According to parasitologists, the wrong episode of history has been blamed all along for contributing towards tapeworm infection in humans. For several decades, the assumption by most scientists has been that the human tapeworm was picked up by our species when they domesticated pigs and cattle, about 10,000 years back.

However, new scientific investigations of the family tree of the tapeworm reveal that the association between humans and tapeworms goes much further back in time. The researchers say that the nearest relatives of the human tapeworm spend their early part of their lives in grazing animals and the latter part of their lives, when they reach adulthood, in various African carnivores.

Hence, according to the researchers, the ancestors of the human species first got infected by tapeworms when they began consuming more of the worm-infested meat as hyenas and big cats did. They go on further to say that these studies are the first to connect human tapeworm infestations with increased scavenging of meat and hunting by human beings.

In fact, scientists have found enough genetic proof to make an estimation of precisely when the Taenia asiatica and Taenia saginata bifurcated from a common ancestor. From that evidence they deduce that the human species and the tapeworm association goes as far as 1.7 million years to 170,000 years back, long before livestock was domesticated by humans.

Physical Characteristics & Types of Tapeworms

Coming to today, intestinal parasite infection by human tapeworms is becoming more common in the US. Tapeworms are a type of intestinal parasites that need a host, e.g. humans, to be able to continue their life cycle. Tapeworms belong to a family of parasites known as Cestoda. There are several varieties of human tapeworms such as: Taenia solium, Taenia saginata, Diphyllobothrium latum, Echinococcus granulosus, and the dwarf tapeworm, Hymenolepsis nana.

The Taenia saginata, also known as the beef tapeworm, is the most common type of tapeworm in North America; the Taenia solium, or the pork tapeworm, infects millions in Latin America; and the Diphyllobothrium latum, or the fish tapeworm, along with the pork tapeworm, are the types that are prevalent in Asia.

These human parasites occur in various sizes ranging from 6 inches to up to 26 feet long. Occurring as ribbon-like and flat creatures, their body is divided into three parts: the head, the neck, and segments of the body known as proglottids.

The head of the tapeworm contains hooks with which it attaches itself to the walls of the intestines. This harmful organism can survive and form a new tapeworm as long as the head stays attached to the mucosa of the intestinal wall. The proglottids have eggs, which can detach themselves and travel through the body.

Devoid of intestinal tracts, tapeworms absorb partly digested food through their skin from their host. Adult tapeworms infest the digestive tracts of a wide range of hosts like fish, cats, dogs, cows, pigs, and of course humans. Most types of tapeworms have both female and male reproductive organs, and hence can produce and fertilize their own eggs.

Life Cycle & the Spread of Tapeworms

Once reproduction occurs, the eggs develop swiftly into adventuresome embryos. They exit from the digestive system of the host via bowel movements and quickly seek the closest supply of water. Both humans and animals ingest newborn tapeworms regularly.

The embryos of the tapeworm are ingested either by direct contact with infected feces, or by drinking contaminated water, or by eating the flesh of animals infected with tapeworm. For humans who have tapeworm infection, the parasite is the most dangerous when it is at the embryo stage, because an insidious infection called cysticercosis can develop.

According to estimates, about 50 million people in the world are affected by cycticercosis, with it going unnoticed by most. The cysts that form are usually only revealed on an autopsy being performed. In a small number of cases, the central nervous system is infected by tapeworms, causing neurocysticercosis, a potentially deadly condition.

Once the undeveloped tapeworm infects a host, it does not develop into a fully grown tapeworm. It drills through the abdominal lining of the host and gets into the blood stream. Arteries and veins become its highways through which the tapeworm travels to all the major muscles and organs.

Once the undeveloped tapeworm finds a home, e.g. the liver or any large muscle, it forms a fluid sac, called a cyst, into which it encloses itself. The embryo does not leave this sac until the flesh is eaten by some other animal. In fact, this is one the main ways people get infected by tapeworms.

Human Tapeworm Symptoms and Diagnosis

If you have a tapeworm or some other stomach parasite, chances are that you won’t even be aware of it. Even if you do experience the symptoms of parasites, they will hardly be noticeable, and will most probably be misdiagnosed, being attributed to common ailments like upset stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, or even stress. As a matter of fact, most people only notice they have tapeworm when they see the bodies of the headless worm in their stool.

When you read through this list of tapeworm symptoms, it will become clear why the symptoms of tapeworm infestation are misdiagnosed so often. Hence, you will have to be your best advocate for correct diagnosis as well as treatment. Some of the signs of human tapeworm infection are: constipation, diarrhea, discomfort in the abdomen, and/or segments of tapeworm in the feces or clothes.

If you or your doctor suspect that you have tapeworm symptoms, an antibody test will be able to diagnose the infection. If there are neurological symptoms, an MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, can be used to locate the cysts. Tapeworm infection is usually easy to treat in most people. Although some infections may last a long time, depending on the organ that is affected.

Treatment of Human Tapeworm Infection

There are various western and naturopathic medical treatments available that can get rid of tapeworms from the intestines. For example, various herbal combinations formulated in a parasite cleanse or following a colon cleansing program are often quite effective methods. Treatment via conventional drugs includes niclosamide or quinacrine hydrochloride. It requires two drugs, albendazole and prazinquantel, to treat the embryo of the tapeworm. These drugs usually have many side effects, hence must be taken under medical supervision.

Prevention of Intestinal Parasite Infection by Tapeworms

There are many ways of avoiding getting a tapeworm infection.

• It is advisable to avoid eating rare meat. Tapeworms are killed effectively by the intense heat of cooking.
• After using the washroom, ALWAYS wash your hands with soap and water. Not only will this help kill of parasitic eggs, but is a great way to avoid getting sick.
• Avoid drinking water from any source where there are chances of it being contaminated with these worms.

If you are careful about employing these simple and basic rules, you will not be among those millions who have to deal with the unpleasant symptoms associated with tapeworms.

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

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There are over one hundred thirty different kinds of parasites that currently make their homes in our bodies. These parasites can range from microscopic organisms to tapeworms that are several feet long.

Yet many people wrongly assume that parasites are relegated to tropical underdeveloped and malnourished third world nations. But parasites have no respect for national borders, class boundaries, or sexual differences. Recent estimates from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) project that as many as 8.3 billion people will be infected with parasites by the year 2025.

The Warning Signs for Parasites in the Stomach

The signs and symptoms of parasites may take several weeks, months, or even years to develop. And the symptoms that do develop can often be confused with other illnesses. Constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, joint and muscle pain, anemia, allergies, skin conditions, nervousness, sleep disorders, teeth grinding, chronic fatigue syndrome, and immune dysfunction are all common symptoms of a parasitic infection.

The Offenders

There are several parasites that make their home in your intestines, causing pain and discomfort in the stomach. Here’s a list of the most common offenders:

The Parasite Infection

So how does a parasitic infection occur? It’s a lot easier than you may think. Stomach parasites can enter the body through a number of sources such as bug bites, contact with infected pets or feces, blood transfusions, dirty syringes, and swimming in contaminated water. But the most common form of infection occurs through the ingestion of contaminated food and water.

We eat and drink food and water everyday, and several times throughout the day. So, our exposure to contamination may be constant. Stomach parasites can be found in well water and even chemically treated city water. Both plants and animals contain parasites and many times cleaning and cooking is sometimes not enough to kill off the offenders.

Water is the main source of infection for the spread of giardiasis, a very common intestinal parasitic infection. In fact, the Center for Disease Control has reported that the Giardia parasite is the most prevalent source of water-borne disease in the United States.

The Diagnosis

Stomach parasites can mimic the symptoms of other conditions and disorders. If you are concerned that you may have stomach parasites, ask yourself the following questions to determine whether or not you are at risk for infection: If you think you may have a parasitic infection, consult your health care provider and ask to be tested.

• Have you ever in your life traveled to an area with less stringent sewage, water treatment and food hygiene standards? Consider in particular US travel to Hawaii or other tropical islands, or international travel to countries such as Mexico, Israel, china, Russia, Indonesia or regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America, or South America.
• Do you frequently swim in untreated lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams?
• Have you ever had your water supply tested for pollutants and parasites?
• Have you ever drunk the water from an untreated source (rivers, lakes or streams) without boiling or chemically treating it?
• Do you frequently eat at restaurants where raw food is served (sushi bars, salad bars, etc.)?
• Do you eat meat that is rare or undercooked?
• Do you have, or do you frequently handle pets?
• Does your pet sleep in the same bed with you or any of your family members?
• Do you clean your cat’s litter box?
• Do you work in or around an area where sanitation may be a concern (daycares, hospitals, zoos, or veterinarian’s office)?

Treatment Options for Stomach Parasites

Once you have been diagnosed with stomach parasites, your health care provider will guide you through a treatment protocol.

The most important steps in treating stomach parasites include doing a colon cleanse to help purify the digestive system, making a few dietary changes, administering cleansing supplements to help kill the parasites, doing a parasite cleanse to help the intestines thrive, reintroducing the friendly bacteria to the system with a probiotic supplement, and making the necessary lifestyle changes to avoid reinfection.

The Final Word

Parasitic Infections are a common reality in the United States. Potential sources for infection are all around us. But there is no reason to become paranoid. By taking a few careful precautions to avoid infection and re-infection, we can ensure that stomach parasites will not become a problem. Knowledge is the key. Learn everything you can about the parasites that are prevalent in your area, or the parasites that you or your loved ones may have been exposed to in your lifetime. Then take the necessary steps to eradicate them.

article written by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM

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Live Whipworm Squirming Around Inside Intestines

Parasite worms can cause a significant amount of distress and even mortality throughout the world. They are especially prevalent in less developed nations where there are lowered standards of food preparation and personal hygiene. But these types of intestinal worms are not limited to these nations and are quite common in the United States.

There is a wide variety of parasites that are common in the United States, such as pinworms, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Here is what you need to know about each of these harmful invaders and how you can keep them out of your body.

• Pinworms — Enterobius vermicularis is the Latin name for pinworms, the most common parasite worm in the United States. Humans are the only known host of the pinworm, and it affects roughly 209 million people throughout the world. Humans can become infected with pinworms by ingesting contaminated food, water, or dust.

  Adult pinworms are small, reaching a length of two to ten millimeters. They live mainly in the large intestine. But when female pinworms reach maturity, they will travel to the area just outside the anus to lay their eggs. Up to fifteen thousand eggs may be laid in location! These eggs can then be easily spread to other hosts via contact with contaminated sheets, clothing, furniture, toilet seats, or hands.

  Anal itching is the number one complaint associated with pinworm parasite worms, followed by insomnia and sleep disturbances. In more serious cases of pinworm infection, symptoms such as weight loss, urinary tract infection, and appendicitis may be noted.




• Roundworms — The roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, are the largest intestinal parasite worms in the world. It affects roughly one billion people throughout the world, the majority of which are children. Roundworms are large parasites, resembling earthworms in their general appearance. They can infect their human host via direct contact with contaminated soil, food, or feces.

  These intestinal worms can travel throughout the body, causing destruction at several points along their journey. They may be responsible for severe tissue irritation and allergic reactions in the liver and the lungs. Adult roundworms may make their home in the liver, the lungs, or the heart. If you become infected with roundworms, there are many symptoms to be on the look out for.

  Symptoms of a roundworm infection include cramping, swelling, insomnia, allergic reactions, and weight loss. If left untreated, roundworms can multiply to such great numbers that they cause a blockage within the digestive system.



• Tapeworms — Tapeworms are very large intestinal parasite worms that can wreak havoc within the digestive system. There are several types of tapeworms, such as the beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata), the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium), the dog tapeworm (Dipylidium caninium), and the fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum).

  Tapeworms are whitish in color with a flat head and a long, ribbon-like body. In extreme circumstances, they can grow to several feet in length and live within their human host for up to twenty five years. In most cases, a tapeworm infection will elicit few noticeable symptoms and may go undetected throughout its entire lifespan.

