Parasites
within the body occur more often than
one would think. Believe it or not there are hundreds of kinds of
parasites that can live in the human body. Most people have one kind or
another. Parasite epidemics have occurred in New York, Colorado,
Washington and New Hampshire, with serious outbreaks in other states.
Parasites can even coat the inside lining of the small
intestine and prevent the lining from absorbing nutrients in food. They
can also cause severe constipation by blocking or plugging the
alimentary canal. On a world-wide basis, worms outrank cancer as man's
deadliest enemy. In fact, the World Health Organization has named
parasitic diseases as among the six most harmful infectious diseases in
humans.
In
Brazil, one parasite called American
Trypanosomiasis causes 30% of adult deaths. Relative to other
countries, it was thought that North Americans suffered little from
parasite diseases because of our "good health," "good nutrition,"
climate and sanitation. Climate, yes. Sanitation, yes. But the fact
that we are one of the sickest nations in the world would reflect poor
nutrition. Increasingly poor eating habits are beginning to catch up
with each new generation. Parasite diseases in America have increased
significantly just in the last two decades. Few medical doctors
understand the significance of this. Seldom do they look for parasites
in their patients. And then if they suspected parasites, few would know
what to look for or how to effectively treat them.
I
know of an instance where a doctor who was
examining a patient's eyes with a microscope and saw a tiny worm crawl
from one part of the eye to the other side and disappear. Parasites may
be microscopic in size or as long as 20 feet (or longer). Most of them
are not deadly, but they can cause a lot of trouble. Parasite disease
symptoms mimic many other diseases, thereby avoiding accurate
diagnosis.
Since
the medical world does not accept the
fact that parasites are abundant in the American people, they have not
thoroughly investigated what parasite invasion can do throughout the
body. Parasites can live anywhere in the body - be it intestines,
lungs, liver, muscles, or brain. One autopsy revealed five tapeworms in
a woman's head. If they cause damage to the nerves in the head or
spine, symptoms can occur anywhere in the body - from one end to the
other. Similarly, if worms are in the intestinal tract, they can cause
problems in the heart, liver, kidneys, brain, etc. by their toxic
secretions or by reflex disturbance. Some common worms such as
roundworms lay over 200,000 eggs a day. Hookworms lay 5,000-10,000 eggs
a day and can live for fourteen years. Something to think about!
Here
is something else to think about. Have you
ever had symptoms of feeling tired most of the time? Are you
experiencing digestive problems - gas, bloating, constipation or
diarrhea - that come and go but never really clear up? Do you suffer
from food sensitivities and environmental intolerances? Have you
developed allergic-like reactions and can't understand why? Are you
depressed? Do you have difficulty gaining or losing weight no matter
what you do? Have you even tried a yeast control program that helped to
some degree but know you can't stay away from bread, alcohol, fruits,
and fruit juices all of your life? Do you sense something is not quite
right with you but just can't figure out the cause - and for that
matter, neither can your doctor?
If
these symptoms and feelings sound familiar,
then you may be an unsuspecting victim of the parasite epidemic that is
affecting
millions of Americans.
You
may be asking how a clean-living person
could be infested with parasites. Some of the more serious infections
(especially those involving large worms) find their way into the human
body when one eats rarely-cooked pork, beef, fish, or other creatures
that have eyeballs, legs, fins, or pinchers (yes, this includes crab
and lobster).
Touching
dogs, cats, and other animals may lead
to one's picking up parasite eggs or sometimes parasites themselves.
The reason for this is that pets are hosts to numerous parasites and
they are unexpected spreaders of disease. There are 240 infectious
diseases transmitted by animals to humans. Of these, 65 are transmitted
by dogs and 39 by cats. There are 110 million dogs and cats living in
America's households, making exposure to some of these diseases
significant. One pet food manufacturer says that 89 percent of all
house cats in America sleep with their owners. Dog and cat roundworm,
hookworm, and cat-transmitted toxoplasmosis can become severe in
pregnant women and children and even life-threatening in
immunocompromised individuals.
Drinking
infected water is a major method of
parasite infection. According to Steven Rochlitz, Ph.D., in his book
Allergies and
Candida, he states "Giardiasis may be a rampant problem in the U.S.
today, since over 50% of our water supply is contaminated with it and
unlike bacteria, it is not killed by chlorination. Hundreds of small
water systems throughout the country do not have adequate purification
systems. In urban as well as rural areas, streams can become
contaminated through infected human sewage.
