (e.g., | Short courses of most other antibiotics will usually only cause a temporary loss of benefit for between 2 and 8 weeks (e.g., ❖ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythromycin erythromycin] [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/770548519667772/]), although it is possible for efficacy to be reduced for longer, e.g., [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1131267180262569/?comment_id=1134969589892328&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D 4 months], and even [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/700908506631774/?comment_id=951430548246234&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R0%22%7D 6 months], and there is anecdotal evidence suggesting a correlation between the length of a course of antibiotics and the length of time that affected helminths are out of action. | ||
It is possible that even a small dose of antibiotic could cause a return of symptoms in some people. For example, | It is possible that even a small dose of antibiotic could cause a return of symptoms in some people. For example, | ||
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the antibiotic, ⚡ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dapsone Dapsone] (diamino-diphenyl sulfone), causes a return of their disease symptoms. | the antibiotic, ⚡ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dapsone Dapsone] (diamino-diphenyl sulfone), causes a return of their disease symptoms. | ||
❓ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fosfomycin Fosfomycin] (also known as phosphomycin, phosphonomycin, Monurol and Monuril)<br> A single, one-off, 3g dose if this broad-spectrum antibiotic that was taken by a hookworm host to treat a urinary tract infection had no obvious effect on her worms. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/966600183395937/?comment_id=967794996609789&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] However, larger doses or a longer treatment period may produce a different result. | |||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
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</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
==== | ==== ❖ Best to avoid ==== | ||
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
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* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspirin aspirin] and products containing it, such as | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspirin aspirin] and products containing it, such as | ||
** [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alka-Seltzer Alka-Seltzer] | ** [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alka-Seltzer Alka-Seltzer] | ||
** | ** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepto-Bismol Pepto-Bismol]. | ||
Herbs with an anticoagulant effect include | Herbs with an anticoagulant effect include | ||
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both survived this. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/872052362850720/?comment_id=872162672839689&offset=0&total_comments=10&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] Others have also confirmed that monolaurin is worm-safe. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/974642915924997/?comment_id=975547445834544&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R0%22%7D] | both survived this. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/872052362850720/?comment_id=872162672839689&offset=0&total_comments=10&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] Others have also confirmed that monolaurin is worm-safe. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/974642915924997/?comment_id=975547445834544&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R0%22%7D] | ||
❓ '''Cellular silver'''. The manufacturers of Advanced Cellular Silver (ACS) 200 Extra Strength[http://www.resultsrna.com/products/acs_200_overview/] claim that this product | |||
achieves a 99.9989% kill against C. albicans. Although there have been no reports to date of its possible effect on | achieves a 99.9989% kill against C. albicans. Although there have been no reports to date of its possible effect on | ||
human helminths, its similarity to | human helminths, its similarity to ❖'''colloidal silver''' suggest that it may not kill the worms but only cause a | ||
temporary reduction of benefits. | temporary reduction of benefits. | ||
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorophyll Chlorophyll]. A chlorophyll-based solution has been found to be effective against candida albicans and there have | [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorophyll Chlorophyll]. A chlorophyll-based solution has been found to be effective against candida albicans and there have | ||
been no reports to suggest this might be harmful to helminths. (Also see | been no reports to suggest this might be harmful to helminths. (Also see ❓ '''Chlorophyllin'''.) | ||
❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactoferrin Lactoferrin] (also known as lactotransferrin [LTF]) is found naturally in secretory fluids, such as milk, saliva, tears | |||
and nasal secretions. It has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic properties, and is effective against | and nasal secretions. It has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic properties, and is effective against | ||
candida. It’s antimicrobial properties are enhanced by the peptide, | candida. It’s antimicrobial properties are enhanced by the peptide, ❓ '''lactoferricin''', the anti fungal effects of which | ||
exceed those of lactoferrin. However, there have been no reports so far of the possible effect of lactoferricin on | exceed those of lactoferrin. However, there have been no reports so far of the possible effect of lactoferricin on | ||
helminths. | helminths. | ||
❓ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavandula Lavender] has antifungal activity and may be of value in treating candida. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26550521] | |||
❓ '''Propolis'''. Candida has been shown to be susceptible to propolis extract [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26149083], and to red propolis alcoholic extract. | |||
[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26154370] | [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26154370] | ||
❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygodial Polygodial], which has both antifungal and antimicrobial properties and is used as an insecticide, is an active constituent of | |||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tasmannia_stipitata Dorrigo pepper], | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tasmannia mountain pepper], | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudowintera horopito], | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudowintera_colorata mountain horopito], | ||
* ❌[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudowintera_colorata Kolorex], | * ❌[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudowintera_colorata Kolorex], | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drimys_winteri canelo] (Drimys winteri, winter's bark) | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acmella_oleracea paracress] and | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persicaria_hydropiper water pepper]. | ||
Whilst polygodial has been shown to be effective against single-celled parasites such as protozoa, the only report so far that it might also have an adverse effect on helminths comes | Whilst polygodial has been shown to be effective against single-celled parasites such as protozoa, the only report so far that it might also have an adverse effect on helminths comes | ||
from a hookworm host who suspects that she killed her colony by taking '''Kolorex''', which contains a mixture of horopito and ⚡'''aniseed'''. | from a hookworm host who suspects that she killed her colony by taking '''Kolorex''', which contains a mixture of horopito and ⚡'''aniseed'''. | ||
❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus Sambucus], a form of elderberry, contains ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinoresinol pinoresinol], which has antifungal properties[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20657496]. However, the European elder, ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra sambucus nigra], also known as European elderberry, European black elderberry, elder, elderberry and black | |||
elder, may not contain pinoresinol, so may not be an effective antifungal. There have been no reports as yet about | elder, may not contain pinoresinol, so may not be an effective antifungal. There have been no reports as yet about | ||
the effect on helminths of any form of elderberry. | the effect on helminths of any form of elderberry. | ||
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the synthesis of chitin, which is unfortunately an important constituent of the mouthparts of the hookworm. | the synthesis of chitin, which is unfortunately an important constituent of the mouthparts of the hookworm. | ||
Some foods are coated with edible films containing antifungal compounds such as | Some foods are coated with edible films containing antifungal compounds such as ❓[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natamycin natamycin] (pimaricin) and | ||
❌ '''oregano oil''', but the quantities used in this application are probably insufficient to affect helminths, and there is no evidence[http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v48je06.htm] to date that natamycin harms intestinal flora. | ❌ '''oregano oil''', but the quantities used in this application are probably insufficient to affect helminths, and there is no evidence[http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v48je06.htm] to date that natamycin harms intestinal flora. | ||
