Parasites
<p>From: 'Intestinal Parasites: Are They Bugging You?' <a href="https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/newsletter/2005/september/articles.php?id=0">https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/newsletter/2005/september/articles.php?id=0</a></p>
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The human intestines contain a complex assortment of microbial organisms, healthy bacteria, yeast, and intestinal flora. These organisms work together to help the body absorb nutrients and repel foreign toxins. This relationship is symbiotic, benefiting both human beings and these intestinal organisms. Most people also have other organisms, called parasites, throughout their bodies, that are not as beneficial. A parasite is an organism that lives and feeds off of another organism, called a host. A parasite that makes its home in the human intestines can cause constipation, anal itching, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, anemia, malnutrition, cramps and more.</p>
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What Are Intestinal Parasites?</p>
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Intestinal parasites that remain prevalent in the United States include Enterobius vermicularis, Giardia lamblia, Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus, and Entamoeba histolytica.</p>
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Enterobius vermicularis</p>
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This parasite is commonly referred to as pinworm or roundworm. It has the largest geographic range of any of the other parasites. Humans are the only known host for this parasite, and over two hundred million people worldwide are infected.</p>
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These parasitic worms live primarily in the large intestine, but eggs are often laid just outside the anus. This not only causes itching and irritation to the host, but it also increases the chances for transmission through shared toilet seat use.</p>
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The cellophane tape test is often used to confirm the presence of pinworms. This test consists of touching tape to the anal area several times, and then examining it under a microscope for parasitic eggs. The test should be conducted first thing in the morning on at least three consecutive days. This technique can increase the test's sensitivity to roughly 90 percent.</p>
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Giardia lamblia</p>
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This pear shaped protozoan is the cause of a wide variety of digestive disorders and gastrointestinal complaints. It is the most common parasitic infection in the world, and it is second in the United States to pinworm.</p>
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It is spread mainly by fecal-oral contamination, therefore it is more prevalent in countries with a poor sanitation system. It is resistant to the chlorine levels in normal tap water and survives well in cold mountain streams.</p>
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Giardia attach to the muscle wall of the duodenum and proximal jejunum and grow with the help if bile, carbohydrates, and low oxygen levels. They can cause dyspepsia, malabsorption, and diarrhea. Your health care provider can use special antigen assay tests called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or immunofluorescence to detect the presence of Giardia.</p>
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Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus</p>
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A. duodenale and N. americanus are two species of hookworm that are found commonly in humans. Once these parasites enter a human host they travel through the circulation system until they reach alveolar capillaries of the lungs. Inside the lungs, the parasites climb the bronchial tree and are swallowed with secretions. Six weeks after the initial infection, mature parasitic worms will attach to the small intestine to feed, and reproduce eggs.</p>
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The blood loss caused by hookworms can produce a dangerous type of anemia. Fecal examination is the most common method of hookworm diagnosis.</p>
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Entamoeba histolytica</p>
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This protozoan is spread by poor hygiene practices in food preparation, and it commonly affects people who have a weakened immune system. Once ingested, these parasites hatch into trophozoites in the small intestine and continue moving down the digestive tract to the colon. They can also invade the intestinal mucosa and spread in the bloodstream to the liver, lung, and brain.</p>
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E. histolytica can cause digestive disorders, colitis, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and fever. Fecal examination is the most common method of diagnosis, however the presence of amoebas may become negative after a year of infection.</p>
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Symptoms of Intestinal Parasites</p>
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A parasite can live inside its host for years without ever making its presence known. Or its may cause symptoms that are so vague they are difficult to diagnose. But the following symptoms may indicate an intestinal parasitic infection:</p>
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Chronic diarrhea</p>
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Gas and bloating</p>
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Heartburn or chest pain</p>
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Food allergies</p>
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Sudden changes in bowel habits (from constipation to diarrhea)</p>
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Gurgling, rumbling, or other stomach noises unrelated to eating or hunger</p>
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Flu-like symptoms (congestion, coughing, fever)</p>
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Unexplained weight loss</p>
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Constant hunger</p>
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Loss of appetite</p>
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Anemia</p>
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Bloody stools</p>
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Sore mouth and gums</p>
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Chronic fatigue</p>
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Headaches</p>
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Preventing Intestinal Parasites</p>
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Parasitic infections can be avoided by wearing shoes, treating sewage, proper hand washing, careful sanitation, avoiding contact with infected persons, and consumption of bottled water and using the natural health product Paratrex™.</p>
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Treating Intestinal Parasites</p>
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Treatment methods include proper sanitation, dietary changes, and using the natural health product Paratrex™. Your natural health care provider will help you develop a course of treatment that works best for your condition. Follow your physician' s instruction exactly to treat and cleanse intestinal parasitic infections.
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