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?

What Causes Ringworms in Humans?

Toxoplasma, The Most Dangerous Cat Parasite

Live Whipworm Squirming Around Inside Intestines

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

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

What Causes Ringworms in Humans?

Toxoplasma, The Most Dangerous Cat Parasite

Live Whipworm Squirming Around Inside Intestines

As they mention in the video, Toxoplasma is a common brain parasite that can affect humans, as well as cats. It is a very dangerous parasite, so you need to help keep your cat healthy, as well as your family.

In this video, the doc discusses two products that he would recommend for treating ringworms. These two products are Mycozil and Paratrex. Both products are made from organic ingredients, that are all designed to help kill off these types of parasites and fungus that may be inside your body.

Besides from the two products mentioned above, he also says that colloidal silver, oregano oil and probiotics may also help treat ringworms. These are all great options, especially the oregano oil. But be sure to do your research on the quality of some of these supplements. There is alot of cheaply made products floating around. It’s always best to get organically-grown herbs if you can.

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?

What Causes Ringworms in Humans?

Toxoplasma, The Most Dangerous Cat Parasite

Live Whipworm Squirming Around Inside Intestines

The most common type of roundworm infection is the pinworm infection. Roundworms are basically intestinal parasites that use your body as a host to stay alive and reproduce. The microscopic eggs of the pinworm hatch inside your bodies and grow into adults that measure 13 millimeters or about half an inch. These worms mature inside the intestine and travel through the digestive system to lay their eggs in the anal area.

How Do Pinworms Spread?

An person that is infected with parasites, in most cases a child; transfers pinworms when he/she has scratched his/her bare anal area and the eggs get under his/her fingernails. Apart from this, pinworms are also spread in the following ways:

• Eggs may be passed on from an infected child who has not washed his/her hands after using the bathroom and then touched a playmate or play toy.
• Pinworm eggs can also be transferred from the fingers onto beddings and clothing and thus spread around the house.
• These eggs can also be inhaled from the air and deposited onto food and swallowed.
• The pinworm eggs are able to spread for a longer time as they are able to survive up to two weeks on clothes, bedding and other objects that are kept at room temperature.

Pinworm infections can be spread as long as either eggs or worms are present.

The Signs & Symptoms of Pinworm Infection?

If the infection is mild, then there may not be any pinworm symptoms. Most of the symptoms of parasites that are noticeable in humans, will only take place in case of moderate or heavier infections.

Some of the signs and symptoms in case of heavier pinworm infections are:

• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Loss of weight
• Difficulty sleeping
• A feeling of restlessness
• Itching that is concentrated around the anal area
• Gastrointestinal symptoms like intermittent abdominal pain and nausea
• Some girls may experience vaginal itching and irritation (vaginitus)

How is Pinworm Infection Diagnosed?

There are two methods used to diagnose pinworm infection. The first is the direct sighting of a Parasitic worm, where the adult worm is seen around the anus. The second method that is used is the tape test. This test involves the use of cellophane tape. In this procedure, a tape is pressed against the skin around the anus and then examined under a microscope. It is advisable to use this method of testing early in the morning before defecating or bathing, as the parasites typically lay eggs at night.

Pinworm Treatment Options

No treatment is usually required for mild pinworm infections. Of course, there are medicines that are almost always available for effectively eliminating the parasite. These medicines are usually prescribed for all the members of the family because children spread pinworms easily to other members. The doctor may also prescribe a soothing ointment or cream if the vaginal or anal itching is severe and interfering with your sleep.

The doctor might also remind you to keep your fingernails clean, avoid scratching the anal area and wash any potentially infected sheets and clothes.

Another common pinworm treatment method, is to do a parasite cleanse to help remove pinworm symptoms naturally.

What steps can I take to prevent pinworm infection?

To prevent pinworm infection you need to:

• Wash your hands and fingernails frequently.
• Encourage children to restrain from scratching their bare anal areas.
• Bathe daily.
• Change and wash clothes and bedding frequently.
• Since the pinworm eggs continue to be present in the faces of the infected person for up to a week after the treatment, precautions should be taken keeping this in mind.