  However, the most common symptoms of tapeworms would include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, irritability, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Symptoms will vary in people.

• Hookworms — Anclyostoma duodenal and Necator americanus are the two species of parasite worms that are found exclusively in humans. Anclyostoma duodenale, is found primarily in Europe, Africa, China, Japan, India, and the Pacific islands. Necator americanus, on the other hand, is found in North and South America and the Caribbean.

  Hookworms can penetrate the human skin. The main pathway of infection is through the soles of the feet. Individuals who walk barefoot in areas that are contaminated with hookworm larvae are likely to become infected by the parasite. The larvae then travel through the body until they reach their final destination, the small intestines. These parasite worms can range in length from approximately six to twelve millimeters.

  
  

  The greatest concern regarding hookworm infection is the loss of blood that occurs when this parasite attaches its teeth like hooks into the lining of the intestines. Symptoms of hookworm infection include itchy skin and blisters and the point of entry, followed by nausea, dizziness, weight loss, appetite changes, and anemia.

Keeping Parasite Worms Out!

Humans can contract parasite worms via a number of pathways — the foods we eat, the water we drink or bathe in, the animals we come in contact with, or even the (dirty) air we breathe. But this does not mean that we are destined to become infected with parasites. Here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of a parasite infection.

• Wash hands frequently throughout the day, especially before eating and after using the toilet or handling animals. Use soap and hot water. Be sure to lather for at least thirty seconds.
• Only drink filtered or treated water. If you are not sure of the quality of your tap water, use a water filter to help purify the water.
• Wear shoes, especially on beaches and in playgrounds that may house animal feces. It is common for humans to become invested with worms while walking around barefoot in contaminated areas, such as locker rooms and dirty carpet.
• Do not swim in water that may be contaminated with parasites. This may include many public places, such as beachs, lakes and rivers. Do your research on the public waters located near your home, before your family takes a dip.
• Do not eat raw or undercooked meat. This is especially important for fish. While sushi is delicious for some, it is a common source of intestinal worms. Take caution before devouring.
• Wash and peel fruits/vegetables before eating them, especially if they are to be eaten raw. Use soap to sanitize the outside. Buy organic fruits and vegetables when possible.

by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

What Causes Ringworms in Humans?

Toxoplasma, The Most Dangerous Cat Parasite

Live Whipworm Squirming Around Inside Intestines

In order to relieve the symptoms of a parasitic infection, it is essential to completely remove the parasites from the body. Any medication or nutritional supplement that aims to treat the parasitic infection without removing the parasites will be unsuccessful.

Rather, here are five comprehensive steps that will help you remove parasites from your body so you can get on with your life. These include cleansing the system, modifying the diet, administering supplements to kill the parasites in all of their life stages, reintroducing healthy bacteria to the digestive system with a high quality probiotic supplement, and making the necessary lifestyle changes to prevent re-infection from the same type of organisms.

Step 1) Cleansing the System to Help Remove Parasites

Most parasites entrench themselves within the various organs of the body, especially within the intestinal tract. Therefore, in order to get rid of these harmful organisms, it is essential to cleanse the system of mucus and waste that may be surrounding the parasites.

There are several herbal cleansers that can be used to detoxify your digestive system. Common ingredients in these herbal cleansing supplements include comfrey root, agar-agar, flax seeds, psyllium husks, alginate, beet root, citrus pectin, papaya extract, and bentonite clay. It is important to remember to drink lots of purified water while taking these types of cleansing products.

One of the most common side effects of these cleansing herbs include constipation and bowel impaction. This happens when you don’t drink enough water. Any sort of impaction inside your digestive system will only help these types of intestinal worms thrive.

There are also several ready made colon cleansing products on the market that may help. These products usually incorporate one of the herbal ingredients mentioned above in their formula. It is important to know the source and quality of the herbs used in any dietary supplement. Be sure to do the proper research, and follow the dosage and cleansing instructions carefully. Bottom-line, there are many different types of cleansing programs, so do your research on the best colon cleanse.

