Saturday, June 27, 2009

How To Deal With Parasites - Do You Have Them?

By Lee Jacobs

It might be hard to believe, but there are more than 90% of humans who are or will be infected with parasites at some point in their lives. Most people who have parasites don't realize that they have them, and until parasitic infection reaches a critical level, won't know; instead, they carry out their daily lives as usual. There are many different types of parasites we can be infected with, but the most common are discussed in this article.

Parasites are everywhere! For example, they often begin their cycle in nasty places, such as in fecal matter. They then find their way onto pets, then it's not long before they are in your carpets, and with very little warning they have found their way into your body. Once they travel here they can happily remain undetected for years! It's an unpleasant thought to realize that whilst we sleep they are still wriggling away inside!

Believe it or not, but at any one time over 90% of the world's population is struggling with these nutrient stealing and energy robbing microscopic organisms. Most of us would be shocked to find out that there are over 1000 different type of parasites that can infect the human being. What's even more troubling is that only 1% of these guys will show up in regular stool analysis carried out under conventional testing.

Regardless, though, the most common parasites you'll encounter are flukes, roundworms, tapeworms, bookworms, giardia, and pinworms. Each of these parasites is equally disturbing. If you suspect you're suffering from an infection, read on for more information.

Roundworms: In fact, the World Health Organization reports that over 25% of the world's population has roundworms. Shocking, right? That's about one billion people who are infected with roundworms. These "little" worms can grow up to 15 inches long within the intestines, and are capable of laying more than 300,000 eggs in a day. The reproductive cycle of the roundworm is very fast, meaning that within two months, they can begin to lay eggs. However, they are very sensitive to conventional medication for worming. If there are over 10 inches long, though, they can be more difficult to get rid of. In the most extreme cases, you may need surgery to remove them, followed by nutritional support to replenish nutrients lost in these cases.

Pinworms: These little guys are fairly prolific as well, and over 500,000 million individuals are currently infected worldwide. Pinworms are often responsible for the intense itching around the anus at night. If you are at the itching stage, this means that you have most likely had them for at least 2 - 3 months. After you go to sleep, these guys often sneak out and lay their eggs on the skin directly surrounding the anus.

To confirm that you have a pinworm infection, you should inspect your stools with a torch. If pinworms exist, they'll glow and they'll be about a third of an inch long. You can also confirm that you have them by placing a strip of tape around your anus and then removing it to see if eggs or worms are there. They are very, very contagious and can spread throughout your house very quickly once one person has been. Keep yours and everyone else's fingernails short so that you don't spread contamination by scratching, shower at least daily, and keep bedsheets, clothing and carpets as clean as you can.

Giardia: This is one of the most common parasites found in water. It is resistant to chlorine and can survive in cold water for two months. It is more resistant than most other parasites due to its hard outer shell.

This infection most often comes from hot tubs, swimming pools, ponds and rivers, or lakes. Symptoms take about a week to appear, including nausea, gas, diarrhoea, and stools that appear "greasy." Furoxone is the name of the drug that is most often prescribed to cure giardia.

Hookworms: As one of the most disgusting parasites out there, bookworms usually come in through the skin (usually through the feet or other areas), and then enter the bloodstream to get to the intestines and the lungs. If you have these, you may be read or e.g. where the larvae have entered your skin, and then will show a dry cough, blood tinged sputum, and wheezing once they reach your lungs. If you get them in your intestine, you'll have a diminished appetite, prolific bouts of diarrhoea, and will often have very intense abdominal pain.

Flukes: These guys are considered to be the second biggest danger to society after the Malaria parasite. The World Health Organization has been attempting to control this parasite in third world countries for many years now. Flukes like to call blood vessels home, and often pass their eggs on through feces and urine.

More than 200 million people throughout the world are infected with flukes, with symptoms mimicking flu such as fever, chills and cough. The eggs are more of a problem than the worms are, and prolonged or repeated infections can cause permanent damage in the intestines, liver, lungs and bladder.

Tapeworms: This is where it gets interesting, as these guys can grow to a length of over 20 feet long! If you suspect that you are infected with one make sure that you keep an eye on your stool, as pieces tend to break off them from time to time. As long as the head remains embedded in the intestinal tissue, the worm will continue to grow. The most common mode of infection is through the consumption of cattle - so cook your meat well!

In sum, parasites are literally everywhere. They occur in cats, dogs, kids, adults, and other living beings. There are lots of things you can do to help prevent parasitic infection, including drinking only clean water, cooking and food carefully, and washing your hands often.

To prevent parasites' return if you have been infected, consider taking a preventative dose of Miracle Mineral Supplement, a solution of chlorine dioxide that has been shown to be very effective at eliminating infection from the body, including parasitic infections.

About the Author: