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Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

14 Common Symptoms of Parasites

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:36:31 +0000

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?

Internal Parasites: Listing the Different Types of Parasites

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:35:22 +0000

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

Do Some Intestinal Parasites Have Medical Advantages?

Colon Parasites: A List of Intestinal Tract Invaders

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:50:39 +0000

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:

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.
Thoroughly Cook Foods — Do not eat meats such as beef, pork, fish or chicken that have not been properly cooked.
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.
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.
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?

The 4 Most Common Blood Parasites

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:42:41 +0000

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1) Blood Parasite Schistosoma Species

The Schistosoma species of blood parasites are responsible for the disease called schistosomiasis. There are three species in the Schistosoma family that are known to infect humans: Schistosoma haematobium, S. japonicum, and S. mansoni.

Two other species, more localized geographically, are S. mekongi and S. intercalatum. Schistosoma parasites begin their lives as eggs that are excreted from a host in feces or urine. Once the eggs hatch, the parasites will swim in the water until they infect a snail as their new host. They pass through several life stages within the snail and are again excreted as parasites that can penetrate the skin of the newest host, humans.

Schitosoma migrate through several tissues and pass through several life stages until they make their permanent home in the veins. These blood parasites may occupy the veins around with the large or small intestine, and they are capable of migrating between the two sites. Once in the veins, the female parasites will begin to lay eggs that will gradually progress from the intestines to the bladder until they are subsequently excreted with the fees or urine. Schistosoma parasites average seven to twenty millimeters in length.

These blood parasites may be found in the waters in certain parts of South America, Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East. Therefore, human contact with infected water is necessary for contact with Schistosoma. Animals such as dogs, cats, rodents, pigs, horses and goats may serve as intermediate hosts for this parasite.

2) Trypanosoma Brucei

There are two subspecies of Trypanosoma brucei that can distinctly different illnesses in humans. Trypanosoma brucei gambiense is responsible for West African sleeping sickness and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense causes East African sleeping sickness. The tsetse fly is critical to the development of these blood parasites. The life cycle begins with an infected tsetse fly that then bites a mammalian host.

With each bite, the fly injects metacyclic trypomastigotes into the skin tissue of the host. This passes the parasites into the lymphatic system of the host where they can then pass into the bloodstream. Once inside the host, Trypanosoma pass through several life stages, moving to various sites on the body, and infecting other blood fluids, such as lymph fluid and spinal fluid. If this mammal where then bitten by another tsetse fly, it would pass the blood parasites on to that fly and can allow the process to begin again. It takes approximately three weeks before an infected fly can become an infecting fly.

Trypanosoma brucei gambiense is found in certain parts of West and Central Africa. Whereas, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense is found in East and Southeast Africa.

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3) Plasmodium Species

Blood parasites of the genus Plasmodium are responsible for the disease we know as malaria. Of the one hundred fifty six named species of Plasmodium, only four are known to infect humans. These are P. falciparum, P. vivax , P. ovale and P. malariae.

These blood parasites utilizes two separate hosts to assist with the life stage development. The cycle begins with an infected mosquito of the genus Anopheles. The mosquito injects sporozoites of the parasite into a human host as it simultaneously draws blood for its meal. These sporozoites then continue to infect liver cells and pass through several life stages in the liver. (Incidentally, these parasites can remain dormant in the liver, reinfecting the host weeks or even years after the initial infection).

The parasites multiply while occupying the liver and then pass into the red blood cells. Once in the blood, the parasites will set about causing the damage that is ultimately responsible for the symptoms of malaria. They can then also be passed on to a mosquito during a blood meal, beginning the cycle anew.

4) Babesia Species

Blood parasites of the genus Babesia, are responsible for the illness known as babesiosis. There are over one hundred species of this parasite that have been recorded, however only a few are known to infect humans. In most cases of human infection, Babesia microti and Babesia divergens are the source parasites.

Similar to other blood parasites, the life cycle of Babesia species involves two hosts. Babesia species typically infect a tick that then in turn bites and infects a human host. The parasites continue to multiply and pass through life stages in the human host until they enter the blood stream. It is in this location that they are responsible for the clinical symptoms of babesiosis.

Humans will not usually re-infect ticks. However, it is possible for humans to transmit this type of parasite to other humans through blood-blood contact (Such as transfusions.) This family of blood parasites is found worldwide in locations such as Europe, the United States, Africa, Australia, and Asia. In areas that are prone to malaria epidemics, babesiosis may often be misdiagnosed for this condition. This has led to inaccurate information about the occurrence of Babesia in African and Asian nations.

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