There are many different types of parasites that can affect both animals and humans. Here is a list of the most common parasite infections:

Roundworm Parasite Infections

Necator americanus — This parasite can reach a length of just a little over one centimeter. It usually enters the system through the feet and attaches to the small intestine, causing anemia and abdominal disorders.

Ancylostoma duodenale — This parasite enters through the skin and makes its home in the small intestines. It can grow to a length of approximately 1.3 cm. Parasite infections with this roundworm cause anemia, and gastrointestinal distress.

Ancyclostoma braziliense — A. Braziliense parasite makes its way into the body through the skin and eventually makes its home there as well. The larva of this parasite can get to be three tenths of a millimeter. Infections cause skin lesions and itching.

Ascaris lumbricoides — This large roundworm can grow to a length of 35 centimeters. It enters the body through the mouth and matures in the small intestines. Infections cause vague symptoms of abdominal discomfort.

Toxocara canis — The toxocara worm parasite enters the body through the mouth and causes infections of the liver, lung, brain, and eyes. The larva are small at a length of about 0.3 millimeters. Symptoms of infection include pneumonitis.

Enterobius vermicularis — As known as the pinworm, this parasite enters the body through the mouth and makes its home in the appendix and the large intestine. It can reach a length of 1.3 centimeters. Infections of this organism is known to cause anal itching.

Trichuris trichuria — Trichuris is also referred to as whipworm or threadworm parasite. It makes its home in the large intestine or the ileum after entering the body through unwashed vegetables. These parasite infections cause abdominal discomfort, anemia, and bloody stool. Whipworm can grow to a length of 5 centimeters.

Trichinella spiralis — Trichinosis is the condition usually caused by this specific parasite. Trichinella infection occurs via infected pork. The parasite enters through the mouth and matures in the striated muscle. Once it reaches adulthood, it will enter and remains in the small intestine. It can grow up to 0.4 centimeters. Infections of trichonisis parasite may symptoms such as muscle pain and swelling.

Strongyloides stericoralis — Also known as Chinese diarrhea, this parasite enters the body through the skin and attaches to the wall of the small intestine. Infections cause abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. This parasite can get to be about 0.2 centimeters long.

Wuchereria bancrofti — This parasite is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. It can grow to 10 centimeters long. Infections with this parasite cause swelling of the lymph nodes and fever.

Brugia malayi — Similar to W. bancrofti, this parasite is transmitted to humans through mosquitoes. Infections with this parasite cause swelling of the lymph nodes and fever. But B. malayi is a smaller parasite, with a maximum length of 6 centimeters.

Acanthocheilonema perstans — This parasite attaches to the body cavities after entering via a fly bite. Once there, it grows to a length of 8 centimeters and infections with this parasite cause abdominal pain and liver disorders.

Mansonella ozzardi — This parasite infects the body cavities via a fly bite. It reaches a maximum length of 8 centimeters, but it usually does not cause any noticeable symptoms.

Loa loa — Also known as eyeworm, L.loa infects humans through fly bites. Infections with this parasite cause localized inflammation and possibly the development of a transient tumor. Its maximum length is 7 centimeters.

Onchocerca volvulus — Infections with this parasite cause a condition called blinding filariasis in which the sufferer may experience either a temporary or a permanent loss of vision. It enters the body from a fly bite and grows to a length of 50 centimeters.

Dracunulus medinensis — Also known as fiery serpent or Guinea worm, this parasite can grow to a length of 120 centimeters. It enters the body via the mouth and makes its home in the skin. Infections with this parasite cause inflammation and ulceration of the legs and feet.

Tapeworm Parasite Infections

Taenia saginata — This parasite is also known as the beef tapeworm. It forms cysts in beef and infects humans through the ingestion of undercooked or raw beef. It enters the small intestines and can reach a length of 12 meters! However, it usually does not cause any noticeable symptoms.

