Parasites: A Widespread Problem

What are Parasites? Lets begin by defining a parasite. A parasite is an organism that lives off another organism. Parasites living inside the human body will feed off our cells, out energy, off the food we eat, even off the supplements we take. Although there are many varieties (some 3,200) of parasites.1 There are two main types of intestinal parasites: Helminths and protozoa. Helminths are worms with many cells. Usually, helminthes cannot multiply in the human body and will eventually clear up without infecting you again. Helminths come in all sizes, from threadworms, measuring less than one centimeter, to tape worms up to 12 meters in length. Protozoa, on the other hand, have only one cell and can multiply inside the human body. 2 Most protozoa are only visible under the microscope.

Its not just third world countries that have parasite problems or Americans who travel extensively. 3 Studies have indicated that as much as 85% of the North American population has at least one form of parasite, and some authorities believe the true figure may be as high as 95%. 4 Parasites are, in fact, the Center for Disease Control’s #1 health risk. 5 You must consider that no one is immune from parasite infestation.

While the problem of parasites is widespread, it often goes unrecognized. Because parasitic infestation has generally been considered a disease of the tropics, the average physician is seldom a focus in mainstream medical journals or medicals schools. There are only three nationally reportable parasitic diseases: Cryptosporidiosis, malaria and trichinosis, and apart from the records kept by the CDC, there is little tracking for parasites. With lack of information and little training, doctors seldom look for parasites as an underlying cause of illness.

There are several classifications of parasites with numerous types in each classification. Below are just some examples of the many classes and types of parasites:

Protozoan: Giardia Lamblia, Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba coli cysts, E.coli trophozoites, and E. histolyticaE. Dispar cysts, E. hartmanni cysts, E. hartmanni trophozoites, Dientamoeba fragilis.

Cestode (Tapeworm) Ova: Taenia solium/Taenia saginata, Hymenolepis nana, Hymemolepis diminuta, and Diphyllobothrium latum.

Trematdoe (Fluke) Ova: Schistosoma, Fasciola/Fasiolopsis. Paragonimus westermani, Clonorchis/Heterophyes/Metagonimus.

Nematode (Roundworm) Ova/Larvae: Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma/Necator, Strongyloides stercoralis, Mansonella, Enterobius vermicularis, Trichurius trichiura.

Spores and Common Yeasts: Candida, Geotrichum, Kloeckeri, Hyphae, Yeasts.

Causes of Parasite Infestation: A person can become contaminated with parasites in a number of ways. However, nutritional deficiency, the overuse of drugs that suppress the immune system and a polluted colon are the major contributors.

Nutritional deficiency appears to contribute to parasite infestations. Animals kept on diets deficient in protein or vitamins A, B1, B2, biotin, folic acid or other nutrients have been infested with many types of parasites, when these same parasite have been repeatedly implanted in healthy animals, however, infestations have not occurred, as long as the diet has been adequate. 6 We see then that nutrition affects the internal environment (or terrain) of the body, which in turn, plays a key role in determining whether parasites will pass through or set up housekeeping in the body.

Another major factor that no doubt contributes to the growing parasite epidemic is the widespread use of drugs that suppress our immune system. Many of the drugs in common use today are immune suppressive and therefore increase our susceptibility to parasitic infestation.

Although many external factors contribute to the parasite problem, by far the biggest factor is an internal one – a dirty colon, largely the result of an unwholesome lifestyle and bacterial imbalance in the colon. Once the ideal ratio of good to bad bacteria in the intestines (80%:20%) is disrupted, the resulting imbalance creates an environment conducive to parasite infestation. Factors that contribute to this imbalance include:

• antibiotics
• Steroid drugs
• x-rays/radiation therapy
• refined carbohydrates
• birth control pills
• chlorinated water

Parasites can enter the body in a number of ways; through the mouth (ingested), through the nose (inhaled) or through the skin (including through the bottom of the feet) or they can also be transmitted via insect carriers. Common sources of parasites include:

• contaminated soil
• Polluted water/tap water
• Contaminated fruits and vegetables
• Contact with feces (such as through day care centers)
• Contact with someone who has parasites
• Raw or rare meat
• Mosquitoes
• Pets

Once parasites have been discovered, it is important to take the proper steps to :: rid oneself of parasites ::