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Less common antihistamines derived from, or related to piperazine. At the present time, there is no indication whether or not these affect human helminths. They include: | Less common antihistamines derived from, or related to piperazine. At the present time, there is no indication whether or not these affect human helminths. They include: | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buclizine buclizine], | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorcyclizine chlorcyclizine] (Di-paralene, Mantadil, Pruresidine, Trihistan), | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnarizine cinnarizine] (Stugeron, Stunarone, R5), | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclizine cyclizine], | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroxyzine hydroxyzine] (Vistaril, Atarax), | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meclizine meclizine] (Bonine, Bonamine, Antivert, Postafen, Sea Legs), | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dramamine dimenhydrinate] (Dramamine) | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niaprazine niaprazine] | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
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<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
* | * ❓ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorphenamine Chlorphenamine] (chlorpheniramine, piriton) <br>While we don’t yet have any confirmation of the effect on helminths of this first-generation antihistamine, it has been suggested by someone who has investigated this that it is unlikely to be harmful to worms. | ||
* ✅ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cromoglicic_acid Cromoglicic acid] (cromolyn, cromoglycate or cromoglicate, sodium cromoglicate [Nalcrom] or cromolyn sodium, plus Gastrocrom and Intercron) <br>This is a mast cell stabiliser which prevents the release of histamine from mast cells and is used to treat some allergic conditions. One hookworm host has taken 8x100mg capsules of Nalcrom daily for periods of up to 10 days without any adverse effect on her colony. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/952539741468648/?comment_id=953466358042653&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R1%22%7D] | * ✅ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cromoglicic_acid Cromoglicic acid] (cromolyn, cromoglycate or cromoglicate, sodium cromoglicate [Nalcrom] or cromolyn sodium, plus Gastrocrom and Intercron) <br>This is a mast cell stabiliser which prevents the release of histamine from mast cells and is used to treat some allergic conditions. One hookworm host has taken 8x100mg capsules of Nalcrom daily for periods of up to 10 days without any adverse effect on her colony. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/952539741468648/?comment_id=953466358042653&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R1%22%7D] | ||
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Most other recreational drugs should be safe for use by helminth hosts, including '''tobacco''', '''nicotine''' and most forms of '''alcohol'''. | Most other recreational drugs should be safe for use by helminth hosts, including '''tobacco''', '''nicotine''' and most forms of '''alcohol'''. | ||
* | * ❖ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcoholic_beverage Alcohol] -- Normal social drinking should not have any adverse effect on helminths, but there have been hints[https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/848418981880725/] that overindulging in alcohol may cause a temporary reduction in worm benefits, although this clearly isn’t the case for everyone and the effect is likely to be dose-dependent. Excessive consumption of alcohol that results in the user going into a coma due to alcohol poisoning may incur a greater risk to helminths. | ||
** | ** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absinthe Absinthe] is one alcoholic drink that might present more of a risk, as it was traditionally made using herbs reported to have antiparasitic properties, including ❌'''wormwood'''. (See separate entry). However, the risk from absinthe has been questioned because it only contains the essential oil of wormwood, while the anthelminthic activity of this herb has been linked more to the bitter principles and the alkaloids, which are not included in absinthe. | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MDMA MDMA] (ecstasy) -- As primarily a serotonin and dopamine agonist, this is thought unlikely to have much effect on helminths. However, serotonin agonism increases peristalsis, so using MDMA may not be a good idea until after the worms have attached to the intestinal mucosa. Once they are attached, the increased peristalsis alone would not dislodge them. | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N,N-Dimethyltryptamine DMT] (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine or N,N-DMT) is a psychedelic compound with powerful hallucinogenic effects. While this may be safe for use while hosting human helminths, there have been no reports to confirm this, and it is possible that high doses may have an impact on helminths. | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LSD LSD] (Lysergic acid diethylamide) is unlikely to harm helminths, although there have been no reports to confirm this. | ||
* | * ❓ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myristicin Myristicin] -- This psychoactive drug, which is the traditional precursor for the psychedelic and empathogenic drug [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MMDA_(drug) MMDA], is found in very small quantities in vegetables, herbs and fruits consumed by humans on a daily basis, e.g., parsley, celery, lemons, figs, carrots, grape juice, Earl grey tea, nutmeg and dill, but this dietary intake is unlikely to be harmful to helminths. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5004179/] | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peyote Peyote] (Lophophora williamsii) -- This cactus, which contains psychoactive alkaloids, including mescaline, is thought unlikely to harm helminths, but there have been no reports to confirm this. | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybin Psilocybin], a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Substituted_tryptamine substituted tryptamine], is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by more than 200 species of mushroom. Although illegal in most countries/states, psilocybin is used for the [https://clusterbusters.org/treatments-options-choices-and-more/psilocybin-and-lsd-in-the-treatment-of-cluster-headache/ self-treatment of cluster headaches], and one hookworm host has reported using this compound for two months to treat severe migraines, without noticing any apparent effect on his worms. However, it is possible that higher doses of this hallucinogenic may disorient hookworms for long enough to cause their loss. | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
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==== ✅ Safe for worms unless marked otherwise ==== | ==== ✅ Safe for worms unless marked otherwise ==== | ||
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zovirax Aciclovir] (Cyclovir, Herpex, Acivir, Acivirax, Zovirax, Zoral, Xovir and Imavir). There have been no reported problems with this drug so far. See also the related drug, Valaciclovir/valacyclovir. | ||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baclofen Baclofen] (Kemstro, Lioresal, Liofen, Gablofen, Beklo and Baclosan) is a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). One host who took 20-30mgs of baclofen daily reported no loss of worm benefits. | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baclofen Baclofen] (Kemstro, Lioresal, Liofen, Gablofen, Beklo and Baclosan) is a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). One host who took 20-30mgs of baclofen daily reported no loss of worm benefits. | ||
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* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzodiazepine Benzodiazepines] (BZD, benzos). There have been no reports of this type of drug having any adverse effect on helminths. The short-acting anti-anxiety drug, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alprazolam alprazolam] (Xanax), was taken by one hookworm host (0.5 mg 3 or 4 times over the course of a month) without any apparent effect on his worms. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/912662098789746/?comment_id=912671848788771&offset=0&total_comments=2&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D], [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/912662098789746/?comment_id=912703545452268&offset=0&total_comments=4&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] and the tranquillizer, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clonazepam clonazepam] (Klonopin), was found to be worm-safe by another helminth self-treater. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/912662098789746/?comment_id=912711478784808&offset=0&total_comments=7&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R0%22%7D] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorazepam Lorazepam] (Ativan) has also been reported to be worm-safe. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/912662098789746/?comment_id=1099405830115371&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzodiazepine Benzodiazepines] (BZD, benzos). There have been no reports of this type of drug having any adverse effect on helminths. The short-acting anti-anxiety drug, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alprazolam alprazolam] (Xanax), was taken by one hookworm host (0.5 mg 3 or 4 times over the course of a month) without any apparent effect on his worms. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/912662098789746/?comment_id=912671848788771&offset=0&total_comments=2&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D], [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/912662098789746/?comment_id=912703545452268&offset=0&total_comments=4&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] and the tranquillizer, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clonazepam clonazepam] (Klonopin), was found to be worm-safe by another helminth self-treater. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/912662098789746/?comment_id=912711478784808&offset=0&total_comments=7&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R0%22%7D] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorazepam Lorazepam] (Ativan) has also been reported to be worm-safe. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/912662098789746/?comment_id=1099405830115371&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bismuth_subsalicylate Bismuth subsalicylate] (pink bismuth, the active ingredient in various stomach-settling medications such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepto-Bismol Pepto-Bismol] and Kaopectate)<br>There has been one suggestion that bismuth may have a temporary adverse effect on human helminths, similar to that caused by local anaesthetics/anesthetics, but this has not been confirmed by others. Pepto-Bismol is [http://www.reyessyndrome.org/pdfs/medicationscontainingaspirin.pdf listed] as containing aspirin (acetylsalicylate) or an aspirin-like substance (see ✅ Anticoagulants section regarding this ingredient). | ||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tegretol Carbamazepine] (Tegretol, Equetro). This appears to be worm-safe. One host who took this for two weeks was still producing ample hookworm ova at the end of this period. | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tegretol Carbamazepine] (Tegretol, Equetro). This appears to be worm-safe. One host who took this for two weeks was still producing ample hookworm ova at the end of this period. | ||
