Parasite Cleanse Resource Center

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

Study: Did Parasites play a role in the evolution of sex?

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:31:11 +0000

It’s almost hard to believe, but there is a new theory that suggests that sex between humans may have evolved as a defense against parasites. It sounds a bit far-fetched, but below is the hypothesis that scientists are currently discussing and recently published in the July 09 issue of American Naturalist.

The theory presented in the study:

One hypothesis is that parasites keep asexual organisms from getting too plentiful. When an asexual creature reproduces, it makes clones—exact genetic copies of itself. Since each clone has the same genes, each has the same genetic vulnerabilities to parasites. If a parasite emerges that can exploit those vulnerabilities, it can wipe out the whole population. On the other hand, sexual offspring are genetically unique, often with different parasite vulnerabilities. So a parasite that can destroy some can’t necessarily destroy all. That, in theory, should help sexual populations maintain stability, while asexual populations face extinction at the hands of parasites.

Enter Potamopyrgus antipodarum, a snail common in fresh water lakes in New Zealand. What makes these snails interesting is that there are sexual and asexual versions. They provide scientists with an opportunity to compare the two versions side-by-side in nature.

“The rise and fall of these female-only lineages was surprisingly fast and consistent with the prediction of the parasite hypothesis for sex,” Jokela said. “These results suggest that sexual reproduction provides an evolutionary advantage in parasite rich environments.”

Read the full text for more information

Are you confused by this theory? Yeah, we are too. But if this theory does hold up, then it is just one more example as to how some parasites are beneficial to the human body. Of course, we all know that if you have parasites in your intestines, you want to get them out as soon as you possibly can.

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

Study: Gut Parasites May Be Widespread In Domestic & Wild Animals

admin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:53:10 +0000

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According to a recent study, many common protozoans living in the human gut are extremely contagious, and likely to be widespread in many animal species, causing unsettling digestive disorders.

The study was conducted by the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, in early 2009. They found that parasites of the groups Cryptosporidium and Giardia are enormously widespread in domestic animals, such as dogs, cats and piglets, as well as many wild deer species and the red fox in Norway. These animals are all suffering from different digestive disorders, similar to what humans face when infected with the same kinds of intestinal parasites.

From the study:

Giardia was more common than Cryptosporidium in calves, and the occurrence of both parasites varied with the calves’ age, geographic occurrence, season, and the cleaning frequency of pens. Among wild deer species, Giardia was more common than Cryptosporidium, while roe deer and elk had the highest occurrences of both parasites.

The presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in dogs varied with age and geographic location. There was a higher occurrence of diarrhoea in piglets from litters that were infected by Cryptosporidium than in litters free of infection. The occurrence of both parasites was low in the red fox, however, the geographic distribution was extensive.

The results of these studies show that parasites of the groups Cryptosporidium and Giardia are widely distributed among both domestic and wild animals in Norway. Grazing animals may represent a source of transmission to man through drinking water, although people can also become infected through direct contact with infected animals.

Read the entire study for more information

What You Can Do To Protect Yourself

The fact of the matter, is there are many different kinds of intestinal parasites that can affect humans. This new study points out that these same parasites can be spread to animals. Remember to wash your food thoroughly and only drink purified water. If the food or water you consume is contaminated, there is a good chance a parasite could develop in your gut.

If you think you are suffering from symptoms of parasites, then you should see your doctor immediately. He will most likely give you a prescription that will help kill off the parasite within a few weeks. If you don’t want to take prescribed medicine, then you can always look into doing a parasite cleanse or taking an herb that will kill them off as well. There are many herbs that help promote a healthy intestinal tract. Just remember to get organically-certified herbs, if possible.

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

VIDEO – Live Roundworms Inside the Intestines of a Cat

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:15:11 +0000

In this video, you can see a close-up view of roundworms that are living inside the intestines of a cat. During a colonoscopy with a veternarian, these roundworms were spotted and recorded.

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There are many types of parasites in cats. Every type of parasite is different, and will do different things to the overall health of your cat. Learn more about the different types of feline parasites.

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

VIDEO – Pork Tapeworms: The Brain Eating Monster

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:28:30 +0000

The pork tapeworm is a very serious parasite that makes its home in the brain. If you live around pigs or eat undercooked pork, it’s possible for you to consume pork tapeworm eggs. These eggs can turn into larvae, which in turn, can eventually move into the brain, causing it to swell and become inflamed.

