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 we’ve discussed in previous articles, intestinal parasites are something you don’t want to have. They can have a negative effect on your health and be the source for a wide variety of symptoms.

There are many ways to flush out parasites that may be affecting your health. Just be sure to do the proper research into cleansing methods. If you think you may have an intestinal parasite, be sure to check out this list of parasite symptoms.

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

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

Sure, we all know there are many types of parasites out there in our living environment. But have you ever stopped to think about whether those same parasites are making their home inside your body?

Intestinal parasites in humans are more common than may you think. In fact, there are hundreds of parasite species that can make their home in our intestinal tract, as well as many other places in the human body.

If you think you or somebody in your family has an intestinal parasite, here’s what you need to know in order to treat the problem safely and quickly. It may be wise to look into doing a parasite cleanse or colon cleanse.

1) Hookworms

There are two species of hookworms that commonly infect humans, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. Of the two, Ancylostoma duodenale is a bit larger, at around eight to thirteen millimeters. Whereas Necator americanus usually reaches a length of seven to nine millimeters.

The life cycle of these two intestinal parasites begins with eggs that are passed in the stool. If conditions are just right (warm, damp, and shady) the eggs will hatch and release their larvae in a number of days. The larvae will continue to grow and mature in the soil until they come in contact with a human host. The larvae can then penetrate the skin to enter the human body and travel through the veins to the heart and then to the lungs. Once in the lungs the parasites travel up the bronchial tree to the pharynx where they will be swallowed.

Hookworms will then grow and mature while making their home in the small intestines. If you take no immediate action, most of these parasitic worms will eventually be purged from the system, but this process may take a number of years. Hookworms are the second most common intestinal parasite in humans through out the world. These parasites can be found worldwide in areas with a moist, warm climate. Both species of worms can be found in Africa, Asia and the Americas.

2) Schistosoma Species

Schistosomiasis is disease caused by the human intestinal parasite of the Schistosoma family. The three main species infecting humans are Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma japonicum, and Schistosoma mansoni.

The life cycle of these types of organisms begins when their eggs are eliminated from a host in feces or urine. The eggs then hatch and release larvae that can swim until it penetrates its next host, a specific species of snail. It will then grow and mature in the snail until it is excreted again. At this point, the Schistosoma parasite is ready to infect a human host.

Once contact is made with a human, the parasite will penetrate the skin of the human host and travel through the tissues until it makes its home in the veins surrounding the intestines. As the parasite reaches maturity, it can deposit eggs in the intestines that then move throughout the system to the bladder and the ureters until they are excreted with the feces and urine. And the whole cycle begins again.

Schistosoma parasites can reach a length of seven to twenty millimeters. These specific human intestinal parasites are typically transmitted via contact with contaminated water, either by drinking, swimming or bathing in it. Not common in North America, Schistosoma parasites are primarily located in parts of South America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

3) Cyclospora cayetanensis

Another human intestinal parasite is caused by the species Cyclospora cayetanesis. Its life cycle begins with the passing of eggs into the soil with feces or urine from a contaminated host. However, unlike many parasite species, direct fecal contact will not cause a Cyclospora infection. Instead, the human intestinal parasite will enter the body through the consumption of contaminated food and water.

Once in the body, Cyclospora parasites will invade the intestinal tract and mature and multiply within the system. Eventually, the eggs of the parasite will be shed in the waste of the human host, beginning the cycle anew. Cyclospora cayetanensis has been found in many countries throughout the world. Since the early 1990s, there have been at least eleven cyclospora outbreaks in North America alone, infecting approximately four thousand people.

4) Giardia intestinalis

The single-celled protozoan human intestinal parasite known as Giardia intestinalis, or Giardia lamblia, is responsible for the condition called giardisis. The life cycle of this parasite begins with the excretion of parasitic cysts in the waste of an infected host. The cysts may survive for several months in the environmental, until they are ingested by the human host in contaminated water, food, or contact with contaminated feces.

Once in the human body, Giardia will move into the small intestine and multiply. As the parasite continues moving through the system, it may become encysted near the colon. This cyst will then work its way out of the body via feces or urine. These human intestinal parasites are infectious when passed in the stool; therefore it is possible for one human to contract this condition from another. Giardia have a worldwide distribution, and they are found most frequently in warm, moist climates.

5) Pinworm

Enterobius vermicularis is the human intestinal parasite that is also known as human pinworm, as humans are the only known host of this parasite species. Pinworms typically lay their eggs on the skin surrounding the anal area. Therefore self-infection can occur when a contaminated individuals scratches the anal area and transfers the eggs on his hands to his mouth.

Human to human transmission is also possible via contact with contaminated clothes, toilet, surfaces, or bed linens. Pinworm eggs may also become airborne and infect a human via inhalation. Once inside the human body, pinworm eggs travel to the small intestine where they hatch and mature. Adult pinworms make their home in the human colon, where they can live for several months.

Once the female pinworms reach maturity, they will travel through the system and exit via the anus, where they will lay their eggs. These pinworm infections occur all over the world, most frequently in school-aged children or in overpopulated areas. This is the most common human intestinal parasite worm infection in the United States, with as estimated 40 million persons infected.

