Exploring Helminth Therapies with Dr. Mark Davis

Dr. Nirala Jacobi interviews Dr. Mark Davis about helminth therapy and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in the treatment of various conditions. Helminth therapy involves using tiny worm-like organisms called helminths as medicine for humans. Dr. Davis explains that there are four helminths that have been found to be safe and beneficial for humans. These helminths can be used to treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and autism spectrum disorder. FMT, on the other hand, involves transplanting fecal microbiota from a healthy donor into the gut of a patient. FMT has been found to be effective in treating conditions such as Clostridium difficile (C. diff) colitis and hepatic encephalopathy. Dr. Davis also discusses his new ventures in Panama, where he plans to offer helminth therapy and FMT in a hospital setting. He also mentions his work on vaginal microbiota transplantation for women's health conditions. Dr Mark Davis, ND is a 2011 graduate of NUNM, and a fellow of the American College of Naturopathic Gastroenterology. He's on the board of directors of the Gastroenterology Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and the editorial board of the Natural Medicine Journal. Dr. Davis teaches the naturopathic gastroenterology course at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, and he has focused on patients with IBD since 2016.