Home enemas and professional colonic irrigation are two more good methods for cleansing the system and parasite removal. A colonic irrigation is typically performed in a doctor’s office. It involves flushing the entire length of the large intestinal with a lukewarm water solution. This procedure may take up to 45 minutes to dislodge and remove toxins throughout the intestinal tract. Home enemas are the do-it-yourself version of the colonic irrigation. Ingredients such as garlic, vinegar, and blackstrap molasses can be added to the home enema to increase its effectiveness.

Step 2) Modifying The Diet

There are very few studies that explain the exact relationship between parasites and nutrition. However, it is pretty safe to assume that a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables will increase your immune system and your defenses against intestinal parasites, because of all the nutrients contained in the fruit.

In addition, since it is well documented that these types of organisms thrive on sugar and carbohydrates, it may be a good idea to limit your intake of simple-carbohydrates such as refined sugar, enriched white flour, and processed foods. It is especially important to avoid eating sushi and other undercooked fish (and pork). While sushi has deep roots in many cultures, it is also one of the most common sources of infection from the food we eat.

Step 3) Taking a Parasite Removal Supplement

There are several dietary and herbal remedies that can be utilized to help remove parasites in every stage of their life cycle. If you think you may be infected with some sort of intestinal or stomach parasite, it would be wise to take an herbal cleansing designed to flush out these types of organisms.

There are many ingredients included in these herbal cleansing supplements. Some of these incredients include black walnut hull, wormwood, clove, kamala, just to name a few. There are other herbs that can help flush out these organisms, so consult your local herbalist or specialist to help recommend a particular herb. At some stores, you can buy these herbs in bulk and add them to your smoothies for at-home cleansing methods. However, it is easier for most people to just do a parasite cleanse.

Step 4) Reintroduction of Healthy Bacteria

With all of the steps you have taken to cleanse the digestive system and remove parasites, it is now essential to reintroduce healthy bacteria to your intestinal tract. Healthy bacteria usually occurs naturally in the digestive system, but some cleansing herbs will remove the healthy bacteria, along with the harmful parasites.

Probiotics will help to detoxify your digestive system, maintain the proper chemical balance, and act as natural antibiotic against harmful bacteria and yeast organisms. The recolonization of the digestive tract with friendly flora will help protect the body against future parasitic infections, as well as the development of other yeast, bacterial, and fungal related disorders. There are many probiotic supplements that can be used to help maintain a healthy digestive system, as well as guard against further disorders.

Step 5) Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Reinfection

This is a proactive do-it-yourself step. Make it a point to learn everything you can about the risk factors for developing a parasitic infection. If possible, try to determine the cause of your infection, and then make the necessary changes to avoid further problems. If it is not possible or practical for you to determine the source of your parasitic infection, take the steps necessary to avoid re-infection. Properly cooking food, frequently washing hands, disinfecting water supplies, and limiting contact with pet feces are all good ways to reduce your exposure to parasites.

If you are planning a trip abroad, look into the food hygiene, sewage, and water treatment standards of the area you will be visiting. Contact the Center for Disease Control to learn about the regional disease that can be found at your destination. If there is a possibility of parasitic infection, be sure to stay away from unfiltered water, uncooked fruits and vegetables, and undercooked meats. Take the appropriate steps to protect yourself. Parasite removal should be practiced on a daily basis, and if you are infected, you should do a parasite cleanse at least 2x every year.

article written by: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

What Causes Ringworms in Humans?

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Live Whipworm Squirming Around Inside Intestines

A complete parasite cleanse requires several distinct steps in order for it to be fully effective in purging the body of parasites.

1. 1) Take Away The Food:
   The first and most important step of doing a parasite cleanse is to clear away the plaque or mucous build up in your intestinal tract, that the parasites are using for nourishment. Many of these intestinal organisms become embedded into the colon. If this happened, herbal supplements and medications may not be able to reach them until the overlying waste material is removed.

