This book delves into the dramatic increase in allergic and autoimmune diseases, attributing it to the loss of critical immune stimuli as societies modernized. Velasquez-Manoff discusses how the absence of certain parasites and microbes, which were once part of the human microbiota, may have led to immune system malfunctions. The book examines various aspects, including the lower prevalence of allergies in farmers' children, the impact of modern hygiene practices, and the potential benefits of restoring the human ecosystem through controversial therapies such as deliberate infection with parasitic worms. It also touches on the link between immune system dysfunction and conditions like autism and cancer, and the fetal origins of allergic diseases.
Martin Blazer's "Missing Microbes" explores the connection between the rise of chronic diseases and the widespread use of antibiotics. The book argues that the overuse of antibiotics, both in medicine and animal agriculture, has disrupted the human microbiome, leading to various health problems. Blazer presents evidence suggesting that a balanced microbiome is crucial for overall health and well-being. He discusses the role of gut bacteria in various bodily functions and how their disruption can contribute to chronic illnesses. The book advocates for a more cautious and targeted approach to antibiotic use to preserve the beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Are Parasites Driving Your Autoimmune Or Gut Issues? | This episode is sponsored by Thrive Market and Rupa Health
You may be surprised to learn that having a parasite, in and of itself, is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, our gut microbiome is made up of more than 500 different species of microbes, including various types of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Some of them help us, but others are harmful. Parasitic infection can result in an individual experiencing a range of symptoms from digestive issues to muscle ache, joint pain, skin rashes, and more; it can also signal issues with a weakened immune system. In this episode, Dr. Hyman sits down with Dr. George Papanicolaou to discuss how parasites can influence our overall health, and why they sometimes trigger autoimmune disease, gut imbalance, and much more.
George Papanicolaou is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and is Board Certified in Family Medicine from Abington Memorial Hospital. He is also an Institute for Functional Medicine Practitioner. Upon graduation from his residency he joined the Indian Health Service. He worked on the Navajo reservation for 4 years at the Chinle Comprehensive Medical Facility where he served as the Outpatient Department Coordinator. In 2000, he founded Cornerstone Family Practice in Rowley, MA. He practiced with a philosophy centered on personal relationships and treating the whole person, not just not the disease. He called that philosophy “Whole Life Wellness”. Over time as the healthcare system made it harder for patients to receive this kind of personal care Dr. Papanicolaou decided a change was needed. He began training in Functional Medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine. In 2015, he established Cornerstone Personal Health – a practice dedicated entirely to Functional Medicine. Dr. Papanicolaou joined The UltraWellness Center in 2017.
This episode is sponsored by Thrive Market and Rupa Health.
Thrive Market is offering all Doctor's Farmacy listeners an extra 25% off your first purchase and a free gift when you sign up for Thrive Market. Just head over to thrivemarket.com/Hyman.
Rupa Health is a place for Functional Medicine practitioners to access more than 2,000 specialty lab tests from over 20 labs like DUTCH, Vibrant America, Genova, Great Plains, and more. You can check out a free live demo with a Q&A or create an account at RupaHealth.com.
In this conversation, Dr. Hyman and Dr. Papanicolaou discuss:
- The connection between the immune system and parasitic infection
- The most common parasites and how you get them
- Patient cases they have treated
- When parasites can be helpful
- Common symptoms of having a parasite
- Testing and diagnosing for parasites
- Treating parasites with herbs and pharmaceuticals
- The possible role of over-sanitization and parasitic infection, autoimmune issues, and other chronic health issues
- Using parasitic worm therapy (i.e. helminth therapy) to treat autoimmune issues, asthma, allergies, and more
Additional Resources:
Missing Microbes: How the Overuse of Antibiotics Is Fueling Our Modern Plagues
https://www.amazon.com/Missing-Microbes-Overuse-Antibiotics-Fueling/dp/0805098100
An Epidemic of Absence: A New Way of Understanding Allergies and Autoimmune Diseases
https://www.amazon.com/Epidemic-Absence-Understanding-Allergies-Autoimmune/dp/1439199388
Fixing The Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
https://drhyman.com/blog/2020/08/10/podcast-hc22/
The Power Of Food To Heal Everything From Autoimmune Disease To Traumatic Brain Injury
https://drhyman.com/blog/2019/12/18/podcast-ep85/
The Dr. Hyman Show 