Hymenolepis nana — The dwarf tapeworm enters the body through the ingestion of undercooked or poorly washed foods. It grows to 4 centimeters. Infections with this parasite can cause abdominal discomfort in the body.

Hymenolepis diminuta — The rat tapeworm grows to 60 centimeters long. It infects humans via insect cysts but usually does not cause any noticeable symptoms.

Taenia solium — The pork tapeworm infects humans via the infection of raw or undercooked infected pork. It can grow to 15 centimeters long, but it does not usually cause any noticeable symptoms.

Echinococcus granulosus — This tapeworm enters the body from the eggs of dog feces. Infections with this parasite affects the liver lungs, brain and bones causing pressure in the body and various symptoms of discomfort. Its maximum length is 15 centimeters.

Fluke Parasite Infections

Schistosoma mansoni — This fluke ranges in size from 1.4 to 2.6 centimeters. It enters the body via the skin and makes its home in the bladder or the intestines. Infections with this parasite include dysentery and other digestive disorders.

Fassiolopsis boski — This intestinal fluke enters the body via the ingestion of infected water nuts and vegetables. It ranges in size from 2 to 7 centimeters and it causes diarrhea, swelling, and abdominal pain.

Clonorchis sinensis — The human liver fluke infects humans through the ingestion of infected fresh water fish. It makes its home in the bile ducts, causing indigestion and diarrhea. It can reach a length of 2.5 centimeters.

Paragonimus westernani — The lung fluke grows to one centimeter in length. It infects the human body through the consumption of infected fresh water fish, namely crabs. This fluke makes its home in the lungs. Infections with this parasite can cause coughing, abdominal pain, and fever.

Protozoa Parasite Infections

Plasmodium species — There are several species of these parasite protozoa. They all enter the body through infectious mosquito bites, transfusions, or dirty syringes. Once in the body, infections with this parasite species of protozoa cause fever, chills, sweating, and enlarged spleen.

Leishmania species — This protozoa species enters the body via the skin and causes fever, leukopenia, and chronic ulceration.

Trypanosoma species — African sleeping sickness is among the diseases caused by this protozoa species. It enters the body through the bite from a tsetse fly causing fever, rash, headache, and enlarged spleen and liver.

Giardia lambia — This parasite causes giardiasis and condition characterized by gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea, and weight loss. It enters the body usually through contaminated food and water and makes its home in the small intestine.

Toxoplasma gondii — This protozoa enters the body through the consumption of infected meat, or contact with infected feline stools. Once inside, it causes a condition called toxoplasmosis. Infections with this parasite can lead to seizures, fatigue, and even death.

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

Over half of all Americans will be infected with an intestinal parasite at some point in their lives. Yet, many of us do not recognize the signs and symptoms of a parasite infection because they can occur weeks or even years after the initial infection, and because a parasitic infection often mimics other similar conditions.

The most common symptoms of a parasite infection include constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, joint and muscle aches, anemia, allergies, skin conditions, tumors, nervousness, sleep disorders, teeth grinding, chronic fatigue, and immune dysfunction.

1) Constipation

Some parasitic worms are actually large enough to physically block the passage of nutrients and waste at certain points in the digestive system. Severe parasitic infections in the bile duct or the intestines can make bowel movements difficult, leading to worsened symptoms of constipation.

2) Diarrhea

Another common symptom of parasites, is the development of diarrhea, or frequent, loose, watery stools. Many parasites produce a prostaglandin that leads to a sodium and chloride loss in the body. This in turn can causes diarrhea. This process is especially true in the case of protozoan infection.

3) Gas and Bloating

Parasites that live in the upper small intestines can cause intestinal symptoms such as inflammation that leads to gas and bloating. Frequent occurrences of gas and bloating are classic signs of a parasite infection. The discomfort is aggravated by the consumption of hard to digest foods such as beans and non-organic meats.