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* ❌ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cry5B Cry5B]. This is one of a family of proteins produced by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacillus_thuringiensis Bacillus thuringiensis] (Bt), a bacterium that has been engineered into food crops such as corn and rice to render them pest resistant, and residues of B. thuringiensisbased insecticides have been found on fresh fruits and vegetables. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16672488] Cry5B can kill intestinal worms and is used as a natural insecticide on crops on some organic farms. The probiotic bacterium, Bacillus subtilis, can also be engineered to express the Cry5B protein, a small dose of which has been shown to kill intestinal nematode parasites, achieving a 93 percent elimination of human hookworms in hamsters. [https://www.asm.org/index.php/asm-newsroom2/journal-tipsheets/88-news-room/journal-tipsheets/91749-natural-pest-control-protein-effective-against-hookworm-a-billion-could-benefit], [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23835175] Although researchers may be pursuing this development as a means of delivering anthelminthics via foods and food supplements, the strain of Bacillus subtilis currently used in probiotics that have been manufactured for human consumption is not known to have been modified in this way, and one hookworm host has reported that his worms were unaffected after eating a lot of natto (made using Bacillus subtilis) and taking the Bacillus subtilis-containing probiotic product, Megasporebiotic. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1084149894974298/?comment_id=1084177824971505&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R6%22%7D] | * ❌ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cry5B Cry5B]. This is one of a family of proteins produced by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacillus_thuringiensis Bacillus thuringiensis] (Bt), a bacterium that has been engineered into food crops such as corn and rice to render them pest resistant, and residues of B. thuringiensisbased insecticides have been found on fresh fruits and vegetables. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16672488] Cry5B can kill intestinal worms and is used as a natural insecticide on crops on some organic farms. The probiotic bacterium, Bacillus subtilis, can also be engineered to express the Cry5B protein, a small dose of which has been shown to kill intestinal nematode parasites, achieving a 93 percent elimination of human hookworms in hamsters. [https://www.asm.org/index.php/asm-newsroom2/journal-tipsheets/88-news-room/journal-tipsheets/91749-natural-pest-control-protein-effective-against-hookworm-a-billion-could-benefit], [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23835175] Although researchers may be pursuing this development as a means of delivering anthelminthics via foods and food supplements, the strain of Bacillus subtilis currently used in probiotics that have been manufactured for human consumption is not known to have been modified in this way, and one hookworm host has reported that his worms were unaffected after eating a lot of natto (made using Bacillus subtilis) and taking the Bacillus subtilis-containing probiotic product, Megasporebiotic. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1084149894974298/?comment_id=1084177824971505&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R6%22%7D] | ||
* | * ❓ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2,3-Dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic_acid DMPS] (Dimercapto-propane sulfonate/2,3-Dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid) and its sodium salt, Unithiol. There have been no reports so far about possible anthelminthic effects following the use of this drug, but there do appear to be some serious risks attached to its use. | ||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimercaptosuccinic_acid DMSA] (Dimercaptosuccinic acid, also called succimer). The meso isomer form of this organosulfur compound is used as a chelating agent for the treatment of heavy metal toxicity. One hookworm host has taken 25 mg DMSA every 3 hours around the clock for 5 days, and repeated this every 3 weeks for a year without harming her hookworm colony. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/860154964040460/?comment_id=991229547599667&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R0%22%7D] DMSA is apparently such an effective chelator that it may deplete levels of beneficial minerals, so should arguably be used under the guidance of a practitioner. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/860154964040460/?comment_id=860226537366636&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R1%22%7D] | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimercaptosuccinic_acid DMSA] (Dimercaptosuccinic acid, also called succimer). The meso isomer form of this organosulfur compound is used as a chelating agent for the treatment of heavy metal toxicity. One hookworm host has taken 25 mg DMSA every 3 hours around the clock for 5 days, and repeated this every 3 weeks for a year without harming her hookworm colony. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/860154964040460/?comment_id=991229547599667&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R0%22%7D] DMSA is apparently such an effective chelator that it may deplete levels of beneficial minerals, so should arguably be used under the guidance of a practitioner. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/860154964040460/?comment_id=860226537366636&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R1%22%7D] | ||
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* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimethyl_sulfoxide DMSO] (Dimethyl sulfoxide) has been used by one helminth host without adverse effect. | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimethyl_sulfoxide DMSO] (Dimethyl sulfoxide) has been used by one helminth host without adverse effect. | ||
* | * ❓ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylenediaminetetraacetic_acid EDTA] (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). There are, as yet, no reports from helminth hosts about the possible effects on intestinal worms of this heavy metal chelator. | ||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_oil Essential oils]. These are also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils, aetherolea, or simply as the "oil of" the plant from which they were extracted. Certain essential oils contain some of the most potent antimicrobial compounds available and can be considered to be [http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/01/the-new-antibiotics-might-be-essential-oils/384247/ natural antibiotics]. For example ❌'''oregano oil''' and ⚡'''peppermint oil''' can affect human helminths if ingested. However when essential oils are diffused into the air using a nebuliser, heated over a candle flame or burned, these should not harm helminths, even when using blends containing oregano or peppermint oil. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/807989739256983/?comment_id=808058079250149&offset=0&total_comments=3], [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/807989739256983/?comment_id=809316062457684&offset=0&total_comments=6&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_oil Essential oils]. These are also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils, aetherolea, or simply as the "oil of" the plant from which they were extracted. Certain essential oils contain some of the most potent antimicrobial compounds available and can be considered to be [http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/01/the-new-antibiotics-might-be-essential-oils/384247/ natural antibiotics]. For example ❌'''oregano oil''' and ⚡'''peppermint oil''' can affect human helminths if ingested. However when essential oils are diffused into the air using a nebuliser, heated over a candle flame or burned, these should not harm helminths, even when using blends containing oregano or peppermint oil. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/807989739256983/?comment_id=808058079250149&offset=0&total_comments=3], [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/807989739256983/?comment_id=809316062457684&offset=0&total_comments=6&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] | ||