Source: Animal Planet on YouTube

There are many types of brain parasites, but this one in particular is extremely dangerous to humans. There are very few treatment options, so your best bet is to protect yourself from getting them in the first place. Try to avoid eating undercooked pork. If you are cooking pork, make sure the meat reaches 165°. If possible, do some research on the source of the pork you are consuming.

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

VIDEO – The Story of a Man with Parasites in his Blood

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:02:18 +0000

This is the story of a man that was experiencing chest pains, high fever, chills and uncontrollable shaking. It turns out that he is infected with a very common blood parasite called Babesia. A small tick that he probably picked up while he was jogging and hiking through some brush.

Source: Animal Planet on YouTube

This blood parasite survives by sucking the blood of the human host. Eventually, the human host will begin to experience malaria-like symptoms. It has the potential to be fatal in humans, as the parasite causes the red blood cells to breakdown from the inside.

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

VIDEO – Threadworms: The Deadly Intestinal Parasite

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:43:22 +0000

Here’s the story of a doctor that has been battling threadworms living in his intestines for most of his life. The parasites were, reportedly, living in his small bowel for approximately 60 years and caused them to swell up to twice its original size.

Source: Animal Planet on YouTube

As a result of the parasitic infection, the doctor was experiencing alot of negative health symptoms that were interfering with his everyday life. Threadworms are one parasite you don’t want to take lightly. Threadworms live inside the lining of the intestines of a human host, and can survive there for many years. You could experience many symptoms, but in worst case scenarios, threadworms can do serious damage to the human host, including major tissue damage, acute respiratory failure and/or death.

Treatment Options for Threadworms

If you think you are infected with threadworms, it would be wise to go see your doctor or a gastroentrologist immediately. They will most likely give you a prescription. If you are looking for an all-natural remedy for threadworms, you should try doing a parasite cleanse at home. There are many herbs that can help kill off intestinal worms. Be sure to do the proper research on all products and quality of herbs in them. Try to get organically-grown herbs if possible.

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

VIDEO – The Story of a Man with Parasites in his Brain

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:45:01 +0000

We’ve already discussed the health dangers of intestinal parasites. However, a larger danger to your health are brain parasites. In the video below, the Animal Planet takes a look at a guy who has parasites living in his brain. Here is his story and how they got the parasites out.

Source: Animal Planet on YouTube

Intestinal worms are more common in the average person and will cause a wide variety of negative symptoms, but parasites in your brain poses the most severe and immedieate health concern.

If you are experiencing any problems with your brain. It is imperative that you see a doctor or specialist immediately. Parasites in your brain are not very common, but if you do have them, you need to get rid of them as soon as possible. There are many other serious conditions that can affect your brain. Brain Anuerysms are very common and affect many Americans every year.

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

Giardiasis: The Dangers of the Giardia Lamblia Parasite

admin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:17:16 +0000

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Of all the components of the human anatomy, by far the most delicate and susceptible to upset is the digestive tract. Giardiasis is one such ailment that affects the digestive tract. The ailment is triggered by the presence and action of the microscopic Giardia Lamblia parasite.

The Giardia Lamblia parasite lodges within the delicate lining of the small intestine in humans. From here, this intestinal parasite damages the capacity of the body to absorb and process fats and carbohydrates that come from the digested food. Giardia Lamblia is also the main causes for diarrhea. It is easily transmitted and ingested via the consumption of contaminated water. This parasite is able to survive the regular application of chlorine used to purify water. It is also observed to be able to exist for more than 2 months in very cold water!

Research on the Giardia Lamblia Parasite

Clinical research reveals that it does not take more than ten giardia lamblia parasites present in a glass of drinking water to cause severe Giardiasis. Young children, with delicate immunity and tolerance to the parasites are more likely to fall victim to Giardiasis. This observation has backed the observation that our bodies gradually develop a kind of immunity to the Giardia Lamblia parasite as we grow older. It is estimated that the number of affected people is higher in developing countries. This parasitic infection results in being the major cause of epidemic childhood diarrhea observed in these countries. Unfortunately, the infection does not manifest in more than two thirds of the people whose intestines are home to the Giardia Lamblia parasite!

Giardiasis Symptoms

When and as the severity of the infection does manifest, it surfaces in the form of diarrhea, but without blood or mucus. The diarrhea is observed to contain much of the unabsorbed fats due to the infected body’s inability to absorb the fats from the diet. The other commonly observed symptoms include abdominal cramps, intestinal gas and a subsequently enlarged belly, loss of appetite, nausea and fever.

The symptoms of Giardiasis could be observed for a time frame of 5 to 7 days or even longer, depending on the extent of the infection. In severe cases, especially in children; the child may lose a considerable amount of weight. Many a times, after the acute symptoms settle in, the infection takes the form of a chronic phase, which is more prolonged. Of course, all symptoms of parasites will differ from person to person.