4) Irritable Bowel Syndrome

One of the more common symptoms of parasites, is irritable bowel syndrome. It is not uncommon for IBS to be caused by an intestinal parasite, because they can dig in and attach themselves to the intestinal wall. This often causes irritation and inflammation that can in turn lead to muscle spasms, intestinal blockage, and a malabsorption of nutrients. Fatty substances in particular can be difficult to digest.

5) Joint and Muscle Aches

Intestinal parasites can also move and migrate throughout the body. It is not uncommon for them to become encysted in joint fluids or even in the muscles themselves. This causes pain, aching and irritation that are often mistaken for arthritis. Joint and muscle pain can also be caused by the body’s own immune system response to the parasite infection.

6) Anemia

There are several types of parasites that attach themselves to the lining of the intestines and divert nutrients away from the human body. In severe infections, these parasites can lead to blood loss sufficient enough to cause anemia.

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7) Allergies

Intestinal parasites cause irritation and inflammation. This in turn can make it difficult to digest certain types of foods. The body’s response to these undigested food particles may be to produce increased levels of eosinophils, which are one of the body’s immune system defenders. These eosinophils then inflame the body’s tissue and cause an allergic reaction.

8) Skin Conditions

Intestinal parasites can cause the release of hormones and immune system defenders that can in turn irritate the skin. Hives, rashes, weeping eczema, and other allergic reactions are common with intestinal parasites. Protozoan infections can also cause ulcers, swelling, sores, lesions, and dermatitis.

9) Tumors

The body may develop a tumor like mass in response to the parasitic infection that is also known as a granuloma. The tumor is developed to encase parasitic larvae or eggs. Granulomas most often develop in the colon or on the rectal wall, but they are also found in the lungs, liver, peritoneum, and the uterus.

10) Nervousness

Intestinal parasites release waste products and other toxic substances into the body’s system. In chronic or severe parasitic infections, these toxins may irritate the central nervous system resulting in restlessness, nervousness, and anxiety. These are all common symptoms of parasites in your body.

11) Sleep Disorders

Intestinal parasites can cause irritation that can disturb sleep patterns making it difficult to fall asleep and to stay asleep. In the night, the body works to eliminate toxins via the liver. Parasitic infections can interrupt this process and upset the rhythms of the body. In fact, some parasites may try to migrate out of the anus at night causing itching, discomfort, and irritation.

12) Teeth Grinding

This symptom of parasite infection can also cause a condition known as bruxism, or the abnormal grinding, clenching, and gnashing of the teeth. This condition occurs most often at night, and it may be linked to the restlessness and anxiety caused in the body by the parasite’s release of waste and other toxins.

13) Chronic Fatigue

Parasites can exhaust and deplete the body, on physical, mental, and emotional levels. It can lead to the mal-absorption of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins, draining the body of both nutrients and energy. As a result, another common symptoms is the development of chronic fatigue, with symptoms such as exhaustion, aches, apathy, depression, difficulty concentrating, and impaired cognitive ability.

14) Immune Dysfunction

Oftentimes, when you have a parasite living inside of you, it will leech vital nutrients from the body, forcing the immune system to operate with a poor supply of vitamins, minerals, and energy sources. Parasites also stimulate the production of immunoglobulin A, which is a defender against foreign substances. Over time, this over stimulation can exhaust the body’s supply of immunoglobulin A, leaving the body susceptible to attacks from bacteria, yeast, fungus, virus, and other foreign invaders.

article written 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

Are you infected with internal parasites? These harmful organisms are more common than you may think. There are several types of parasites that can infect the human body. Here is a list of parasites that may be affecting your health

Protozoa internal parasite

Protozoa are very small parasites that cannot be seen with the human eye. They also include some of the most common parasitic invaders in the United States, namely,
Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum.