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* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helium Helium] appears to be worm-safe, based on the experience of one hookworm host who deliberately inhaled a small volume of the gas (to enjoy the timbre-changing effect on his voice!) while blowing up balloons, and had no loss of effect from his worm colony. | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helium Helium] appears to be worm-safe, based on the experience of one hookworm host who deliberately inhaled a small volume of the gas (to enjoy the timbre-changing effect on his voice!) while blowing up balloons, and had no loss of effect from his worm colony. | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_peroxide Hydrogen peroxide] (H2O2). This may kill helminths in a petri dish but it is so highly reactive that, if ingested, there is likely to be little left by the time it reaches the stomach. It is therefore thought to be unlikely to be a problem for helminths, although no one has reported on this, one way or the other, so it may pay to be cautious with H2O2 until there is more certainty. | ||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iodine Iodine]. This appears not to have any anthelminthic effect in the case of [http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02356443?no-access=true some species of roundworm and lungworm] and no reports of adverse effects have been posted by helminth hosts who are taking iodine supplements. | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iodine Iodine]. This appears not to have any anthelminthic effect in the case of [http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02356443?no-access=true some species of roundworm and lungworm] and no reports of adverse effects have been posted by helminth hosts who are taking iodine supplements. | ||
* | * ❓ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isotretinoin Isotretinoin] (13-cis retinoic acid, Roaccutane, Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, Absorica, Isotroin and Epuris) is used to treat acne and other skin conditions. Although there have been no reports of harm to helminths as a result of taking this drug, anyone considering its use might appreciate knowing that it has been linked to autoimmune disease, which is of course what many readers of this document are already dealing with. The link is controversial, but this paper[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4110532/] sets out the facts. | ||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactulose Lactulose]. This synthetic, non-digestible sugar used in the treatment of chronic constipation and as a test for small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has not been reported to have any untoward effects on human helminths. | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactulose Lactulose]. This synthetic, non-digestible sugar used in the treatment of chronic constipation and as a test for small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has not been reported to have any untoward effects on human helminths. | ||
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* ❌ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mepacrine Mepacrine] (quinacrine [Atabrine]). This is an antiprotozoal drug that has also been used against tapeworms, so it could harm hookworms and whipworms. No one has so far reported any problem with it, but it's likely that few, if any, helminth hosts will have taken it, especially as, "Mepacrine is not the drug of choice because side effects are common, including toxic psychosis, and may cause permanent damage." | * ❌ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mepacrine Mepacrine] (quinacrine [Atabrine]). This is an antiprotozoal drug that has also been used against tapeworms, so it could harm hookworms and whipworms. No one has so far reported any problem with it, but it's likely that few, if any, helminth hosts will have taken it, especially as, "Mepacrine is not the drug of choice because side effects are common, including toxic psychosis, and may cause permanent damage." | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metformin Metformin] [Glucophage], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenformin phenformin], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosiglitazone rosiglitazone] [Avandia] are [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-diabetic_medication anti-diabetic medications] (also known as oral hypoglycemic or antihyperglycemic agents) that have been shown to have antibiotic properties[http://www.cysonline.org/article.asp?issn=2229-5186;year=2011;volume=2;issue=4;spage=219;epage=221;aulast=Dash], so might therefore have some degree of anthelminthic effect when used in higher doses. However no reports of such an effect have been posted so far by hosts of therapeutic human helminths. | ||
* ⚡ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methotrexate Methotrexate]. Some people are able to take methotrexate alongside HT without any problem[http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/topics/9081], but one individual got no benefit from his worms for over a year, until he stopped taking this drug. | * ⚡ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methotrexate Methotrexate]. Some people are able to take methotrexate alongside HT without any problem[http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/topics/9081], but one individual got no benefit from his worms for over a year, until he stopped taking this drug. | ||
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* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-steroidal_anti-inflammatory_drug Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs] (NSAIDS, NSAIAs or NSAIMs) e.g: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspirin aspirin], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diclofenac diclofenac] (sold under many trade names[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diclofenac%23Trade_names]), [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibuprofen ibuprofen] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naproxen naproxen], are safe for use with helminths, but see Anticoagulants section regarding aspirin. | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-steroidal_anti-inflammatory_drug Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs] (NSAIDS, NSAIAs or NSAIMs) e.g: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspirin aspirin], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diclofenac diclofenac] (sold under many trade names[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diclofenac%23Trade_names]), [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibuprofen ibuprofen] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naproxen naproxen], are safe for use with helminths, but see Anticoagulants section regarding aspirin. | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone Ozone]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_therapy Ozone therapy] is used as an alternative treatment for various diseases in humans but is still controversial. Ozone is also used to kill microorganisms, in some instances being employed in place of chlorine as a bactericide. It is also used to eradicate water borne parasites such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium, and to kill insects in stored grain. So there would appear to be a potential for ozone to have an adverse effect on human helminths, although this may depend on dosage and there have been no reports to date of the use of ozone by helminth hosts, so caution would seem to be warranted until more is known. | ||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetaminophen Paracetamol] (acetaminophen). This is safe for use with helminths | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetaminophen Paracetamol] (acetaminophen). This is safe for use with helminths | ||
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* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoephedrine Pseudoephedrine] is a stimulant nasal decongestant[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decongestant] that is sometimes added to antihistamine preparations and other products, including some formulations sold under the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudafed Sudafed] brand. Pseudoephedrine has not been reported to have any adverse effect on helminths. | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoephedrine Pseudoephedrine] is a stimulant nasal decongestant[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decongestant] that is sometimes added to antihistamine preparations and other products, including some formulations sold under the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudafed Sudafed] brand. Pseudoephedrine has not been reported to have any adverse effect on helminths. | ||
* | * ❖ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iodine-131 Radioactive iodine] (also known as radioiodine), which is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, can adversely affect hookworms, at least temporarily. One worm host found that '''isotope I-128''' (used in diagnostics) [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/830004963722127/ put her colony out of action for a week or two], and has suggested that '''isotope I-131''' (used to kill thyroid tissue) may have a similar effect. | ||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viagra Sildenafil] (Viagra). This does not kill hookworms[https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/topics/2144]. | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viagra Sildenafil] (Viagra). This does not kill hookworms[https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/topics/2144]. | ||
* | * ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simethicone Simethicone]. This anti-foaming agent is used in different dosages, and in combination with a variety of other drugs, in a huge number of products, including Gas-X, to reduce bloating and the discomfort caused by excessive gas. Simethicone has been tested directly on pig whipworm ova (TSO) and found to have no effect on them, but there have been no reports so far to suggest whether or not it might affect human helminths. | ||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_oxybate Sodium oxybate] (Xyrem, Alcover) is the sodium salt of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma-Hydroxybutyric_acid γ-hydroxybutyric acid] (GHB), which is unlikely to harm helminths because it’s an endogenous substance found naturally in the human body[https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/813700862019204/?comment_id=815965665126057&offset=0&total_comments=23&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D], and one hookworm/whipworm host has confirmed that it did not affect her worms.[https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/813700862019204/?comment_id=815975511791739&offset=0&total_comments=24&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_oxybate Sodium oxybate] (Xyrem, Alcover) is the sodium salt of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma-Hydroxybutyric_acid γ-hydroxybutyric acid] (GHB), which is unlikely to harm helminths because it’s an endogenous substance found naturally in the human body[https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/813700862019204/?comment_id=815965665126057&offset=0&total_comments=23&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D], and one hookworm/whipworm host has confirmed that it did not affect her worms.[https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/813700862019204/?comment_id=815975511791739&offset=0&total_comments=24&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] | ||
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=== Alternative antibiotics === | === Alternative antibiotics === | ||
* | <blockquote> | ||
* ❓ '''Cellular silver'''. The manufacturers of [http://www.resultsrna.com/products/acs_200_overview/ Advanced Cellular Silver (ACS) 200 Extra Strength] claim that it is “...effective against an enormous array of disease causing organisms; literally oxidizing the cell wall of gram positive and gram negative bacteria, spirochetes, virus, fungus, parasites and more without harming healthy flora or damaging human tissue”. Research[http://www.townsendletter.com/Jan2015/silver0115.html] shows that this form of silver may be more effective than ❖'''colloidal silver''' (see local reference), but, so far, there have been no reports from helminth hosts to suggest what effect, if any, it might have on human helminths. | |||
* | * ❖ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colloidal_silver Colloidal silver]. Some sources have claimed that, if taken orally, this may kill parasite eggs and possibly harm adult worms, but many helminth hosts have taken colloidal silver and there have been no reports of worms being lost as a result. Colloidal silver appears to be the most worm-friendly of the more effective natural antimicrobials. Although it can reduce helminthic benefits in a dose-dependent manner while it is being taken, the benefits soon return after its use is discontinued - usually in a matter of days. (Use of this [http://www.silversafety.org/autocalculator.php Silver Safety Auto-calculator] will ensure that total silver intake remains at a safe level.) | ||
* ⚡ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grapefruit_seed_extract Grapefruit seed extract] (GSE). Also known as citrus seed extract and grapefruit seed oil, and often labelled as citrus seed oil. It is used in herbalism and natural therapies as an antibiotic and preservative, and is claimed to be a powerful broad spectrum bactericide, fungicide and antiviral that is effective against a large number of single-celled and multi-celled parasites. However, research has shown that [http://cms.herbalgram.org/press/2012/Many_GFSE_Adulterated_Says_Nonprofit_Research_Consortium.html many “natural” GSE products are adulterated] with undeclared synthetic chemicals, commercially available preservatives and disinfectants, such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triclosan triclosan] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzethonium_chloride benzethonium chloride]. Some versions of GSE [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17468864 may not contain any authentic grapefruit seed extracts] whatsoever, such that its sale may well be one of the most insidious herbal product scams ever. Even if genuinely pure, natural GSE could be found - which, given the evidence, seems doubtful - there may be little point in taking it as an antimicrobial because pure GSE has been shown to have no intrinsic antimicrobial action. And, as the makeup of proprietary GSE products varies so widely, these can not be recommended for worm hosts due to the possibility that one or more of the undeclared ingredients may harm human helminths. (NB. The flesh of grapefruit will not harm helminths.) | * ⚡ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grapefruit_seed_extract Grapefruit seed extract] (GSE). Also known as citrus seed extract and grapefruit seed oil, and often labelled as citrus seed oil. It is used in herbalism and natural therapies as an antibiotic and preservative, and is claimed to be a powerful broad spectrum bactericide, fungicide and antiviral that is effective against a large number of single-celled and multi-celled parasites. However, research has shown that [http://cms.herbalgram.org/press/2012/Many_GFSE_Adulterated_Says_Nonprofit_Research_Consortium.html many “natural” GSE products are adulterated] with undeclared synthetic chemicals, commercially available preservatives and disinfectants, such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triclosan triclosan] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzethonium_chloride benzethonium chloride]. Some versions of GSE [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17468864 may not contain any authentic grapefruit seed extracts] whatsoever, such that its sale may well be one of the most insidious herbal product scams ever. Even if genuinely pure, natural GSE could be found - which, given the evidence, seems doubtful - there may be little point in taking it as an antimicrobial because pure GSE has been shown to have no intrinsic antimicrobial action. And, as the makeup of proprietary GSE products varies so widely, these can not be recommended for worm hosts due to the possibility that one or more of the undeclared ingredients may harm human helminths. (NB. The flesh of grapefruit will not harm helminths.) | ||
</blockquote> | |||
=== ⚡ Ayurvedic remedies [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurvedic] === | === ⚡ Ayurvedic remedies [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurvedic] === | ||
<blockquote> | |||
The following ayurvedic remedies are used, in combination, to treat pinworms, so may also have an adverse effect | The following ayurvedic remedies are used, in combination, to treat pinworms, so may also have an adverse effect | ||
on other helminths: | on other helminths: | ||
| Line 872: | Line 875: | ||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triphala Triphala]. This is an Ayurvedic herbal formula combining three myrobalans: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica/Terminalia bellerica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). The latter two of these are reported to be anthelminthic, but they also have laxative properties, and this latter characteristic, rather than actual wormkilling ability, may be the source of any ‘anthelminthic’ effects. | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triphala Triphala]. This is an Ayurvedic herbal formula combining three myrobalans: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica/Terminalia bellerica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). The latter two of these are reported to be anthelminthic, but they also have laxative properties, and this latter characteristic, rather than actual wormkilling ability, may be the source of any ‘anthelminthic’ effects. | ||
</blockquote> | |||
=== Chinese herbal medicines [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Herbal_Medicine] === | === Chinese herbal medicines [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Herbal_Medicine] === | ||
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==== ❌ Anthelminthic Chinese herbs ==== | ==== ❌ Anthelminthic Chinese herbs ==== | ||
<blockquote> | |||
* Bing Lang (Semen arecae). Used against roundworms and flukes. | * Bing Lang (Semen arecae). Used against roundworms and flukes. | ||
* Chuan Lian Gen Pi (Cortex meliae radicis). Used against roundworms. | * Chuan Lian Gen Pi (Cortex meliae radicis). Used against roundworms. | ||
| Line 889: | Line 894: | ||
* Wu Mei Wan (Mume Pill). Used against roundworms. | * Wu Mei Wan (Mume Pill). Used against roundworms. | ||
* Zi Su Ye (Folium perillae). Used in combination remedies to treat hookworms. | * Zi Su Ye (Folium perillae). Used in combination remedies to treat hookworms. | ||
</blockquote> | |||
=== Homeopathic remedies === | === Homeopathic remedies === | ||
==== ❌ Antiparasitic homeopathic remedies ==== | ==== ❌ Antiparasitic homeopathic remedies [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeopathy] ==== | ||
<blockquote> | |||
* Cina (a homeopathically potentised form of Eurasian wormwood - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisia_cina Artemisia cina]) | * Cina (a homeopathically potentised form of Eurasian wormwood - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisia_cina Artemisia cina]) | ||
* Cuprum oxidatum nigrum | * Cuprum oxidatum nigrum | ||
| Line 903: | Line 910: | ||
* Stanum | * Stanum | ||
* Teucrium marum | * Teucrium marum | ||
</blockquote> | |||
== Foods, supplements, spices and herbs == | == Foods, supplements, spices and herbs == | ||
{{Columns|3}} | |||
There are lists on the internet claiming that common foods and spices such as pumpkin seeds, turmeric, and even | |||
carrots, will kill helminths, | |||
but normal dietary amounts of most ''unprocessed'' foods, spices and herbs, will not harm helminths. | |||
For example, carrots and sweet potatoes are both claimed to be 'antiparasitic' in some | |||
online lists, but one individual who eats 400 g (14 oz) of one or other of these vegetables every day, is still able to | |||
maintain a thriving hookworm colony, and there are others who have eaten far more than this without harming | |||
their worms. There are several further reports confirming the safety of dietary amounts of foods and spices here | |||
[http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/topics/8280], | |||
[http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/topics/7627], | |||
[http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/topics/8287], | |||
[http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/topics/8484]. | |||
