iThei mdcdaelcinfd o c elllllrllll cf tthfeorganisms that have coexisted with humans and coevolved with us to
“teach” our immune system how to respond to threats.
In our modern-day world, where we receive vaccines, use antibacterial
soaps, and take antibiotics, we are exposed to far fewer forms of bacte-
ria, viruses, and parasites. This, of course, has many benefits, especially
in the case of becoming affected with serious infections. It appears,
however, that we may also be missing out on exposure to organisms
that may perhaps have had a beneficial effect on our immune system.
Autoimmune conditions and allergies are rare in developing countries
plagued by parasites. This has led to another autoimmune theory known
as the hygiene hypothesis. According to this theory, our immune system
becomes “bored” as a result of not having enough parasites to attack, so it
instead acts out against benign subjects like pollen and our own cells.
This theory is further supported by the suppression of certain autoim-
mune flares through the introduction of helminth (tapeworm) therapy.
While I am not proposing that anyone give themselves a parasite in order
to suppress their autoimmune condition, we need to consider the effects
that certain substances can have in either promotion or suppression of
autoimmunity.
Researchers found helminths can regulate various cytokines and down-
regulate inflammation, which is associated with the development of au-
toimmune conditions.
The timing of infection may also matter as well. For example, children in
developing countries usually contract the Epstein-Barr virus when they are
under the age of ten. This usually results in an asymptomatic infection,
meaning it does not cause any symptoms. In contrast, in developed coun-
tries, where individuals are not usually exposed to the virus until they are
in high school or college, the infection is symptomatic in 50 percent of the
older kids affected. This is because by the time we reach college age, CD8+
T cells (the ones that fight EBV) have declined by threefold as compared
with the number of cells we had in childhood.
Overcoming Chronic Viral Infections
Some infections, like Yersinia, may be easily treated with antibiotics.
Candida can be treated with an anti-Candida diet and antifungal herbs
or medications. Parasites can be treated with anti-parasitic medications
and/or herbs.