THE DIET OF WORMS                                       Richard J B Willis

The diet of worms referred to in the title is every bit as daunting as that faced by the reformer Martin Luther in 1521.  However, these worms are likely to be prescribed to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)!

University of Iowa scientists have developed a drink, TSO, made from thousands of pig whipworm eggs which they have shown can significantly reduce the abdominal pain, bleeding, and diarrhoea associated with IBD.  If the European regulators give TSO the go ahead it could be on sale from this May.

Eliminating parasitic worms in the diet has apparently been paralleled by an increase in IBD in the western world.  Two hundred people treated with TSO in its experimental stage were relieved of their symptoms.  Pig whipworm eggs were chosen because they survive in humans just long enough to clear the condition.

Various complaints such as Crohn’s disease, IBDs, and ulcerative colitis seem to be related to an overactive immune system which results in inflammation in the bowels.  Crohn’s disease is presently regarded as incurable and treated with, among other treatments, steroids which often produce side effects, so the introduction of TSO might be regarded as welcome.  Limiting or eliminating dairy products which can cause gas, abdominal cramping and diarrhoea, has been shown to be an effective way of controlling IBD, as has also avoiding fatty food and dietetic sweeteners (sorbitol, manitol etc). 

Adding fibre to the diet in the form of fruits and vegetables, which is necessary, should only be done gradually.  Fibre helps to prevent constipation but can increase uncomfortable gas levels if large amounts are introduced into the diet too quickly.  Since raw fruits and vegetables can add to the bowel irritation these should be cooked rather than avoiding their intake altogether.

Other irritants for people with IBD include alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, spicy foods, and concentrated fruit juices.  Experimenting with foods will eventually settle the diet the IBD sufferer is most happy with.  Bowel movements help by temporarily relieving the pain and discomfort of IBD.

Lifestyle change is clearly a priority in managing IBDs, which can be painful, annoying, and embarrassing, but not generally life-threatening.  With TSO being made from parasites – and pig parasites at that – it is hardly likely to be a treatment option for SDAs!  Still, the possibility of using the new drink (which would have to be taken twice a month) can be met with a no, and: ‘Here I stand, I can do no other!’ in true Diet of Worms style!