Parasites- Living Inside Your Body, Without Paying Rent!

Parasites…I know…the thought of them living inside your body feels like something from a horror movie.  When I talk to clients about how common it is for humans, even here in the US, to have parasites, most share the same sentiment…GROSS!!  Although I agree, perhaps the only thing grosser then knowing you have parasites, is the thought of NOT doing whatever it takes to get rid of them right away.

Pin worms, tape worms, liver flukes and various other strains of these little bugs can wreak so much havoc on your physical and mental health.  They’re pervasive and you don’t always know they’re there.  Most of the time, you don’t see them or even feel them…but in the background, they’re laying eggs, excreting waste and eating your food!  

Many of them love sugar (could be why you have those intense sugar cravings).  And they’re often more active at night (trouble sleeping?).  Like most other infections, children, elderly and those with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to parasites.  They can live in your body for many years undetected.1  In conventional medicine, the most common way to diagnose parasites is through a stool sample, although most doctors don’t test for parasites at all unless you’ve been traveling abroad.

Where do they come from?

The most common sources of parasites include:

  1. Eating poor quality meat2 (especially from fast food establishments)
  2. Pets- cats and dogs are notorious carriers3– cuddle with caution
  3. Fecal-oral contamination- in other words, for example, eating food at a restaurant prepared by someone who didn’t wash their hands after using the restroom (yeah, be careful where you eat).4
  4. International travel5

Common symptoms to pay attention to…

Parasites are often missed because the symptoms are general and can be symptoms of many other things.  However, it’s a good idea to consider this as an option if you have several of these symptoms that aren’t going away with other efforts.  Common symptoms can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Anal itching
  • Nausea or abdominal pain
  • Loose stool/diarrhea 
  • Gas/bloating
  • Sugar cravings
  • Always feeling hungry
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Nutritional deficiencies 

Prevention is key!

The best way to deal with parasites is of course to avoid them altogether.  Parasites are common but they’re not unavoidable.  Here are some key ways to avoid them.

  1. Be healthy.  I know this may sound trite but having optimal health makes you much more likely to be able to resist parasites and other infections.
  2. Ensure your HCL reserves are adequate.  Most adults need to supplement with HCL (usually 2-3 capsules after each meal with plenty of water).
  3. Ensure that your micronutrient levels are optimal.  I love using micronutrient testing to see how to sure up nutrient deficiencies.  
  4. Of course, wash your hands regularly (especially after using the restroom, pumping gas, being in high traffic public areas (airports, museums, malls, etc).

What if you know that you have parasites?

If you’re certain that parasites are an issue, I’d recommend scheduling a consultation so we can figure out what your body needs in order to rebalance.  It typically takes the body 1-3 months to rid the body of these little jerks.  There is always hope!  It’s important to get tested because there are different protocols for each person depending on what they test for.  Reach out right away to schedule.  269-204-6525

If you have a health challenge that you can’t seem to get to the bottom of, don’t put it off any longer.  We’d love to help!  

References:

1. Howell J, Brown G. Gastrointestinal: Beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata). Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Australia). 2008;23(11). doi:10.1111/j.1440-1746.2008.05661.x

2. Jones JL, Parise ME, Fiore AE. Neglected parasitic infections in the United States: Toxoplasmosis. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2014;90(5). doi:10.4269/ajtmh.13-0722

3. Lilly EL, Wortham CD. High prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii oocyst shedding in stray and pet cats (Felis catus) in Virginia, United States. Parasit Vectors. 2013;6(1). doi:10.1186/1756-3305-6-266

4. Fouamno Kamga HL, Shey Nsagha D, Suh Atanga MB, et al. The impact of health education on the prevalence of faecal-orally transmitted parasitic infections among school children in a rural community in Cameroon. Pan Afr Med J. 2011;8.

5. Herrick JA, Nordstrom M, Maloney P, et al. Parasitic infections represent a significant health threat among recent immigrants in Chicago. Parasitol Res. 2020;119(3). doi:10.1007/s00436-020-06608-4

6. Guo M, Mishra A, Buchanan RL, et al. Development of Dose-Response Models to Predict the Relationship for Human Toxoplasma gondii Infection Associated with Meat Consumption. Risk Analysis. 2016;36(5). doi:10.1111/risa.12500

7. Ianiro G, Iorio A, Porcari S, et al. How the gut parasitome affects human health. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2022;15. doi:10.1177/17562848221091524

Nothing said or implied in this post is intended to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any disease.  It does not take the place of a qualified health care practitioner and is intended for educational purposes only.

Dr. LeAnn Fritz, PhD

Dr. LeAnn is a practitioner, coach, speaker, consultant, and the founder of New Hope Health. She is also the author of The Quantum Weight Loss Blueprint, and Get Healthy Now. She is laser-focused on practical, evidence-based practices to empower her clients to get real results that last. She sets the bar when it comes to radiant health that will change every area of your life forevermore.

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