Ahh, yes. I said PARASITES. I’m sure visions of evil worm-type creatures come to mind but alas, this is not how they all are. There are small parasites which are one-celled organisms and large parasites which are egg laying. Regardless of which type, they are both detrimental to your health as they are not symbiotic creatures meaning they benefit, you lose. Parasite infestations are also WAY more common then you would think. You don’t have to travel to a tropical island or third world country to pick up one, they are living right in your back yard or more likely in your pets. Here are likely places we pick them up (or more often their eggs):
CONTAMINATED WATER
Water is the primary way parasites infect humans. For example, over 50% of our lakes, river streams and creeks are infected with the protozoa parasite Giardia Lambia. This parasite is not killed by chlorine and is steadily finding it’s way into urban areas with “treated” drinking water. Symptoms of an infestation include, diarrhea and cramping that lasts for over a week and is most often misdiagnosed as the stomach flu.
ALSO when swimmers have parasites and they swim in places with others, the water is then contaminated with eggs from their bodies. It only takes a very small amount of swallowed water to become infected.
OTHER HUMANS
You can obtain parasite eggs from other humans very easily. Since most infections come from the anal-oral route think about this – someone has parasites, they use the restroom, do not wash their hands afterwards, then they sit down and use the salt shaker on the restaurant’s table – they have just deposited microscopic eggs onto this object. You are the next person to sit at this table and use the salt shaker – you then lick your finger or even put your hand to your face – you are now the new host to parasites. Parasite eggs can live under human fingernails for up to 2 months. Think of how many common objects you come into contact with on a daily basis. Even more common infections come from kissing, holding hands, sharing eating utensils and of course, sexual contact.
Usually if one family member is a host to parasites, the entire family is infected.
ANIMALS
By petting or grooming animals, you are picking up eggs that pass from them to us via hands, nose and mouth. ALSO parasite infected fleas and ticks and parasite infected animal feces are concerns. This is why walking barefoot where animals have defecated is a major source of parasite infections – especially when you CAN’T SEE the actual animal feces – you just happen to be walking where they have been before. THINK about this – when your pet (or someone else’s) licks their anus, they are depositing thousands of eggs onto their tongues – then they lick you and those eggs have just been transmitted to their new host. YOU. Pets and domesticated animals are not the only ones spreading parasites – mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, lice and all other biting insects transmit protozoa (one cell) parasites to humans.
MEATS
Undercooked meats are a very high source of parasite infections. Commercial pork products are also notorious for infections – bacon, ham, pork chops, cold cuts, hot dogs, etc. Also cuts of meat such as beef, lamb, chicken and fish contain parasite eggs. Sushi (raw fish) alone contains eggs and larvae of several species of parasites. We trust the cattle, pork and chicken producers to keep their livestock wormed on a regular basis, but it is noted that over 50% of animals that go to slaughter are parasite infected.
FRUITS & VEGETABLES
Unwashed fruit and vegetables are also a big source of parasite carriers. With a huge demand for fruit and vegetables, we Americans import 30 billion tons of food per year. Some of this food comes from countries where animal manure and human feces are used as fertilizer. This practice greatly increases the spread of parasites. The practice of eating out is also on the rise. Salad bars, infected food handlers, and improperly washed fruits and vegetables are all sources for parasites.
TRAVEL
In our modern age, world travel is a way of life for many. These travelers are bringing home parasites that were once almost unknown in America. Airplanes are a great source for parasite transmission. It’s very common for a family to go on vacation and bring back uninvited guests with them. We also have a huge influx of refugee and immigrant populations who are bringing us their countries’ parasites.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Internal parasites and their waste products can reduce food absorbtion by causing inflammation of the intestinal wall. Food might also get stuck resulting in excessive toxins, smelly farts, bad breath and bloating. If organs such as liver and kidneys cannot get rid of the toxins, then poisons might get out through skin causing skin problems and hair loss. Damaged nervous system and stress hormones give origin to insomnia. Some bloodsucking worms leave open wounds resulting in darker feces. The loss of blood can cause iron deficiency, anemia and dizziness. Other symptoms caused by parasitic infections include (but are not limited to):
- loss of appetite
- chills
- cough
- diarrhea
- urinating problems or pain
- fatigue
- fever
- headache
- immunodeficiency
- itching
- jaundice (yellowish eye whites and skin)
- joint pain
- memory loss
- muscle pain and spasms
- nausea or vomiting
- rash
- shortness of breath
- stomach pain
- swelling
- sweating and grinding teeth while sleeping.
Wow! I know this can be disturbing news, but don’t fret. With Nutrition Response Testing®, Dr. Jena Hullman, DC will check to see if parasites are an underlying cause of your symptoms or why you just can’t seem to get better. It’s not hard and it’s not painful. You would be surprised by how many people she has found with parasites and how drastically their symptoms have changed after clearing them out with natural supplements and/or homeopathics! What are you waiting for?! Call Big Beautiful Life today and get checked. 231. 421.9189