Colon Parasites

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by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 09/07/2006 at 09:55AM

The colon, or large intestines, is one of the most important organs in the body. It is the location of nutrient absorption where the body takes what it needs in order to survive. It is also a depository of waste where the body drops off toxins and excess nutrients that could be harmful to the system. It is therefore imperative that the colon is functioning properly in order for the overall health of the body to be maintained. Unfortunately, the colon is also a happy breeding ground for dangerous invaders such as bacteria, yeasts, fungus, and colon parasites.

Parasites can be particularly dangerous to the health of the colon, as they not only leech nutrients from the body and destroy the permeability of the colon, they also emit harmful toxin that can further weaken the colon's integrity. Here is a closer look at colon parasites and what you can do to repel these dangerous organisms.

Common Colon Parasites

• Giardia lamblia: Giardia are protozoan parasites that commonly infect humans via the consumption of contaminated food and water. This colon parasite is commonly found in untreated water supplies, and therefore frequently infects travelers and hikers. Giardia is responsible for the condition known as giardiasis that causes diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, abdominal cramping, weight loss, greasy stools, and dehydration.

• Toxoplasma gondii: The Toxoplasma parasite is another protozoan organism that can make its home in the colon. It is commonly found in cats and kittens and can be easily transmitted to humans by the handling of cats and / or their feces. It is also possible to become infected by breathing in the parasite's eggs. Toxoplasma is responsible for the disease toxoplasmosis that can cause chills, fever, headaches and fatigue. If a pregnant woman contracts this condition, it can lead to serious birth defects such as blindness, mental retardation, and even miscarriage.

• Roundworms: Roundworms are colon parasites in the Nematoda family. They are the most common intestinal parasite in the world, affecting over one billion people worldwide. Roundworms are also one of the largest parasites, as they can grow to up to thirty inches in length. These parasitic worms are found throughout the world, primarily in tropical and subtropical areas. Humans can contract a roundworm infection by eating improperly cooked meat or by handling dogs or cats infested with round worms. Symptoms of a roundworm infection include loss of appetite, allergic reactions, coughing, abdominal pain, edema, sleep disorders, and weight loss. Children may present these symptoms as well as failure to thrive, nervousness, and colic.

• Hookworms: Hookworms are able to penetrate the human skin. These colon parasites can enter the body through the feet in individuals that walk barefoot through contaminated areas. They can be found throughout the world in warm, moist tropical areas. A hookworm infection may cause symptoms such as itchy skin, blisters, nausea, dizziness, anorexia, and weight loss. Hookworms can live in the intestines for up to fifteen years!

• Trichinella: The Trichinella parasite can cause a number of symptoms in the human body. It has been estimated that this parasite can mimic the symptoms of up to fifty different diseases! A Trichinella infection is caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked pork. Possible symptoms of infection include muscle soreness, fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, edema of the lips and face, difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, enlarged lymph glands, and extreme dehydration.

• Tapeworms: Tapeworms are the largest colon parasites that are known to infect humans. There are numerous types of tapeworms, such as beef tapeworms, pork tapeworms, fish tapeworms, and dog tapeworms. These colon parasites can grow to several feet in length and live in the intestines for up to twenty five years. A tapeworm infection may cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, and appetite changes.

• Flukes: Flukes, or Trematodas, are smallish flatworms that can directly penetrate the human skin when an individual is swimming or bathing in contaminated water. Flukes can travel throughout the body, making their home in the liver, lungs, or the intestines. Symptoms of a fluke infection include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and swelling.

Preventing Colon Parasites

There are a number of techniques that you can use to reduce your risk of a parasitic infection. These include:

1. Wash Your Hands Frequently: Carefully washing you hands throughout the day can remove the parasites and parasitic eggs that you may have come in contact with. Be sure to wash you hands before eating or handling food, and after using the toilet, handling pets, cooking, or changing a baby's diaper.

2. Thoroughly Cook Foods: Do not eat meats such as beef, pork, fish or chicken that have not been properly cooked.

3. Know Your Water Source: Contaminated water is a frequent source of parasitic infection. Use bottled water for drinking or cooking if you do not know the source of you water supply, or if it is in any way questionable. And do not bathe in water that may be infested with parasites.

4. Keep Your Shoes On: Colon parasites can enter the body through the soles of the feet. So be sure to wear shoes, especially if you are in an area, such as a beach or park that may contain animal feces.

5. Wash and Peel all Fruits and Vegetables: Be sure to remove any parasites from fruits and vegetables by washing them before eating them.

About the Author

Dr. Edward F. Group III continues to develop, sell and evaluate exclusively high-end natural and organic healthcare products to support a wide range of health conditions. The products we promote are free of toxic tag-along herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, heavy metals, fumigants, irradiation, liver-toxic glues, binders, or gelatin capsules with animal-source risk and toxic preservatives.

All of the ingredients we use are organically certified, wild crafted or as pure as we can obtain with the highest level of active ingredients. For more information, please visit the webs best resource on Parasites. Also visit www.paratrex.com for Dr. Group's parasite removal formula.