The only problem that is likely to arise with foods, spices or herbs is when these, and particularly herbs, are | |||
artificially concentrated or processed to create extracts or tinctures. Any herbal medicine that claims to have | |||
antiparasitic, or even antibacterial or antifungal properties may present a potential risk to human helminths and | |||
should therefore be approached with caution. The ultimate potency of these substances will depend on a number of | |||
factors, including, in the case of plants, the part used, the [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=21110041 method of extraction], the extent of concentration and/or | |||
processing, and dosage. | |||
The effect of such substances also appears to vary between individuals, probably due to differences in the strength | |||
of their immune response to helminths, and some people, particularly those who have more difficulty holding on to | |||
a viable helminth colony and therefore need more frequent top-ups (especially a subset of patients with IBD or | |||
coeliac disease, and some with allergies) may find that ingesting certain substances that have no effect on the | |||
worms of other hosts may tip the balance in their case and cause a temporary dip in worm benefits, or even a loss | |||
of worms. For example, one helminth host has reported taking peppermint oil continuously without any apparent | |||
adverse effect on his worms, yet another individual could not keep a worm colony at all while taking peppermint | |||
oil. | |||
In the case of some foods and herbs, a single part of the plant, usually a part that is not normally eaten - perhaps | |||
the bark or root - may have antiparasitic properties, while other parts of the same plant may be perfectly safe to | |||
eat. For example, the seeds of pomegranates are safe to eat, while the bark of the stems of this plant contains an | |||
anthelminthic compound, and the bark of the root contains an even more potent form of this alkaloid, which is | |||
used to treat roundworms, pinworms and tapeworms. | |||
So, while bearing in mind the general principles set out in the Introduction and the last few paragraphs above, and using the details in the list below, helminth hosts need to observe their own responses and learn what they, as individuals, can and cannot safely consume while hosting helminths. | |||
There will often be a warning indication whenever one's worms are not happy. This may be a general loss of | |||
wellbeing, or a return of specific symptoms. For example, one person always gets a marked increase in nasal | |||
congestion if something compromises the health of his worms. | |||
{{Columns}} | |||
=== ✅ Foods === | |||
<blockquote> | |||
Food items are considered safe unless marked otherwise. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitter_melon Bitter melon] (momordica charantia). This cucumber-shaped vegetable found in Asian markets is also known as karela, ampalaya and bitter gourd. Both fruit and seeds have been and still are used in a number of countries to treat pinworm infections, and for expelling parasites generally. However, the quantities quoted as being necessary in order to eradicate worms are rather large, for example two whole melons each day for seven to ten days, repeated after two months. It is therefore unlikely that normal dietary amounts of bitter melon will adversely affect helminths. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrot Carrot] (Daucus carota, subsp. sativus). The taproot of the carrot is rich in beta carotene, a precursor for vitamin A, which has been claimed to increase resistance to penetration by larvae. Carrots have also been claimed to be offensive to all parasites and valuable in the elimination of threadworms, but normal dietary amounts are not harmful to therapeutic helminths, and many helminth hosts have regularly eaten significant quantities of this vegetable (e.g., up to 1kg daily [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1074474759275145/?comment_id=1084028951653059&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D]) without adversely affecting their worms. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicory Chicory] (Cichorium intybus). This is well known for its toxicity to intestinal parasites, and studies have indicated that ingestion of chicory by farm animals results in reduced worm burdens. This plant contains volatile oils similar to those found in plants in the related genus Tanacetum, which includes Tansy, and is said to be similarly effective in eliminating intestinal worms, but eating dietary quantities of chicory has not been reported to adversely affect human helminths. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citron Citron] (Citrus medica). Alcoholic extracts of the rind of citron have shown ‘moderate’ anthelmintic activity against the human roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, in test tube studies. These extracts may therefore also have an adverse effect on other helminths, though there is no evidence that eating normal dietary amounts of the flesh of this fruit might harm human helminths. | |||
* ⚡ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut Coconut]. Coconut products contain medium-chain fatty acids that have been shown to be effective against many parasites including giardia, other protozoa, and also tapeworms. However, in the case of dried or ground coconut flesh, only a very large quantity will harm therapeutic helminths. For example, eating an entire cake baked with coconut flour brought a return of disease symptoms for one hookworm host. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/946802485375707/]<br>Most helminth hosts find that they can eat normal dietary amounts of coconut products without adversely affecting their worms, as can be seen here ([http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/topics/8287], [http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/topics/8484], [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/544122108977082/], [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/877714092284547/?comment_id=880956541960302&offset=0&total_comments=6&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D], [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/872052362850720/?comment_id=872162672839689&offset=0&total_comments=10&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D], [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1026756790713609/?comment_id=1026771657378789&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D], [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1026756790713609/?comment_id=1026788797377075&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D]). Nevertheless, coconut products do have a potential to affect helminths in some individuals, especially coconut oil and coconut milk, and the effect is dose-dependent. For example, one hookworm host who checks the egg output of his worms has reported that they produced zero eggs for a time after twice drinking coconut milk. Another hookworm host who ate several curries in a row that contained meat and vegetables cooked in coconut milk, has said that she experienced a loss of worm benefits for three weeks. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/872574262798530/] And yet another hookworm host gets increased pain a few hours after ingesting coconut milk or powder. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/966600183395937/?comment_id=967794996609789&reply_comment_id=968778733178082&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R3%22%7D] <br>Someone else found that, while consuming 200 mg of coconut milk caused a temporary return of mild symptoms of his disease, he regularly eats coconut oil without any obvious problem, but another hookworm host has reported that his colony continues to thrive and produce eggs when he takes 3 tablespoons of coconut oil every day [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1084278171628137/?comment_id=1088696887852932&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] although, at this dosage, about ⅓ of the larvae he incubates will be dead and the rest “less energetic”, so he normally restricts himself to 2 tablespoons per day. <br>Coconut water may also adversely affect a hookworm colony, as one host found after drinking 1 litre of coconut water, [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1051741958215092/] but coconut sugar should not carry the same degree of risk because, whereas coconut milk, oil and flour are all obtained from the flesh of mature coconuts, and coconut water is also from inside the fleshy part of the coconut, coconut sugar comes from the sap of coconut palm flower buds and consists largely of sugars. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cranberry Cranberry] (Vaccinium macrocarpon). This is claimed by some sources to contain antiparasitic enzymes, and cranberry powder is sometimes included in proprietary antiparasitic formulations, although evidence for its effectiveness in this context is lacking. Cranberry juice was used traditionally to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), but it works by changing the bacteria in ways that [http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/198711.php prevent bacterial adhesion] rather than killing them. While drinking 15 fl oz of cranberry juice per day is claimed to help arrest a mild urinary infection, [http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306498.php cranberry powder capsules are more effective], and '''D-mannose''', a cranberry derivative, is even more effective than the powder. | |||
* ❓ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rub_(syrup) Date syrup], also known as “rub”. Laboratory tests have revealed that [http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150330213949.htm some forms of date syrup may have antibacterial activity], possibly due to the presence of phenolic compounds that form naturally in the dates as they mature. Significantly, the syrup was able to inhibit the growth of bacteria faster than ⚡'''Manuka honey''', which several people have suspected of having adversely affected their worms. However, [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/811693292219961/?comment_id=811695265553097&offset=0&total_comments=1&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D eating dates is unlikely to be harmful to helminths]. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dietary_fiber Dietary fibre] (fiber). Some sources claim that eating a lot of fibre may reduce the number of intestinal worms, but fibre consumed as an integral part of a normal diet has not been reported to be a problem for human helminths. | |||
* ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_foods Genetically modified foods] (GMOs). Some food crops, such as corn and rice, have been genetically modified to produce ❌'''Cry5B''', a protein that can kill intestinal worms, including the human hookworm. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacillus_thuringiensis Bacillus thuringiensis] (Bt), the bacterium that produces Cry5B, is also applied as a [http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-07/asfm-npc072313.php natural insecticide] on crops on some organic farms, but there is no indication yet that GM foods are a potential threat to human helminths. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grapefruit Grapefruit] (citrus paradisi). The flesh of the common grapefruit is perfectly safe to eat while hosting helminths, although ⚡'''grapefruit seed extract''' does have a potential to harm helminths due to the typical addition of synthetic adulterants. Also potentially harmful are some extracts of the rind of ❌'''Citrus decumana''', a close relative of the grapefruit. | |||
* ⚡ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey Honey]. Honey can contain antivirals[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25333699] and powerful antimicrobials[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3074369/], some of which can have effects comparable with those of antibiotics such as clarithromycin, and certain types of honey have particularly potent antimicrobial activity. Several people have suspected that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C4%81nuka_honey Manuka honey] (which inhibits dental plaque as effectively as chlorhexidine mouthwash[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22114423]) has adversely affected their worms, while others have reported that raw honey reduces the benefits from their worms, for example causing increased pain several hours after ingestion, [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/966600183395937/?comment_id=967794996609789&reply_comment_id=968778733178082&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R3%22%7D] and research[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140908093741.htm] reported in 2014 may explain why raw honey might have this effect. However, one hookworm host, who regularly takes a manuka honey/apple cider vinegar combination, has not noticed any loss of benefits, and another two have reported no apparent adverse effect on their worms after consuming raw honey. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/544122108977082/] | |||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefir Kefir]. Although kefir has been claimed online to kill “parasites”, [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1116999411689346/ it doesn’t harm helminths]. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lime_(fruit) Lime] (Citrus acida). While alcoholic extracts of the rind of limes have shown ‘moderate’ anthelmintic activity against the human roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, in test tube studies[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1158424], and extracts of the rind may have an adverse effect on other helminths, there is no reason to believe that eating the flesh of limes will harm human helminths. | |||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medium-chain_triglyceride Medium-chain triglycerides] (MCTs) are extracted from ⚡'''coconut oil''', amongst other things. However, there have been no reports about MCTs having an adverse effect on helminths, which is not surprising considering that MCTs are food elements, and that 10-20% of the fatty acids found in the milk of cows, sheep and goats are MCTs. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onion Onion] (Allium cepa). This is used as an ingredient in some proprietary deworming formulations and has been claimed to create an 'uninhabitable environment' for intestinal worms and to help eradicate tapeworms in particular. However, if eaten in normal dietary quantities, onion should not harm therapeutic human helminths. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_foods Organic foods]. While these are less likely to be contaminated with chemicals, some organic farmers apply [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacillus_thuringiensis Bacillus thuringiensis] (Bt) to their crops as a natural insecticide. This bacterium produces ❌'''Cry5B''', a protein that can kill intestinal worms, [http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-07/asfm-npc072313.php including human hookworms]. However many hosts of human helminths have eaten organic foods without them affecting their worms. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papaya Papaya] (Carica papaya, also known as or papaw, pawpaw or paw paw). The fruit and leaves contain both antiseptic and antiparasitic compounds, including one called [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpaine carpaine], which is claimed to kill and expel intestinal worms. Papaya latex has been shown to be an [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26343287 effective anthelminthic] against a variety of nematode parasites. However, it is unlikely that eating normal dietary amounts of the flesh of the fruit will adversely affect human helminths and, when someone who grows his own hookworms added a large amount of papaya - comparable to a human eating 2 or 3 pawpaws - to a petri dish full of larvae, these were unaffected. However, ⚡'''Papaya seeds''' are also rich in caricin which is reportedly effective in expelling roundworms, and a randomized, placebo-controlled study[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17472487] concluded that air-dried papaya seeds are effective against various types of human intestinal parasites. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate Pomegranate] (Punica granatum). The flesh and seeds of the pomegranate have not been reported to harm human helminths. However, the rind of the fruit, and the bark of both the root and stems of the pomegranate tree contain an anthelmintic alkaloid, punicine, which is used to treat roundworms and pinworms and is said to be highly toxic to tapeworms. One hookworm host has reported losing benefits after accidentally consuming a small amount of pomegranate extract. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1166864270036193/] ❌'''Pomegranate extracts''' should therefore be avoided. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumpkin Pumpkin] (Cucurbita species). This is also referred to as squash or gourd, depending on species, variety and local parlance. Pumpkin seeds contain an antiparasitic compound called [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cucurbitacin curcurbitacin] and they were used traditionally as a remedy for tapeworms and roundworms. However, their effect is likely to be dose-dependent, and large amounts are recommend by herbalists for deworming, e,g., up to 25 ounces for adults. One worm host has reported that eating moderate amounts of pumpkin seeds has not adversely affected her hookworms, and eating the flesh of the pumpkin/squash/gourd is unlikely to have any adverse effect on any human helminth. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radish Radish] (Raphanus sativus). This has been used as an alternative treatment for intestinal parasites, and is included as an ingredient in some proprietary deworming formulations, but it is unlikely to have any adverse effect on human helminths if eaten as part of a normal diet. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squash_(plant) Squash]. See '''Pumpkin''' above. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_potatoes Sweet potato] (Ipomoea batatas). Like the carrot, this root vegetable is rich in beta carotene, a precursor for vitamin A, which it has been claimed can increase resistance to penetration by larvae. However, numerous hosts of human helminths regularly eat significant amounts of sweet potato (e.g., up to 1kg daily [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1074474759275145/?comment_id=1084028951653059&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D]) without any adverse effect on their worms. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juglans_regia Walnut], English (Juglans regia). Also known as the Persian, common, California, or Carpathian walnut. This does not appear to have gained a reputation as an anthelminthic, unlike the ⚡'''black walnut'''. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylitol Xylitol]. One hookworm host has reported[https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/833127066743250/?comment_id=833225923400031&offset=0&total_comments=6&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] that he takes xylitol daily in place of sugar and has not noticed any effect on his colony. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yam_(vegetable) Yam] (Dioscorea). Like carrot and sweet potato, the yam is rich in beta carotene, a precursor for vitamin A which is thought to increase resistance to penetration by larvae. However, numerous hosts of human helminths regularly eat this vegetable without adversely affecting their worms. | |||
</blockquote> | |||
=== ✅ Nutritional supplements === | |||
<blockquote> | |||
