Worm Therapy

Provided by

Mary Pardee, ND

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Guest expert

Natalie Scheeler, ND

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Video Details
Experts

Summary

Discover the Potential of Helminth Therapy: Understand how certain worms, traditionally seen as harmful, can actually regulate the immune system and provide therapeutic benefits for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and allergies.
Know the Safety and Side Effects: Learn about the safety profile and potential side effects of helminth therapy, including the importance of starting with low doses to avoid adverse reactions and the ease of discontinuing treatment if necessary.
Explore Personal and Clinical Insights: Gain insights from Dr. Scheeler’s personal experience with helminth therapy and her clinical perspective on its application, highlighting the nuanced approach required for different patients and conditions.

In this episode of DrTalks’ podcast, Dr. Mary Pardee and Dr. Natalie Scheeler discuss the unconventional and intriguing approach of helminth therapy. Dr. Scheeler, an expert in integrative treatments for gastrointestinal conditions, shares her insights and experiences with using helminths, or worms, as a therapeutic tool. They explore the concept that not all worms are harmful parasites; some can have mutualistic relationships with humans, benefiting both parties. The discussion covers the historical context, potential benefits, and the mechanisms through which helminths can modulate the immune system, particularly through upregulating T regulatory cells to manage inflammation and autoimmune responses. Dr. Scheeler explains the four main types of helminths used in therapy, detailing their specific applications and the science behind their effects. She shares her personal journey with helminth therapy, including both the positive outcomes and the challenges she faced, such as experiencing the "worm flu" after a higher dose. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a careful and patient approach to dosing and highlights the safety considerations and contraindications for using helminths. Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of helminth therapy's potential, encouraging further exploration and research into this promising but still evolving field.

Worm Therapy

Mary Pardee, ND

Natalie Scheeler, ND

Summary

Content Provided By

Mary Pardee, ND

Guest Experts

Natalie Scheeler, ND