While the idea of parasites in our body may gross us out, the truth is, we all have them. For the most part, we are able to keep them in check, but when our immune system takes a dip, parasites can significantly affect our health. What are the main symptoms of having parasite overgrowth and what can we do about it?
In this article we will explore the issue of parasites: how do they get in our system, what are the symptoms they can produce, and how can kill them off, or at least keep them at bay. Recently I have been seeing a large number of patients that have come in with symptoms that have improved greatly when put on an anti-parasite diet, and herbs to combat parasites. So it is not a far-fetched question to ask if parasites are indeed affecting our health…
Parasites are organisms that live on or in a host and gets their food from or at the expense of its host. Parasites can range from one-celled amoebas to large worms. We can get them through contaminated food or water, or person to person contact. It is also theorized the body can produce these parasites itself when it needs to protect itself from toxins, as I will explain later.
Parasites are commonly thought of as just residing in the intestines, but in fact this is a myth, they can live anywhere in the body. The reproductive organs, the kidneys, the thyroid, and even the brain are common host organs. Most of the time these parasites are living without causing too much ruckus, although they are taxing the immune system and using some of the body’s precious nutrients for itself. It leaves behind waste products that are toxic, but in small amounts, the body can detox these without too much energy. When the immune system is down, however, parasites can use the opportunity to grow and multiply, and cause havoc. Parasites have a whole range of symptomology, depending on the organs the parasites are affecting. Here are few of the most common ones
- Constipation or IBS
- Jaw grinding at night
- Eczema or rashes
- Joint pain
- Anemia
- Fatigue and Hypoglycemia
- Weight Gain
Blood and stool tests often miss finding parasites, because they are usually not in the intestines or bloodstream. A blood test may find increased eosinophils, which are the white blood cells that attack parasites, but may not, as the body is not always able to launch a defense. So what can be done?
Parasite overgrowth is so common that it is often worth trying an anti-parasitic diet with herbs for a few weeks to find out if parasites are contributing to a health issue. An anti-parasitic diet requires avoiding all sugar, sweet fruits, dairy (other than yogurt) and processed carbohydrates. Parasites feed on these types of food. Incorporating fresh garlic into the diet and bitter teas like dandelion root and pau d’arco are also helpful in reducing parasites. Adding basic digestive enzymes into the diet, as well as the probiotics found in sauerkraut and yogurt also very beneficial to combatting parasites. Sometimes a few weeks of following this diet and using these foods/herbs can do wonders for a health condition, even when a person has not been officially diagnosed with parasites.
When a person has parasites that keep returning, this can be a sign of deeper toxicity. In fact, it is theorized that the body can actually create parasites to “eat” heavy metals, chemical toxins, or radiation in the body. The parasites themselves cause problems but are less dangerous than the toxin exposure. These cases require special attention, in that the parasites must be removed, but then so must the toxins they release when they die. These kind of cases are actually far more common than acute parasitic infections, and are the underlying cause of countless health conditions, including hormonal imbalances, allergies, weight gain, acid reflux, memory and brain issues, and much much more.
I urge people to keep an open mind to the fact that anything can cause anything, and not to rule out parasites as an underlying factor in their health. To learn more about parasites, your body, and your health, do call for an appointment today!