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

The colon, or large intestines, is one of the most important organs in the body. It is where your body absorbs the nutrients you get from food. This is where the body takes what it needs from the food in order to survive. It is also a depository of waste where the body drops off toxins and excess nutrients that could be harmful to the system.

It is therefore imperative that the colon is functioning properly in order for the overall health of the body to be maintained. Unfortunately, the colon is also a happy breeding ground for dangerous invaders such as bacteria, yeasts, fungus, and colon parasites. The overall amount of risks will vary from person to person, depending on each individual lifestyle and diet choices.

Intestinal parasites can be particularly dangerous to the health of the colon, as they not only leech nutrients from the body and destroy the permeability of the colon, they also emit harmful toxins that can further weaken the colon’s integrity. Here is a closer look at colon parasites and what you can do to repel these dangerous organisms.

List of 7 Common Colon Parasites

• Giardia lamblia — Giardia are protozoan parasites that commonly infect humans via the consumption of contaminated food and water. This common colon parasite is commonly found in untreated water supplies, and therefore frequently infects travelers and hikers. If you are not sure of the quality of the drinking water, make sure to use a good water filter to purify it. Giardia is responsible for the condition known as giardiasis that causes diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, abdominal cramping, weight loss, greasy stools, and dehydration.
• Toxoplasma gondii — The Toxoplasma parasite is another protozoan organism that can make its home in the colon. It is commonly found in cats and dogs and can be easily transmitted to humans by the handling of cats and/or their feces. It is also possible to become infected by breathing in the parasite’s eggs. Toxoplasma is responsible for the disease toxoplasmosis that can cause chills, fever, headaches and fatigue. If a pregnant woman contracts this condition, it can lead to serious birth defects such as blindness, mental retardation, and even miscarriage.



• Roundworms — Roundworms are colon parasites in the Nematoda family. They are the most common intestinal parasite in the world, affecting over one billion people worldwide. Roundworms are also one of the largest parasites, as they can grow to up to thirty inches in length. These parasitic worms are found throughout the world, primarily in tropical and subtropical areas.

  Humans can contract a roundworm infection by eating improperly cooked meat or by handling felines infested with parasites. Symptoms of a roundworm infection include loss of appetite, allergic reactions, coughing, abdominal pain, edema, sleep disorders, and weight loss. Children may present these symptoms as well as failure to thrive, nervousness, and colic.

• Hookworms — Hookworms are able to penetrate the human skin. These colon parasites can enter the body through the feet in individuals that walk barefoot through contaminated areas. They can be found throughout the world in warm, moist tropical areas. A hookworm infection may cause symptoms such as itchy skin, blisters, nausea, dizziness, anorexia, and weight loss. Hookworms can live in the intestines for up to fifteen years!
• Trichinella — The Trichinella parasite can cause a number of symptoms in the human body. It has been estimated that this parasite can mimic the symptoms of up to fifty different diseases! A Trichinella infection is caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked pork. Possible symptoms of infection include muscle soreness, fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, edema of the lips and face, difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, enlarged lymph glands, and extreme dehydration.
• Tapeworms — Tapeworms are the largest colon parasites that are known to infect humans. There are numerous types of tapeworms, such as beef tapeworms, pork tapeworms, fish tapeworms, and dog tapeworms. These colon parasites can grow to several feet in length and live in the intestines for up to twenty five years. A tapeworm infection may cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, and appetite changes.



• Flukes — Flukes, or Trematodas, are smallish flatworms that can directly penetrate the human skin when an individual is swimming or bathing in contaminated water. Fluke parasites can travel throughout the body, making their home in the liver, lungs, or the intestines. Symptoms of a fluke infection include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and swelling.

Tips for Preventing Colon Parasites

There are a number of techniques that you can use to reduce your risk of a parasite infection. These include:

1. Wash Your Hands Frequently — Carefully washing you hands throughout the day can remove the parasites and parasitic eggs that you may have come in contact with. Be sure to wash you hands before eating or handling food, and after using the toilet, handling pets, cooking, or changing a baby’s diaper.
2. Thoroughly Cook Foods — Do not eat meats such as beef, pork, fish or chicken that have not been properly cooked.
3. Know Your Water Source — Contaminated water is a frequent source of parasitic infection. Use filtered water for drinking or cooking if you do not know the source of you water supply, or if it is in any way questionable. And do not bathe in water that may be infested with parasites.
4. Keep Your Shoes On — Colon parasites can enter the body through the soles of the feet. So be sure to wear shoes, especially if you are in an area, such as a beach or park that may contain animal feces.
5. Wash & Peel all Fruits & Vegetables — Be sure to remove any parasites from fruits and vegetables by washing them before eating them.

Treatment Options for Parasites in the Colon

There are many things you can do to help treat harmful organisms living in your intestinal tract. First, you want to clean the intestinal tract of any excessive fecal matter that may be compacted and ultimately providing an optimal habitat for these parasites. Doing a colon cleanse or following a high fiber diet will help improve your digestive system.

Next, find a good herbal supplement that is formulated to help kill of any organisms that could be living in your colon. Here is a great set of instructions for doing a parasite cleanse. It is also recommended that you take probiotics during a cleanse. Probiotics will help introduce healthy bacteria back into the colon that may have been stripped during the cleansing process.

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