Walking
barefooted on infected soil is another
way you can be infected by parasites. In the soil, the eggs can become
infectious
within two weeks. Soil, grass, and shade help the eggs survive. They
usually settle near the top of the soil in a silt layer, which
protects them from destruction by sunlight. Toxocara eggs are very
hardy and can survive for years, resisting the most perilous
weather conditions of rain and snow. There are no chemicals that can
kill all the toxocara eggs in the soil. While contaminated soil is the
primary direct source of infection, children can become infected from
the coat of a puppy who has been playing in
contaminated soil.
Antibiotics
and immunosuppressive drugs are a
big problem of parasite infections. Parasites are opportunistic
invaders. When the intestinal system is in healthy balance, there is
less opportunity for parasitic infestation. Antibiotics, however, kill
bacteria
indiscriminately, both the good and bad, upsetting the natural ecology
of the gastrointestinal tract and vagina. This often leads to
yeast overgrowth and trichomoniasis. Trichomonas vaginalis is a
microscopic parasite that causes foul-smelling vaginal discharge,
burning sensation, and inflammation. In some areas of the United
States, this condition is found in 50 percent of all women. It is
sexually transmitted and when passed to a male partner can cause
non-specific urethritis.
The
immune system is our first line of defense
against invading bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Patients with
compromised immune systems or those undergoing immunosuppressive drug
therapies for cancer and organ transplants are at greater risk for
toxoplasmosis, an opportunistic infection that attacks the central
nervous system, heart, and lungs. While the effects of this
infection in healthy individuals can be asymptomatic, in compromised
patients it can be life threatening.
Improperly
washed vegetables and fruits are
also a constant source of parasite infection. Vegetables known to carry
parasites
include watercress, lettuce, and radishes, as well as leafy greens.
Even organic fruits and vegetables need to be washed thoroughly.
Whether the food is organic or not, I instruct all of my clients to use
Nutribiotic to wash their fruits and vegetables. Nutribiotic is derived
from grapefruit seed extract, and it does the best job in killing
yeast, parasites, and bacteria.
Ultimately,
each of us is responsible for our
own health, and nowhere is this seen more dramatically than in the case
of parasites. Parasitic infection remains a neglected disease.
Physicians hardly ever suspect parasites as a current American health
problem and therefore, rarely ask for a comprehensive lifestyle
history. Without this kind of history, parasites can be easily missed
because their symptoms mimic a host of diseases. Irritable bowel
syndrome and chronic fatigue may be cases of Giardia. Persistent
allergy is often a case of roundworm infection, while pinworms may be
at the bottom of your child's hyperactivity.
Parasitic
infections are a reality in the
United States today. Our water, food, pets, restaurants, and day-care
centers are all potential sources of infection. But there is no need to
become paranoid. We just need to become more responsible and conscious
of a problem that many of us are not aware even exists. Parasites can
only persist when they have suitable environment. Diets high in sugars,
refined carbohydrates, and fiber-depleted foods, and immune systems
that have been weakened by these diets and by other environmental
consequences of modern-day living, provide the ideal feeding ground for
parasites. The problem is not so much "out there" as it is within our
bodies.
The
body can and will rid itself of the
parasites if it has the right natural nutrients. Based on that belief,
I have set about to provide you with the information necessary to find
the best products to help you. When I seek products, I look for those
that will give you the best quality of nutrients and that are very
easily absorbed. My years as a Nutritionist have taught me that people
do not want to take a handful of pills to feel good.
Here
is a list of primary nutrients that I
would look for in a nutritional supplement that was designed to kill
and eliminate parasites from within the body:
Green
Hull Black Walnut: Walnut Hulls are well
known for their antiparasitic properties. They are typically used to
remove ringworm, tetter, Candida, and other pests. They are primarily
effective against the adult and developmental stages of the parasites.
Green Hull Black Walnut supply natural iodine (which is lacking in our
depleted soils), and manganese. Walnut hulls have been used as an
effective blood cleanser, particularly in cases of stubborn skin
diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, impetigo and boils. Walnut hulls
have been used in the treatment of systemic poison oak toxins.
