Parasites─Participants in Allergies?

Yes, parasites.  Just the word makes most of us shiver.  Some people will even refuse to discuss or think about them.  While we are more comfortable with parasites existing in animals, such as tapeworms dogs and cats, the fact is that most people probably have parasites too--even in the United States, Europe and other developed areas of the world.  Doctors such as the well known TV personality Dr. Oz; Dr. Ross Anderson, a parasitic infection specialist and author; Dr. Peter Wina, Chief of Patho-Biology in the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research; and Dr. Frank Nova, Chief of the Laboratory for Parasitic Diseases of the National Institute of Health have all been quoted making statements that generally indicate as many as 85% to 95% of adults probably have parasites. 

According to the USDA, “Young children, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with weakened immune systems,” are highly susceptible to parasites for several reasons.  First, because the immune systems are weaker than most adults the parasite isn’t eliminated easily.  Second, children are often on the ground and putting things into their mouths that may not be clean, specifically things that may have come into contact with animal or human feces.  Third, children may accidentally swallow pool water that is contaminated since many parasites can live for several days in chlorinated water.  Fourth, young children in day care can easily contract parasites from other children through shared diaper changing facilities.  Fifth, eating raw, unwashed fruits and vegetables or eating undercooked meats can deliver parasites directly into human bodies. [1] 

But how can parasites play a part in allergies, especially food allergies?  According to Dr. Leo Galland, “One of the most common effects of intestinal parasites is food allergy. I looked at the effects of parasitic infection among patients in my medical practice. For people with multiple food allergies who were found to have intestinal parasites, treatment of the parasitic infection produced a dramatic reduction in food allergy in about half the cases. It's my belief that anyone with food intolerance or allergy should be tested for intestinal parasites…Parasites may cause allergic or autoimmune disorders in two ways. First, the inflammation caused by an intestinal infection can cause an increase in the permeability of the small intestine, a phenomenon known colloquially as ‘leaky gut’…Second, over two-thirds of your body's immune system is located in the wall of the small intestine. The immune cells (called lymphocytes) leave the intestine and travel all over your body. When activated by a parasitic infection, they can carry the inflammatory message to your joints, your skin, your eyes, and your lungs.” [2]

In summary, parasites can weaken the immune system and cause overreactions to otherwise harmless substances such as food allergens of soy, wheat, egg, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shell fish.  If a parent thinks that parasites might be a contributing factor to their child’s food allergies, then that parent could locate a doctor who understands and can treat a child for parasites.  It may take several phone calls or visits to find a doctor that is educated in this area by being able to explain the appropriate tests and medications to rid the child’s body of parasites. 

[1]  USDA’s Foodborne Illness & Diseaser, “Parasites and Foodborne Illness,” May, 24 2011 http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/parasites_and_foodborne_illness/index.asp

[2]  Galland, M.D., Leo, “What’s Living in Your Digestive System?”, Huffington Post, March 2, 2011 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/leo-galland-md/stomach-parasites_b_828565.html

Comments

[Kathi]

I have long noticed, even in myself, that when my immune system is depressed, I will get stronger and more frequent allergy symptoms. So, all of this I agree with completely. But this is the first time I have ever heard " If a parent thinks that parasites might be a contributing factor to their child’s food allergies"... how are we the parents supposed to recognize possible symptoms relating to parasites? Sure, as a parent, we know if our child eats dirt or plays in the litter box etc.. But are you saying something else should be recognizable?

[Marc Azada]

I have the same questions like you Kathi. I've been allergic to shrimps since I was a kid and I was wondering how would we detect if our child has a allergic reaction to a certain food . I don't want my kids to experience the same things that I experienced when I was a kid.

[A. Anderson]

I doubt there is a black and white line that can be drawn from symptom to cause to solution. The human body seems to be nothing but grey in this regard. Just like the "toxic load theory" that I discuss in the book, one more stressor can contribute to allergic reactions in people who are prone to having food allergies (or other allergies). So by removing say parasites from a person's body, they may be better able to handle other toxins or loads or stressors which can improve allergies. Since it appears most of us have these parasites, taking a small step or two to remove them or at least some of them probably can only help. The best course of action would be to start by asking your doctor. If they have no opinion or think that is silly, then you could try a different doctor.

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