   There are several methods that you can use to remove waste from the colon. Taking an oxygen colon cleanser is one of the best methods, but there are also many herbs that can help, including psyllium husks, agar-agar, comfrey root, alginate, beet root, bentonite clay, citrus pectin, papaya extract and flaxseed oil. These are all common herbal methods for cleansing the colon of toxins and waste.

2. 2) Kill The Parasites:
   The next phase of a parasite cleanse is actually killing the parasites and parasitic eggs that are present in the body. There are several different herbal remedies and foods that have anti-parasitic properties. Taking an herbal supplement designed to kill harmful organisms is another great way to remove parasites. Fresh pineapple and papaya are two good food sources for killing parasitic worms. Pomegranate juice is effective against tapeworm infections.

   
   

   Other effective de-wormers include pumpkin seeds, garlic, onions, carrot tops, radish roots, kelp, cabbage, almonds, blackberries, sauerkraut, and fig extract. There are also several ready-made herbal preparations that can be used to cleanse parasites from the system. If you do choose to use a prepared parasite cleanse, be sure that you use a high-quality preparation and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

3. 3) Rebuild The Body:
   In the previous two steps, you have taken measures of prevention, as well as finished your parasite cleanse. If all went well, you should’ve cleaned the waste and toxins from your digestive system. In the process, it is possible that you have also removed some of the healthy bacteria that inhabit your colon.

   These healthy bacteria help to detoxify the body. It is important to eat foods high in probiotics or take a probiotic supplement to help recolonize your intestinal tract with enzymes, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins to rebuild your biosystem. Bacterial strains that are most frequently used for recolonizing the intestines include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaris, Lactobacillus bifidus, and Streptococus faeceum. Many people actually need a combination of each of these bacteria in order to get their systems working effectively. Whichever product you choose to use, be sure to read the instruction label carefully.

What Are Parasites?

A parasite is an organism that lives off, and causes harm to, the body of its host. Some experts estimate that as many as 85% of Americans are infected with at least one form of parasite. Some authorities feel that this figure should be even higher. Parasites can enter the body from a number of sources: the food we eat, the water we drink or bathe in, the soil we walk on, or even the air we breathe.

Once inside the body, parasites leech essential nutrients and emit dangerous toxins that can wreak havoc on organs such as the intestines, the heart, the lungs, and the brain. It is because of these types of harmful organisms, that a good parasite flush and colon cleanse should be performed at least twice a year.

How Do Parasites Affect The Body & Colon?

Parasites can live in the body for months or even years without causing any noticeable symptoms. But once their numbers reach a great enough level, it is likely that they will begin to make their presence known. Common symptoms of parasites include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, headaches, itchy rashes, teeth grinding, blurred vision, joint pain, weight loss, appetite changes, fatigue, sleep disorders and severe migraines.

Parasites may also be responsible for symptoms such as menstrual disorders, angina, rapid heart beat, jaundice, memory problems, and impairment in cognitive thinking, slow reflexes, and even seizures.

Important Information About The Colon

The large intestines, commonly referred to as the colon, are the key to the good health of the body. The colon is the site where nutrients are absorbed from the foods that we eat. And they are also the location where waste material is sorted and removed to keep it from poisoning the body. Therefore a properly functioning colon is very important to overall good health and long life. Many of us take measures to protect the health of other organs in their body. We exercise to keep our hearts healthy, and we use sunscreen to protect our skin.

Yet, many of us do nothing to maintain the health of our colon. Many experts agree that the challenges of the digestive system can be the most damaging to the human body. According to the Royal Society of Medicine in the United Kingdom, over sixty five percent of illnesses occur as the result of an improperly functioning colon.

Parasites are a leading cause of dysfunction in the colon. Organisms such as parasitic worms or amoebas can attach to the lining of the colon and leech nutrients away from the body. They can also emit toxins that further disrupt the functioning of the colon. A regular parasite cleanse can remove these harmful organisms, as well as any fecal matter or debris that is built up in this area.

by Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DABFM

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

What Causes Ringworms in Humans?

Toxoplasma, The Most Dangerous Cat Parasite

Live Whipworm Squirming Around Inside Intestines