Parasite Cleanse Monthly
October, 2006
Featuring in-depth and up-to-date information on parasites and treatment options, Parasite Cleanse Monthly connects you with the resources you need to protect yourself and those you love.Get the inside scoop on parasites …before they get inside of you!
By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
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 toxins that can further weaken the colon's integrity. Here’s a closer look at some common colon parasites and what you can do to avoid these dangerous organisms.
Common Colon Parasites
Giardia lamblia: This protozoan parasite is commonly found in untreated water supplies, and therefore frequently infects travelers and hikers. Giardia is responsible for the condition known as giardiasis, which 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's commonly found in cats and kittens and can be easily transmitted to humans by the handling of cats or their feces. Toxoplasma is responsible for the disease toxoplasmosis which 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 of the nematoda family. They are the most common intestinal parasite in the world, affecting over one billion people worldwide. Humans usually contract roundworms by eating improperly cooked meat, or by handling pets infested with round worms. Symptoms 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: Because they are able to burrow through the skin, hookworms often enter the body through the feet when walking 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!
Tapeworms: Tapeworms are the largest colon parasites 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 be several yards 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 human skin while 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:
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.
Thoroughly Cook Foods: Never eat meats such as beef, pork, fish or chicken that have not been properly cooked.
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. Avoid bathing in water that may be infested with parasites.
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.
Wash and Peel all Fruits and Vegetables: Be sure to remove any parasites from fruits and vegetables by washing and peeling 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. For more useful information, please stop by the Web's best resource on parasites. Also be sure to visit www.paratrex.com to learn more about Dr. Group's amazing parasite removal formula.