• Giardia is responsible for the common illness giardiasis. Symptoms of this condition include digestive disorders such as diarrhea, bloating, foul-smelling gas, nausea, weight loss and abdominal cramping. Giardia can be transmitted via food or water that has been contaminated by human or animal feces. Giardia can also be carried by household pets. This intestinal parasite makes its home in the small intestine and interferes with the body’s levels of immunoglobulin A, vitamin A and vitamin B12.
• Cryptosporidium is another common protozoan parasite. It is a water-borne internal parasite but it can also be transmitted from unsanitary diaper changing conditions at day care facilities. Once inside the human body, Cryptosporidium makes its home in the intestines and is responsible for such symptoms as diarrhea, fever, nausea, abdominal cramps and migraines.

Nematode internal parasites

This category of internal parasites includes the larger species such as roundworm, hookworm, and pinworms.

• Roundworm: (Ascaris lumbricoides) The roundworm is the most common parasite in humans throughout the world. This flat worm resembles an earthworm and can infect humans via contact with contaminated food, feces or soil. Once ingested, roundworms move through the liver and the lungs causing damage as they go.

  Symptoms of a roundworm infection include abdominal pain, swelling, allergic reactions, sleep disturbances, and significant weight changes. In children, roundworm infection may be responsible for conditions such as nervousness, colic, poor appetite, allergic reactions, and malnutrition.

• Hookworms: (Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenal) Hookworms are another intestinal worm that is commonly found in warm, moist soil environments. They can enter the human body by penetrating the skin. This is why people who are frequently barefoot are often infected with hookworms. Once in the body, hookworms will travel through the blood stream into the lungs and then to the trachea. Hookworm parasites may cause symptoms such as sore throats and coughing and illnesses such as bronchitis. Hookworms can then work their way into the esophagus where the will be swallowed into the digestive system. Hookworm infection can lead to symptoms that include itchy rashes, pimples, anemia, vitamin deficiencies, and weight loss.
• Pinworm: (Enterobius vermicularis) Pinworm is one of the most common internal worms in the United States. It is found primarily in children and it can infect the body via several pathways. Pinworms tend to lay their eggs right outside the anus. These eggs can then contaminate underwear, pajamas, sheets, toilet seats, sofas, hands, doorknobs, and anywhere that contaminated hands have touched. The eggs can also float about in the air, therefore even with careful hygiene, it is possible to become infected with pinworms simply be breathing the eggs in. The main symptom of pinworm infection is anal itching, especially at night, due to the pinworm eggs that lay outside the anus. The itchiness can then lead to insomnia and, fatigue, restlessness, and irritability as a result.

Cestodes (Tapeworms) – Internal Parasites

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Tapeworms are very large worms, the largest of all of the parasitic worms. (The largest of tapeworm, the beef tapeworm can grow up to forty feet (twelve meters) long! There are several species of tapeworm: the beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata), the pork tapeworm (T. solium), the fish tapeworm (Diaphyllobothrium latum), and the dog tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum). Each tapeworm can infect the human body via consumption of contaminated fish or meat (for instance, a human can become infected with beef tapeworms by eating infected beef).

Beef tapeworm internal parasite infection is not usually life threatening, but it can result in diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nervousness, nausea, and loss of appetite. Pork tapeworm infection can be dangerous and even lethal. The larvae of these tapeworms can invade the muscles, heart, eye, and brain as they migrate through the body. Once in the brain, pork tapeworms may result in seizures and brain deterioration. This type of infection is often misdiagnosed as epilepsy.

Fish tapeworm infection is common in the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. Humans can become infected by eating contaminated fish that is raw or lightly cooked. Fish tapeworm infection can cause serious deficiencies in the host’s vitamin B12 levels. Symptoms of fish tapeworm infection include nausea, anorexia, and pain or fullness in the upper abdomen.

Trematodes (Flukes) – Internal Parasites

Trematodes, or flukes, can make their home in many different areas of the human body. There are blood flukes (Schistosoma spp), liver flukes (Clonorchis sinensis), oriental lung flukes (Paragoniumus westermani), sheep liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica), and intestinal flukes (Fasciolopsis buski).