Preventing & Treating Giardiasis

There are certain measures that can be adopted at the home level, to eradicate the possible exposure to Giardiasis caused by the Giardia Lamblia parasite. You should inculcate the habit of drinking water only from water resources that are approved by the local health authorities as ‘safe’. In event of camping or hiking, you should ideally carry along your own drinking water.

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The consumption of raw fruits and vegetables should be only after washing them thoroughly before you eat them. It is essential to wash your hands well before cook, serving and ensure that the rest of the family does the same, prior to eating. In event of someone in the family being treated for Giardiasis, you should wash your hands often as you care for him or her. It is very important to have the self built water resource, like a well, certified by the authorities, on a regular basis.

It has been observed that people and animals infected by the Giardia Lamblia parasite, can excrete the parasite in their stool, which in turn can contaminate public water supplies. Uncooked food ingredients rinsed in contaminated water are also potent carriers of the parasite. Doctors confirm the infection through the diagnosis of Giardiasis via the presence of the parasites in an infected person’s stool. Several samples may be needed by the test centers, before the parasites are detected.

The diagnosis can also be done by observing the lining of the small intestine through endoscopy. The samples from inside the intestine are then sent to a laboratory. Giardiasis is treated with prescription medicines that kill the parasites. The treatment takes anything between 5 and 7 days. The prescribed medication should be taken as per the scheduled doses set by the doctor. It includes the intake of plenty of fluids, but not caffeinated beverages. There are drugs that could be administered for the cramps.

article written by: Gaynor Borade

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

The Symptoms of Hookworms in Humans

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:06:26 +0000

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As mentioned in previous posts, hookworms in humans do not bear any prominent symptoms and due to this reason about 70% of people may suffer from the infection without having a single clue about it.

The infection of hookworms in humans occur in two ways; one through the skin and the other through dogs. The disease caused by hookworms in humans mostly occur in warm, humid climates – meaning, these intestinal parasites cannot survive in climates other than tropical or sub tropical. More on intestinal parasites in humans.

Hookworms are attributed as blood suckers as they suck blood from the host’s intestinal walls and damage the mucosa. It has been known that an adult hookworm sucks about 0.1mL of blood everyday. So you can estimate the amount of blood loss which can be caused by an infestation of 1500 hookworms – 150mL per day! The ill effect which follows is anemia, secondary to loss of iron (and protein) in the gut. Hookworm infection is more severe in children, as it might cause growth retardation. So as soon as a parasite infection is suspected the wisest thing would be to initiate the treatment immediately.

Symptoms of Hookworms in Humans

There are no specific signs of hookworms in humans, particularly at the start of the infection. However, people who suffer from long-term infection tend to be thin, tired and weak. Anemia may be associated with the symptom which occur due to heavy infestation of these intestinal parasites.

Probable symptoms of an infection might occur in an event where a person has been affected by a large number of larvae include itchy rash, cough, fever, abdominal discomfort and vague abdominal pain, increased gas production, bloody sputum, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. In some cases, coughing, wheezing, diarrhea, pallor, fatigue, black stools, malaise, eggs and blood in the stool might also show up as some of the symptoms of hookworms in humans.

Treatment for Hookworms in Humans

Local cryotherapy is usually administered when the parasite is till under the skin. Medicines such as medendazole or albendazole are recommended for the treatment as they help in killing the adult worms. Pyrantel pamoate is another medicine which can be used by both humans as well as dogs, however, the dosages vary.

It is advisable to get proper information about the adequate amount of dosages required for both adults and children from a chemist or most preferably from a doctor. However, studies have revealed that a moderately small number of hookworms in humans do not raise any concern, provided there is enough iron in the diet. Problems occur when these parasites in the human body grow rapidly and increase in numbers.

As hookworms affect people in tropical and subtropical regions, it is a good practice for the natives to wear shoes when they go out of their homes. This is because, majority of people are affected by the larva of these worms when an unsuspecting person or animal walks on them. These parasites then make their way from the foot to the intestines.

Because hookworms are a common parasite in dogs, it is also wise to do regular de-worming of your pet dogs (if you have any). Although, worms in dogs do not reach its maturity as in humans, but they cause nasty rash. So these are some of the prevention methods that should be followed in order to minimize the chances of infection by hookworms in humans. As mentioned, staying healthy and including sufficient iron content in your diet also keeps a check on the growth of the worms in humans and helps curb any infections.

article written by: Rajib Singha