Cloves:
Cloves are beneficial to the nervous
system, and are also very effective in removing various types of worms
and parasites. Cloves are the only herb which has been found effective
in killing the eggs of the various parasites. This is important because
any eggs left behind will soon hatch and start the parasitic cycle
anew. Cloves have a definite antiseptic action which helps to prevent
and eliminate bacterial infections. Cloves also are particularly useful
in alleviating indigestion and nausea, or as a gentle aid for
malfunctioning kidneys.
Pumpkin
Seed: Pumpkin Seed is taken to
eliminate many varieties of worms. Native Americans were known to have
chewed on pumpkin seeds as an aid in de-worming.
Gentian
Root: Gentian Root helps stimulate
circulation, strengthen the circulatory system, and strengthen the
muscles of the digestive organs. It is also good for convalescence,
especially in the cases of extreme weakness, and is excellent for
ridding the body of parasites. Also good for anemia, counteracting the
effects of poisons, stimulating the appetite, strengthening the blood,
bruises, constipation, urinary infections, and worms.
Hyssop:
Hyssop contains an essential hormonal
oil to help build resistance to infectious disease. It has been used
for poor digestion, breast and lung problems, coughs due to colds, nose
and throat infections, and has proven useful for clearing up mucous
congestion in the intestines. Also helps with Asthma, regulating blood
pressure, bronchitis, external bruising, chronic catarrh, external
cuts, dropsy, ear ailments, epilepsy, fever, jaundice, kidney, liver,
and spleen problems, external lice, lung ailments, hard phlegm,
muscular and external rheumatism, and worms.
Black
Seed: Black Seed has many medicinal
properties including anti-neoplastic activity. It is also
antibacterial, antifungal and antihelminthic (parasitic infestation
fighter), and has an immune-enhancing effect on the human T-cell
production which helps to
balance and stabilize the immune system. It aids in the healing of
acute and chronic illnesses regulating blood pressure, enhancing bile
and breast milk production, and stimulating sperm producing tissue.
Also helps with arthritis, asthma, gastrointestinal complaints, proper
kidney and liver function, and circulatory problems.
Cramp
Bark: Cramp Bark is considered one of the
best natural remedies for regulating female disorders. It is an
excellent relaxant for the ovaries and the uterus, and is commonly used
as a uterine sedative and anti-spasmodic. It is also recommended for
preventing nervous diseases of pregnancy, after-pains, and cramps. In
Russia, the berries are used for regulating high blood
pressure, heart problems, coughs, colds, lung and kidney problems, as
well as stomach ulcers.
Peppermint
Seed: Peppermint helps to cleanse
and strengthen the entire body. It can also be useful for bowel
problems, and helps to assist the salivary glands in digestion.
Thyme:
Thyme is a powerful antiseptic and tonic
with curative powers. It has been used for anemia, bronchial and
intestinal problems, and as an antiseptic for tooth decay. It destroys
fungal infections such as athlete's foot, and skin parasites such as
crabs and lice. It also kills abdominal worms. Also good for bowel
problems, bruises, catarrh (inflammation of mucous membranes of the
nose and throat), colitis, diarrhea, indigestion, epilepsy, fainting,
fever, gastritis, external gout, headaches, heartburn, hysteria,
internal infections, laryngitis, leprosy, lung congestion, mastitis,
suppressed menstruation, nightmares, paralysis, promoting perspiration,
rheumatism, sciatica, sinus problems, throat problems, uterine
problems, warts, and whooping cough.
Fennel
Seed: Fennel acts as an appetite
suppressant and diuretic, and helps to stabilize the nervous system and
expel waste material from the body. Fennel improves digestion, and has
also proven helpful with coughs and persistent bronchitis due to its
mucus-countering and anti-convulsive properties. Also helps with
abdominal cramps, female disorders, gas, gout, intestinal problems,
promoting lactation, nervous disorders, pinworms, and muscle spasms.
Grapefruit
Seed: Grapefruit Seed, well-known as
an anti-fungal agent, kills many different types of parasites and
assists the body in producing beneficial bacteria.
Using
natural supplements that are balanced in
their formulations, plus the dietary considerations outlined here, you
should experience relief very soon. Depending on your condition and how
frequently you take this combination of nutrients, you will be able to
improve the quality of your life.
