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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