Human whipworms (trichuras trichura) and hookworms (necator americanus) can be killed off with mebendezole, usually a 2 or 3 day dose. They’re pretty easy to kill, but be aware that especially hookworms can cause an initial transient inflammatory reaction, so if you kill them off during this time you could be worse off. Usually it takes 3-4 months to gain effect, and often longer.

The pig whipworms disadvantage is they don’t seem to work for allergies, and you have to drink the ova every 2-3 weeks, so they are rather expensive. The FDA keeps blocking importation of them, but I think you can get them still.

I’ve seen more about cancer with trichuras trichura then other worms, but then again, cancer is increased in colonic Crohn’s because of inflammation, so I’d think that if inflammation was more under control, it might even out? Also there are some theories that the rise in colon cancer may be due to the hygiene hypothesis, in that the intestinal flora in our guts has changed a lot in the last 100 years, either due to increased consumption of carbohydrates and less probiotics, no worms, or both. The worms may alter intestinal flora.

Anyway, it’s a rough decision in that we have very little data to guide us, and trials are scant. All three therapies are expensive, not covered by insurance, and come most likely without doctor support. But they are working for a lot of us, and I still think they are less risky than drugs like Tysabri and Remicade, especially as the science is pointing that man is supposed to live with parasites. But only you can decide what you feel most comfortable with.

I’ve read only a few of your posts. Wondered who provides helminth therapy (just diagnosed w/ Crohn’s but have had flares for 30 years!)

I don’t want to take toxic drugs. Read about the study in Iowa. It seems that the worm they used there is safe in that if you don’t respond, it doesn’t continue to live in you.

Also, worried about the cancer connection. Do yu think that it depends on the type of worm?

thanks in advance,

- K