It is said that parasites plague 50% of the human population. They are a steadily growing problem in North America. This is not a surprising fact since most infections come from contaminated food and water. Parasites depend on a host for nutrients. They burrow their way inside to the intestines, lungs, organs and tissues; latch on and steal the important nutrients the body needs. This enables the parasite to grow stronger while the host will grow weaker.
Although parasites are detrimental to ones health, being diagnosed with a parasite is not a death sentence. Some can be hard to diagnose, and going undiagnosed will lead to many health problems and worse infestation. Therefore, taking preventative measures and doing an occasional parasite cleanse can help to cleanse and protect the body against an infection.
Types of Parasites
Parasites range in sizes from tiny single-celled microscopic protozoan organisms, to larger cellular worms, also known as helminths.
Some of the smaller organisms include:
Acanthamoeba
Balamuthia Mandrillaris
Balantidium Coli
Cryptosporidium
Dientamoeba Fragilis
Giardia Lamblia
Leishmania
Plasmodium Falciparum
Toxoplasma Gondii
Trichomonas Vaginalis
These organisms can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion or sexual contact. They can enter the bloodstream and infect all areas of the body including the intestines, lymph nodes, nerves, muscles, eyes, brain, heart, liver and other organs.
Some of the larger parasites include:
Roundworms:
Ancylostoma Duodenale
Ascaris Lumbricoides
Baylisascaris Procyonis
Enterobius Vermicularis (Pinworm)
Toxocara Canis
Trichuris Trichiura (Whipworm)
Wuchereria Bancrofti
Tapeworms:
Cestoda
Diphyllobothrium Latum
Echinococcus Granulosus
Taenia Saginata (Beef Tapeworm)
Taenia Solium (Pork Tapeworms)
Flukes:
Liver Flukes
Intestinal Flukes
Lung Flukes
Urinary Flukes
These parasites can also make their way into all areas of the body including the digestive tract and organs. Although they are visible, they often go undetected in the body for many years before any notable symptoms arise.
Can Parasites Be Seen with X-ray?
How do we detect parasites once we have them? Finding parasites in the body is not always an easy task. The most common test is a stool test that is analyzed in a laboratory to discover eggs. Usually three tests are done at three different times if the first one is not conclusive. One can also get a blood test done or a rectal swab.
In regards to x-rays, the tiny organisms generally do not show up on any type of imaging tests, but the larger parasites can be seen with x-ray testing. MRI and CAT scans can also be used to look for lesions in the organs caused by parasites.
Symptoms of Parasites
Some symptoms may include but are not limited to: diarrhea, gas, bloating, irregular bowl movements, blood or mucus in the stool, nausea, fatigue, skin disorders, allergies, weight and appetite loss. Since there is such a variety of symptoms that mimic other diseases and health problems, a large amount of parasites will go undiagnosed.
Remedies for Parasites
Whether you have microscopic parasites or have some larger parasites, there are several remedies you can use to purge your body of these unsightly foes. Conventional medicine can help, however, some conventional remedies are designed to target only a particular type of parasite. In addition, the medicines are often hard on the body and can result in many negative side effects.
Therefore, natural remedies for parasites are your best option as they generally target a large variety and can safely be taken without negative side effects. The best part about natural remedies is that they can safely be taken to protect you against a possible infection.
You can also take a colon cleanse designed for getting rid of parasites. These cleanses contain herbs that help kill and flush out the parasites. Some of these herbs are garlic, black walnut hull, cloves and wormwood. There are many kits available in natural health food stores that are very effective at cleansing the whole body.
If you are infected with some type of parasitic worm you might see them in your bowl movements as you take the remedy. This may be unsightly but it shows your remedy is working.
Preventative Measures for the Parasitic Pests
Taking a good vitamin regimen and increasing your folic acid intake is a good start in keeping these pests away. You also want to build up a strong immune system, which will then naturally protect you from any harmful invaders. Fresh fruits and vegetables are key to helping you obtain optimal nutrition and strengthen the immune.
Properly cooking your meat is a major key in avoiding parasites. If you tend to eat your meat on the raw side you are risking a chance of parasitic infestation. This also goes for raw sushi.
Filtering the drinking water can help to filter out parasites if your water is contaminated.
Washing your hands and wearing shoes when you go outside is another good way to protect yourself.
So even though you may not be able to see these seemingly invisible pests, you are not completely defenseless against them.
