Toxoplasmosis is an infection transmitted by a parasite, known as Toxoplasma gondii, that usually persists in the digestive system of cats. In United States, over 60 million people have been infected by this deadly parasite. However, in most cases, toxoplasmosis is not a major cause of concern if the affected individual is healthy. This is because treatment is not required as the person does not fall sick.

Pregnant woman infected with Toxoplasma gondii, for the first time, have a high probability of passing the infection to her baby. As a result, it is not uncommon for serious health complications to later develop in the baby. This could include brain damage or learning problems. In extreme cases, miscarriage has occurred as a result of becoming infected.

Transmission of Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis infection, is usually transmitted through cat feces. People who keep household pets often don’t wear rubber gloves, instead opt for using bare hands to clean the litter tray. This is a common entry point for Toxoplasma gondii. This microscopic organism may also be found in fresh vegetables and fruits. Contaminated soil that is used in gardening is also a source of toxoplasmosis. Drinking unpasteurized milk, especially the unpasteurized goat’s milk, can also cause this infection as it contains this parasite.

Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis

In most cases, people who are affected are unaware that they have this disease. However, flu-like symptoms appear in individuals with weak immune system. People with HIV/AIDS often have immune disorders. These people can contract toxoplasmosis anytime in their lifetime. Infected adults may show minimal symptoms that are listed below:

• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever and/or Headache
• Muscle aches that can last for several weeks
• Poor coordination, blurred vision and seizures particularly observed in HIV infected patients
• Severe eye infections and an enlarged liver spleen are noticed in babies

Treatment for Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis can cause serious health problem in patients bearing an impaired immune system. Without treatment this parasitic infection can be fatal in these patients and can cause subtle abnormalities. Pyrimethamine is a commonly prescribed drug to treat this condition. A mixture of pyrimethamine and clindamycin (antibiotic), is highly effective. Other antibiotics often used in combination with this medication are spiramycin and sulfadiazine. Some patients are also given folinic acid supplementation, along with pyrimethamine.

An easy way to prevent this infection is to thoroughly wash vegetables, salads and fruits before consuming them. One must also wash hands properly with soap and water, after handling undercooked or raw meat. Always wear rubber gloves when changing your cat’s litter box, especially pregnant women. Eating unpasteurized products or drinking unpasteurized milk must be strictly avoided. Ensure that the meat you eat is cooked properly. Cured meats should not be consumed, as it can also cause parasitic infections. Any kind of gardening activities must be followed by cleaning hands, using an antiseptic soap.

This parasitic infection commonly affects the sheep. Individuals living near a farm should never handle lambing ewes (female sheep) or new born lambs.

Article written by: Nicks J

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

What Causes Ringworms in Humans?

Toxoplasma, The Most Dangerous Cat Parasite

Live Whipworm Squirming Around Inside Intestines

According to a recent study, many common protozoans living in the human gut are extremely contagious, and likely to be widespread in many animal species, causing unsettling digestive disorders.

The study was conducted by the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, in early 2009. They found that parasites of the groups Cryptosporidium and Giardia are enormously widespread in domestic animals, such as dogs, cats and piglets, as well as many wild deer species and the red fox in Norway. These animals are all suffering from different digestive disorders, similar to what humans face when infected with the same kinds of intestinal parasites.

From the study:

Giardia was more common than Cryptosporidium in calves, and the occurrence of both parasites varied with the calves’ age, geographic occurrence, season, and the cleaning frequency of pens. Among wild deer species, Giardia was more common than Cryptosporidium, while roe deer and elk had the highest occurrences of both parasites.

The presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in dogs varied with age and geographic location. There was a higher occurrence of diarrhoea in piglets from litters that were infected by Cryptosporidium than in litters free of infection. The occurrence of both parasites was low in the red fox, however, the geographic distribution was extensive.

The results of these studies show that parasites of the groups Cryptosporidium and Giardia are widely distributed among both domestic and wild animals in Norway. Grazing animals may represent a source of transmission to man through drinking water, although people can also become infected through direct contact with infected animals.

Read the entire study for more information

What You Can Do To Protect Yourself

The fact of the matter, is there are many different kinds of intestinal parasites that can affect humans. This new study points out that these same parasites can be spread to animals. Remember to wash your food thoroughly and only drink purified water. If the food or water you consume is contaminated, there is a good chance a parasite could develop in your gut.

If you think you are suffering from symptoms of parasites, then you should see your doctor immediately. He will most likely give you a prescription that will help kill off the parasite within a few weeks. If you don’t want to take prescribed medicine, then you can always look into doing a parasite cleanse or taking an herb that will kill them off as well. There are many herbs that help promote a healthy intestinal tract. Just remember to get organically-certified herbs, if possible.

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

What Causes Ringworms in Humans?

Toxoplasma, The Most Dangerous Cat Parasite

Live Whipworm Squirming Around Inside Intestines

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.

source

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

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.

Now, it would be asinine to believe that Mr. McKerrow is saying that intestinal parasites are good, but he does bring a great example to the table as to why some people would benefit from intestinal worms. For the vast majority of the population, you would obviously not want to get a human parasite, and do everything you can to remove the parasite off before it negatively affects your health.

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

What Causes Ringworms in Humans?

Toxoplasma, The Most Dangerous Cat Parasite

Live Whipworm Squirming Around Inside Intestines

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 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

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.

source

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