07/01/2006
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Anyone who has ever had food poisoning can tell you just how distressing parasites can be. Ranging in size from single-celled organisms to worms visible to the naked eyes, parasites can include ringworms, roundworms, tapeworms, microbial growth, and their eggs.
Parasites are transmitted from host to host, in foods that are not properly washed, from the consumption of contaminated meats or water, or by putting anything in your mouth that has touched the fecal matter (stool) of an infected person or animal.
Parasites thrive in warm, moist environments. They are brutal scavengers that first invade the intestinal tract, but can quickly migrate to other parts of the body. Once infected, they multiply rapidly and can live as long as two years.
Parasites derive their nourishment from their hosts. Some live off the foods we eat, while others get their nutrition directly from the cells in our bodies. Parasites secrete wastes that are poisonous us. This can put extra pressure and stress on our body as it works to neutralize their toxic effect.
Parasites can cause a number of physical problems which can range from mild discomfort to debilitating illnesses and possibly death. Symptoms can include bloating, loss of appetite, heart pain, abdominal cramping, headaches, diarrhea, intestinal gas and anal itching, to name a few. Many of the symptoms experienced are often thought to be associated with other health concerns and rarely linked to parasitic infections.
It is believed that 90% of the world's population has parasites. Traditional medical testing only checks for 40-50 of the 1,000 different species of parasites, resulting in only a 20% positive test rate. In addition, parasites are often tested as part of a stool culture. If parasites are not passed in the stool, they will not be found or identified. This leaves parasitic infections under or misdiagnosed.
Recommendations For Wellness
-- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food, and especially after using the toilet.
-- When traveling to developing countries, avoid drinking the tap water, or eating ice, uncooked or undercooked foods, and fruits that cannot be peeled.
-- Cook your fish, meat and poultry thoroughly. Undercooked meats can contain parasites.
-- When doing any kind of parasite cleanse, it is imperative to do it consistently for seven to ten days, and then again one week later. The first cleanse will kill any active parasites; while the second cleanse will eliminate any newly hatched eggs or larva.
-- Dr. Hulda Clark's "Parasite Zapper" is a low-voltage device that is said to kill parasites, bacteria, and viruses.
-- Black walnut can be used to eliminate parasites, especially worms.
-- Barberry, Oregon grape, and goldenseal have been used to eliminate giardia infections in the body.
-- Garlic has a history of killing parasites including amoeba, hookworm, roundworm, pinworm, and hookworm.
-- Pumpkin seed, wormwood, sweet Annie, male fern root, tansy leaf, black walnut, and clove are often recommended for the elimination of parasites. They can be found in herbal preparations such as Nature's Sunshine's Herbal Pumpkin, Artemisia Combination and Para-Cleanse.
-- Supplement with a high quality probiotic such as acidophilus and bifidophilus [Ed. note: such as found in yogurt] to rebuild intestinal flora -- parasites thrive in an environment absent of proper intestinal flora.
-- To support your body of the nutrition the parasites may be robbing you of, take a high quality vitamin and mineral supplement.
-- Taking immune boosters such as cat's claw, Echinacea, and vitamins A and C with zinc will boost your immune system and help to prevent further infection.
Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is the author of the books Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4 and The Power Within. It is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and clairvoyant that illuminates and enlivens her work. Let Dr. Louise help you bring health healing and wholeness back into your life. Medical Intuition & Energy Medicine Certification training classes are now forming. Visit http://www.soulhealer.com or call (972) 475-3393 for more information.
© 2006 Dr. Rita LouiseThe views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.