Types of Parasites and Alternative Options to helping the body eradicate them! ~Michelle Tonkin ND
Aware or not, we are surrounded each day by parasites. Parasites in our food, our water, even where we sleep.
Most of these parasites however are not an issue as the immune system usually can keep them in check. Unfortunately, sometimes parasites can become an issue or contributor to various health problems. Therefore, it is wise to aid our body's defenses against these organisms by doing periodic cleansing even if we do not exhibit any of the classic symptoms. So… what are parasites?
A parasite is an organism that lives off a host. Parasites feed off our tissues, our food supply, and even our supplements! Once inside the body, parasites can settle anywhere, usually choosing an organ or system that is already weakened. In recent studies it is believed that at least 85% of Americans have at least one form of parasite living in their body. Many people wonder, how that can be?
Parasites are found worldwide and can be found in the water we drink, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the beds we sleep in.
Our household pets may be infected carriers. Many people wonder, how can parasites live in my body without my knowledge? Wouldn’t I know if I had parasites? The answer to this question is “not necessarily.” Parasites are intelligent organisms with a purpose to survive. They are capable of maintaining a “low-profile” so as to go undetected. There are many symptoms associated with parasitic infestations, many of which we have accepted as being the normal aging process: low energy, allergies, weight gain or loss, joint aches and pains, skin rashes, and digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. When these symptoms occur, our thought process is to look for a “labeled” disease, as most would never suspect parasites as the problem.
To further complicate the issue, traditional testing has not proven very accurate. Of the over 1,000 types of parasites that can be present in the human host, laboratory testing can only diagnose forty to fifty types. This means that there is a real possibility that parasites present in the 95% category will not ever be detected, and therefore not properly diagnosed or treated.
Types of Parasites
There are two categories of parasites: large parasites (primarily worms) and small microscopic parasites. The microscopic parasites are more insidious because of their ability to burrow into muscle, bone, or joints. In addition to feeding off waste products and nutrition, they can feed off calcium linings on the bones and the protein coating on the nerves. Furthermore, because they are living organisms, they excrete their own toxic byproducts causing further stress on the immune system. With an already compromised immune system, the Lyme patient is especially vulnerable to parasitic infections.
Several families of parasites exist from Roundworms, Tapeworms, and Flukes to Single Cell parasites. In each group there are many subcategories of other parasites.
Roundworms are one of the most common parasites affecting people’s health. It is estimated that 25% of people in the world are infected. Infections usually come from consuming worm eggs found on fruits and vegetables grown in contaminated soil.
Types:
common round worm (Ascara lumbricoides)
hookworm
strongyloides stercoralis
ancylastoma caninum
whipworm
pinworm
toxocara canis
dirofilaria immitis (dog heartworm)
trichinosis
Symptoms:
digestive disturbances
intestinal gas
weight gain around full moon
blood sugar imbalance
fatigue
anemia
restlessness
grinding teeth at night
Tapeworms
There are many different species of tapeworm found in all parts of the world. Tapeworm infections are usually contracted from consuming infected pork or fish. These worms reside in the intestines where they absorb our nutrients and give off dangerous toxins.
Symptoms:
Intestinal gas
thyroid and intestinal imbalances
high and low blood sugar
jaundice
bloating
fluid buildup during the full moon
verminous intoxication
Flukes
Flukes are smaller parasites which have the ability to attach to a variety of organs, including the heart, lungs, intestines, brain, liver, and blood vessels, thus causing damage and inflammation. People can become infected by eating raw or undercooked fish or crab, infected vegetables, or drinking or wading through infected water.
Types:
fasciola,
paragonimus
heterophyes
schistosoma
metagonemus
alaria
opisthorchis
dicrocoelium
Single Cell Parasites
These microscopic protozoans are the most harmful of all parasites. The cyst or resting stage of this parasite is extremely resilient and resistant to temperature, chemicals, and dryness. A strong immune system can usually keep these intruders under control, but in those with a weakened immune system, the protozoans have an easier time of gaining a foothold and infections can become chronic. These infections have been associated with arthritis, asthma, degenerative muscle diseases, Hodgkin's Disease, lymphoma, Lyme Disease, MS, ovarian cysts, psoriasis, cutaneous ulcers, dermatitis and more.
Types:
toxtoxoplasmosa
cryptosporidium
giardia, amoeba
neospora
sarcocystis
trichomonas
Herbs to the rescue…
We are not alone in our fight against these unwelcome freeloaders. There are powerful, effective herbs that naturally eradicate parasites of all kinds. Because parasites tend to reproduce during a full moon, it is wise to start a parasitical treatment program a week prior.
Wormwood
Wormwood is a very bitter herb that has been used for centuries as a primary anti- parasitic. It is used mostly for treatment of roundworms. It is also been shown effective in reducing mucus, promoting bowel function, and helping to clear
toxins from the blood, liver, and gallbladder.
Black Walnut
Black Walnut, especially the hulls or outer shell has been used for centuries as an antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic agent. The fruit, leaves, and bark offer many health benefits. Black walnut is an excellent source against fungal and parasitic infections. It has been shown to be effective in eradicating tapeworms by increasing oxygenation in the blood. Topically, it is useful in treating ringworm, warts, and eczema.
Cloves
Cloves have been traditionally used to harmonize digestive function, calm the
stomach, promote bowel movement, and reduce gas and mucus. They are
especially helpful as part of a parasite cleanse to help diminish cramping and gas. Dr. Hulda Clarke in “A Cure for All Diseases” suggests using black walnut, wormwood, and cloves as a powerful vermifuge to expel over 100 types of parasites. These three powerhouse herbs are used together as the Black Walnut and Wormwood kills the adult development stages of the parasites, and the cloves kills the eggs. Clarke further states that if you “kill only the adults, the tiny stages and eggs will soon grow into new adults. If you kill only the eggs, the million stages already loose in your body will soon grow into adults and make more eggs.” ~ www.healthproducts-usa.com/30parastatinfo.htm
Thus, she suggests using them together as a single mode of treatment.
A great product I suggest that contains: Black Walnut, Wormwood, and Cloves is Para A by MarcoPharma. This highly effective antiparasitic has a powerful combination consisting of: black walnut, cloves, wormwood, olive leaf, fennel and citrus seed extract.
Garlic
Garlic has been known to be a powerhouse herb against parasites and fungal infections. It also has many antioxidant properties and helps to protect against oxidation caused by the parasites’ toxins.
Holarrhena antidysenterica and Indrajae
Medical research on these two herbs from India has shown a wide range of anti-protozoal, anti-amoebic and anti-bacterial activity. They have also shown effectiveness against protozoa, such as giardia and amoeba. These two herbs can be found in a powerful formula from Premier Research Labs known as Parastat.
Other Herbal Combinations:
There are a variety of herbal combinations on the market today to help eradicate various parasite infestations in the body. While most are beneficial, there can be others while not harmful may not provide the results that you are looking for. It’s in my recommendation therefore that one looks for an herbal parasite formulation that has been formulated by a health care practitioner or master herbalist and if possible that the formulation come from organic and wild crafted herbs. Also, there is some controversy about the herb wormwood as it has potential to be a neurotoxin in the body. While this can be of concern, if taken in small amounts and for a short period of time, the benefits of wormwood seem to outnumber its potential side effects when dealing with eradicating parasites. The choice is up to you and your health care practitioner and what you feel is appropriate for your body. On that note, there are also a number of very good herbal combinations that do not include wormwood in their lineup and seem to be effective in helping the body eliminating parasite issues. One brand that I recommend is by The Life Tree and their cleanse "Purify".
Although dealing with parasites can be troubling at times, supporting the body with herbal combinations designed to eradicate parasites can go a long way in assisting the body in recovery from health issues to helping prevent new ones from occurring.
Excerpts taken from Michelle Tonkin ND's book: Lyme & Co-infections: The Road to Recovery www.healthysolutionsforall.com