Parasites

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

Parasites are a very large and very real problem throughout the world today. Many people associate parasite infections with less developed nations that may have lowered standards for food preparation or personal hygiene. However, parasites are quite common in the United States as well. If you think you can't possibly become infected with a parasite, consider this: experts estimate that one in six people are currently suffering from parasites, worldwide. Ready to learn more about parasites and what you can do to control this epidemic?

What are Parasites?

By definition, parasites are organisms that live on or inside another organism called a host. Parasites compete with their host for nutrients. They also cause damage throughout the host's body as they migrate and encyst themselves in search of food. Parasites excrete toxic wastes that can be dangerous to their hosts. Parasites range in size from microscopic amoebas to large intestinal worms.

How Do Parasites Enter The Body?

Parasites can enter the human body via a number of pathways: the foods we eat, the water we drink or bathe in, the soil we walk on, and even the air we breathe.

Why Are Parasite Infections Increasing?

Parasite infections used to be limited to areas with poor hygiene and food preparation practices and a lack of access to clean drinking and bathing water. But parasite infections are on the rise throughout the world. Here are some possible reasons for the increases in parasite numbers:

• Increased international travel
• Rise in number of refugees and immigrants from heavily contaminated areas
• Increased popularity of household pets
• Access to and increased popularity of exotic foreign foods

What Are The Symptoms of Parasites?

It has been estimated that parasite infections can mimic the symptoms of over fifty different illnesses and diseases. In fact, many experts suggest that parasites are the root cause of many of the medical conditions known today. Symptoms of a parasitic infection include: constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome, dermatitis, allergies, sleeping problems, joint and muscle aches and pains, nervousness, anemia, teeth grinding, fatigue, weight loss, and a weakened immune system.

How Can Parasites Be Controlled?

A strong and healthy immune system can help to repel many parasites that enter the human body. However, the best defense against a parasitic infection is to take preventative measures to keep parasites out. Here's what you can do to keep parasites under control and out of your body.

• Wash and/or peel fruits and vegetables. Be sure to scrape off any waxy coatings that have been applied to the food's exterior. And cut out areas where there is a nick or a recessed harbor in the product.

• Carefully cook meats and fish to the appropriate temperature. Check the food (especially fish) for worms that may be just underneath the skin. Wash hands carefully after handling raw meats and fishes and be sure to keep all work surfaces clean

• Know your water source. Only drink pure water from a treated, filtered source such as Wellness Water. Contaminated water is a very common method of parasitic infection, so it is very important to know the source and quality of the water you drink. If you are not sure of the source of your water, or if it is questionable, drink and cook with bottled water instead.

• Wash your hands frequently throughout the day. Warm water and a quality detergent can help to remove any parasites that you may have come in contact with. Be sure to clean in and around the fingernail areas as well. Wash your hands before eating and cooking and after handling raw foods, using the toilet, caring for pets, or changing a baby's diapers.

• Keep your living area clean. Parasites can make their home in dust, soil particles, or the fecal matter from dust mites and cockroaches. Frequently remove dust with a dampened sponge or a vacuum cleaner. Wash sheets and other bed clothes and linen in hot water every few days, and consider investing in an indoor air filter.

• Wear shoes. Parasites can penetrate the skin and enter the body via the soles of the feet. So be sure to keep this area covered, especially if you are in an area, such as a beach or playground that may house contaminated animal waste.

• Wear gloves when gardening. Parasites may be lingering in the soil, just waiting for their next host. Wear gloves to avoid direct contact with parasites and wash hands when finished.

• Be careful about where you choose to swim. Never swallow water while you are swimming, whether you are in a river, a lake, or a private swimming pool. Chlorine does not kill most parasites, so it is entirely possible that these harmful organisms can be present. Avoid swimming if you have any open cuts or sores.

• Keep pets parasite free by regularly using natural de-worming and flea control products and keeping your pets away from other animals or animal feces that may be infected with parasites.

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.