Supplements are safe for helminths unless marked otherwise. | |||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5-Hydroxytryptophan 5-HTP] (5-Hydroxytryptophan, also known as oxitriptan and marketed under trade names such as Cincofarm, Levothym, Levotonine, Oxyfan, Telesol, Tript-OH and Triptum) This is used as an antidepressant, appetite suppressant and sleep aid. One hookworm host has reported[https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/811459492243341/?comment_id=811659322223358&offset=0&total_comments=3&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] taking 5-HTP without any adverse effect on her worms. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetylcysteine Acetylcysteine] (also known as N-acetylcysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and NAC). One hookworm host has reported[https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/832123420176948/?comment_id=832517453470878&offset=0&total_comments=3&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] taking this from time to time without causing any problem for his colony. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Activated_charcoal_(medication) Activated charcoal (also known as activated carbon). There has been one confirmation that charcoal doesn’t harm hookworms [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/513613715361255/?comment_id=514186115304015&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R0%22%7D], and another report that taking it didn't cause any return of symptoms in a Crohn’s patient. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/792437597478864/?comment_id=792881060767851&offset=0&total_comments=10&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R3%22%7D] | |||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipoic_acid Alpha lipoic acid] (ALA), also known as Lipoic acid (LA), α-lipoic acid and thioctic acid. This organosulphur compound is made naturally in animals, where it is essential for aerobic metabolism. Because of its antioxidant properties, it is also sold as a dietary supplement and is available in some countries as a pharmaceutical drug. One host of both hookworms and human whipworms has taken between 300 and 600 mg of alpha lipoic acid per day without any harm befalling their worms. | |||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amine_oxidase Amine oxidase] (also known as diamine oxidase, DAO and histaminase). This enzyme, which is involved in the metabolism of histamine, is produced by the body and found in high concentrations in the digestive tract and placenta. It has therefore been suggested[https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/883903308332292/?comment_id=883916171664339&offset=0&total_comments=2&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R0%22%7D] that it is unlikely to be harmful to helminths, although there are not yet any reports to confirm this. | |||
* ❌ [https://atrantil.com/ Atrantil] contains three active botanicals: M. balsamea Willd (peppermint) leaf extract, quebracho extract and conker tree extract. While ⚡'''peppermint oil''' has proved to be a problem for some hosts of human helminths (see the entry for peppermint), it is possible that the leaf extract may be worm-safe. However, quebracho extract has been shown to effectively reduce worm burdens in sheep. [http://www.fao.org/docs/eims/upload/agrotech/1905/R7424%20(04)%20Embu%20proceedings.pdf] | |||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bee_pollen Bee pollen]. One hookworm host has reported[https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/messages/11152] that eating small amounts of this has had no obvious adverse effect on this worms. | |||
* ❌ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta-Sitosterol beta-Sitosterol] has demonstrated anthelminthic effects [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12587699] and two hookworm hosts have reported a return of their disease symptoms after taking beta-Sitosterol. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/1102220229833931/?comment_id=1135959856459968&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R0%22%7D], [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1103458306376790/?comment_id=1106538649402089&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] | |||
* [http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-312-BETAINE%20HYDROCHLORIDE.aspx?activeIngredientId=312&activeIngredientName=BETAINE%20HYDROCHLORIDE Betaine hydrochloride]. One hookworm host has reported using betaine HCL without noticing any loss of benefits from her worms. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1103458306376790/?comment_id=1106534052735882&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R1%22%7D], [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1103458306376790/?comment_id=1106538649402089&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] | |||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorella Chlorella]. One hookworm host took ½ teaspoon of this single-cell green algae daily for a year without any obvious effect on her worms. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1037512569638031/?comment_id=1037568506299104&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] | |||
* ❓ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorophyllin Chlorophyllin]. This semi-synthetic derivative of chlorophyll is used as a food colouring agent (e.g., E number E141) and as a treatment aimed at reducing various bodily odours, but its suitability for use by helminth hosts has been questioned because of its apparent [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19009310 ability to kill mosquito larvae and other small animals] at low concentrations, although this effect appears to be dependent on the presence of sunlight. (Also see Chlorophyll.) | |||
* ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chondroitin_sulfate Chondroitin Sulfate]. In an animal study, chondroitin sulfate was shown to prevent threadworms from establishing in the digestive system, but one subject has taken 900 mg daily for several years without any obvious adverse effect on his worms. | |||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colostrum Colostrum]. A hookworm host has taken this without any adverse effect on her colony. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/1145589722163648/?comment_id=1145807582141862&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R1%22%7D] | |||
* ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mannose D-mannose]. This naturally occurring simple sugar is the ingredient in cranberries that makes their juice effective against urinary tract infections. Pure D-mannose is 10-50 times stronger than cranberry juice, making it more suitable for stubborn cases of UTI, and it reportedly resolves more than 90% of all UTIs within 1-2 days. [http://www.tahomaclinicblog.com/d-mannose-for-bladder-and-kidney-infections/], [http://www.townsendletter.com/May2014/gaby0514.html]<br>Taking steps to make the urine less acidic (e.g., by taking Tums[https://www.tums.com/]) might [http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150625161623.htm make cranberry-based treatments even more effective]. D-mannose is non-toxic, produces no adverse effects and, while there have been no reports to confirm it’s lack of adverse effects on human helminths, it is unlikely to do them any harm. | |||
* ⚡ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digestive_enzymes Digestive enzymes], such as papain and bromelain, are said to make the intestinal tract inhospitable to parasites by dissolving their outer layers. In particular, papain - the milky juice of the unripe papaya - is claimed to be a powerful agent for destroying roundworms. One subject has reported a return of symptoms after taking a product containing bromelain, protease, papain, lipase and amylase for several weeks, and another individual has reported losing their entire hookworm colony after taking ''Healthy Origins Broad Spectrum Digestive Enzymes''[http://www.healthyorigins.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=85736], which contain amylase, protease, peptidase, alpha-galactosidase, glucoamylase, acid maltase, cellulase, pectinase, protease, lipase, lactase, beta-glucanase, invertase and hemicellulase. [https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/messages/11383], [https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/messages/11385] However, several other helminth hosts have taken digestive enzymes, including Terranova's quercetin nettle complex which contains bromelain, without any obvious effect on their worms [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/888731831182773/?comment_id=888738757848747&offset=0&total_comments=1&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] and one of these has regularly taken pancreatin-based products from different manufacturers, mostly from Pure Encapsulations, but also a lipase product by Integrative Therapeutics. [https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/messages/11388] Another hookworm host who regularly takes digestive enzymes with his meals has never noticed any adverse effect on his colony. He generally avoids papain and bromelain, but regularly takes pancreatin, lipase, Acid Ease, and occasionally Udo's Choice enzymes, selecting them according to the size and contents of each meal. Udo's Choice brand does contain some bromelain, but only a small amount. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/821478984574725/?comment_id=821502387905718&offset=0&total_comments=1&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] See also Papaya. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folic_acid Folic Acid] has been claimed to help prevent the proliferation of intestinal parasites at a dosage of 400 - 800 mcg (0.4 - 0.8 mg) per day. However, this is not a problem for human helminths because they do not proliferate within their hosts, and there have been no reports of adverse effects from hosts of human worms. One subject has taken a daily vitamin B-complex supplement containing 400 mcg of folic acid without any apparent effect on his hookworms, and another has [https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/helminthictherapy/conversations/messages/10928 taken 800 mcg of folate' (as calcium L-5 methyltetrahydrofolate) every day for over 4 years with no adverse effect on his hookworms. | |||
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fructooligosaccharide FOS] (fructooligosaccharide) is said to inhibit parasites from attaching to the intestines but no helminth host has reported any problem with this so far. | |||
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