Blood flukes can penetrate the human skin. Infection can occur via contact with contaminated water (such as bathing or swimming.) Liver, oriental lung, sheep liver, and intestinal flukes, on the other hand, are all transmitted via consumption of contaminated food. Fluke infections are rare in the United States; however, they are still possible. Symptoms of fluke infections include urinary disorders, liver problems, hepatitis, abdominal pain, liver abscesses, fibrosis, diarrhea, and vomiting.

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

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What are Human Parasites?

A parasite is the technical term used to describe any organism that lives in or on a host organism while causing that organism harm. The word “parasite” is a combination of two Greek words: para (meaning “beside,”) and sitos (meaning “food.”) There are several types of parasites, and each of these organisms can infect their host in different ways, and cause different symptoms within the body.

Human parasitic infections can mimic diseases such as the diabetes, heart disease, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome and the flu. Human parasites can cause weight loss, fatigue, sore aching muscles, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, and in extreme cases, even death. If you think that you or a loved one may be infected with a parasitic organism, read on to learn more about these harmful invaders and what you can do to keep your body free from parasites that affect humans.

How Do Parasites Infect Humans?

Human parasites can enter the body via four possible avenues. A person can become infected by consuming infected food or water, sexual contact with an infected person, contact (such as swimming or bathing) with contaminated water, or the bite from an infected agent (such as a mosquito or fly). Once inside the body intestinal parasites will multiply, migrate, and progress through their life cycles, causing damage to the different systems in the body as they go. Parasites may persist in the body undetected for months or even years, causing damage that may manifest itself in the form of mild conditions such as digestive disturbances, allergies, colds and flu’s.

How Do Parasites Affect Humans?

There are many symptoms of parasites that you should be aware of. First off, know that each organism will affect the human body differently. Some parasites nourish themselves on the food that humans eat, causing weight loss, vitamin deficiencies, digestive disorders, and fatigue. Others may actually attach themselves to a point on the body (such as the liver or the intestines) and suck out their nutrition from the host itself (i.e., YOU)!

Depending upon the type of parasite, infection can occur in many different areas of the body such as the lymphatic system, the intestines, or the liver. Some human parasites may continually explore the body causing damage in a number of body parts.

For example, some of these harmful organisms will attach to the nerves and eat away the protein coating that is responsible for signaling the brain. Others may feed on the synovial fluid of the joints causing arthritis-like symptoms.

What Are The Different Types Of Parasites?

There are four main types of parasites — protozoa, nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes.

Are You Infected?

Most physicians and general practitioners will not test for human parasitic infections as a first line of clinical diagnosis. Rather, many traditional physicians will attempt to treat other conditions that may be causing your condition and will only resort to parasitic testing if these other treatment methods do not bring relief. If you think you may be infected with parasites, try this simple experiment: do a parasite cleanse and stay away from sugars and carbohydrates for a couple of weeks. These are foods that human parasites thrive on. If your symptoms suddenly begin to dissipate, you will know that a parasitic infection was the true cause for your symptoms.

Treating Human Parasitic Infections

There are several herbal remedies that can be used to help remove parasites from your body. Herbal remedies can be used not only to kill off parasites, but to remove eggs and other life stages that could eventually re-infect the patient.

There are a number of herbs with ant-parasitic properties that can be used to treat parasitic infections. Talk to your local herbalist for more information about products that can be useful for you. I would personally recommend a product called Paratrex, but there are many ways to safely kill off these types of harmful organisms.

Keeping Parasites Out

Human parasites may be prevalent, but that does not mean that you are destined to become infected. There are several steps that you can take to keep parasites out of your body. First and foremost, be careful to wash your hands frequently throughout the day, especially before eating, and after going to the bathroom, handling food, swimming, changing diapers, or playing with pets.

You should also be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables before you eat them, and make sure you know the source of the water you are drinking. If there is any question about the safety of the water, then make sure to buy a good purification filter. Do not walk barefoot, especially in areas that may be contaminated with animal waste such as playgrounds and beaches. Finally, get regular parasitic check ups to make sure that you are free of these harmful organisms and the eggs they leave behind.

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

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Live Whipworm Squirming Around Inside Intestines