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The Best Science Writing Online 2012
Showcasing more than fifty of the most provocative, original, and significant online essays from 2011, The Best Science Writing Online 2012 will change the way...
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[The following is an exact transcript of this podcast.]
In 2005 two scientists won a Nobel Prize for discovering that a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori causes most stomach ulcers. One of them even chugged a glassful of the bugs to prove the point. But before you wash out your mouth with antibiotics, consider this: a new study from New York University suggests that Helicobacter might also protect you—from asthma.
A hundred years ago, nearly everyone was infected with H. pylori. But the use of antibiotics has beaten back the bug. At the same time, asthma has been on the rise. It could be that encountering Helicobacter as a kid teaches the immune system how to react, and not overreact as in asthma to future allergens. Still, you might hold off on ordering that Helicobacter cocktail until more research is done.



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3 Comments
Add CommentI appreciate what they are trying to do, but we should also look at what we are putting in our stomachs.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisMy sister had chronic Athsma, we cured her by changing her diet, without the diary or wheat products. It consisted of fruit, vegetables, nuts, mostly greens and ginger tea! Which is essential for circulation.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisMy elder sister had Chronic Athsma, but after eating a diet of fruit, vegetables, oats, nuts and mostly greens into her diet, without diary or wheat products, she was cured. So I believe everyone who has Athsma can cure it. My only concern for Athsma is that it can turn into Pulmonary Obstructive Lung Disease, depending on how severe, the Athsma is.
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