Intestinal parasites are micro-organisms that live in the intestines. Some cause problems while others can live for long periods in the bowel without causing symptoms or requiring treatment. Infection by intestinal parasitic worms (geohelminths) is widespread throughout the world, affecting hundreds of millions of people. Children are particularly susceptible and typically have the largest number of worms. Three of the most common kinds of worms are roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) and hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus). These worms live in the intestines and their numbers build up through repeated infection. It is possible to be infected with more than one kind of worm.

A parasite survives by hijacking another organism, robbing it of nutrients and thanking it by leaving behind toxic waste. Obviously, we would be much happier without having these pintsized freeloaders around.

Yet, there are over 100 different types of parasites that can live in human hosts. Since the world's population is becoming more mobile, with US tourists traveling to foreign countries where parasites are prevalent and immigrants moving to the US from these countries, parasitic infections are increasing. The fact is, parasitic infections may have reached epidemic levels in the US and most other countries.

Types of Parasite
Parasites include an amazing cast of characters that can end up taking residence in our bodies. There are four different groups to choose from: roundworms, single celled protozoa, tapeworms and flukes.

Roundworms exist worldwide, especially in warmer climates. 25% of the world's population may be infected with roundworms (which can reach the size of pencils) and include hookworms, whipworms, pinworms and trichinae. Hookworms migrate down the digestive tract where they attach to intestinal walls and ingest blood. The victim may experience nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, anemia and listlessness. Whipworms are small, about 3 to 5 centimeters long, and infect the large intestine. Pinworms are the most common roundworm in the US and inhabit mostly crowded areas such as schools, day care centers and mental hospitals. They can be as contagious as the flu and usually infect several members of one family. Trichinae are tiny roundworms found in the muscle of infected animals, usually pigs, that cause trichinosis, a disease characterized by intestinal disorders, fever, muscular swelling, pain and insomnia. If you eat pork, be careful since even a small uncooked portion can lead to infection. Always cook pork until it's well done.

Minuscule, single celled protozoa permeate our environment and harm more people worldwide than any other parasite. Protozoa form cysts, or a resting stage, where they become resistant to temperature extremes, chemicals and drying. Humans can easily ingest these small cysts and many of us have been exposed. Yet, our immune systems come to the rescue and eliminate the cysts, keeping them under control. Individuals with a weakened immune system due to stress or illness, however, may experience outbreaks curable with certain herbs.

Common throughout the world, tapeworms are long and ribbon-like. Humans can ingest tapeworm larvae by eating raw or under cooked beef, pork and fish or from coming in contact with infected animals or contaminated grains. Tapeworms live in our intestines and absorb nutrients through their skin. People with tapeworm infections feel dizzy, toxic, have unclear thinking, high and low blood sugar levels, hunger pains, poor digestion and allergies.

The various species of flukes -- tiny flat worms that look like odd-shaped pancakes -- include blood flukes, fish flukes, intestinal flukes, liver flukes, lung flukes, lymph flukes and pancreatic flukes. Humans can become infected by eating raw or under cooked seafood, eating infected vegetation like water chestnuts or watercress or drinking or wading in infected water. Once inside the body, flukes migrate to various organs and may cause liver swelling, jaundice, weakened lungs and blood clots.

Causes & Development

• Loose, foul-smelling stools
• Diarrhea
• Mucous in stools
• Abdominal cramps and gas
• Loss of appetite
• Distended abdomen
• Coughing
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Listlessness and generally feeling unwell.

• Periodically consume curry meals (highly anti-parasitic) followed by probiotics treatment (to re-establish healthy intestinal flora).
• It is a realistic approach to EXPECT to become infected by destructive parasites and to undergo a periodic (i.e. annual) parasitic cleanse, as most fresh waters globally located near human habitation ARE polluted.
• Be sure that all meat, chicken and fish is cooked thoroughly.
• Don't use a microwave to cook meat, chicken or fish. Microwaves often don't heat foods completely.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables in clean water before eating (to prevent roundworm and whipworm infection)
• Always wash your hands, kitchen counters and utensils with hot soapy water after cutting or handling raw meat, chicken or fish.
• Be sure that all meat, chicken and fish is cooked thoroughly.
• Don't use a microwave to cook meat, chicken or fish. Microwaves often don't heat foods completely.
• Always wear shoes or slippers (to prevent hookworm infection)
• Do not use water from septic tanks or other potentially contaminated sources for watering vegetables
• Contain all fecal matter (e.g. by using a toilet or latrine, rather than "as nature intended" outside)
• Teach children proper hygiene i.e. washing hands after going to the toilet, playing outside and before preparing or eating food.
• If you have parasites, you can reduce the likelihood of passing them on to others by carefully washing your hands after having bowel movements and cleaning the genital area before having sex.
• Wear gloves when changing the cat box. Deworm pets periodically.
• Avoid swallowing river, stream or lake water when swimming in them. Better yet, avoid swimming in them altogether.
• Eat high-fiber foods and avoid sugar and other refined carbohydrates.
• Keep your body slightly acidic by including pumpkin seeds, calmyrna figs, garlic, apple cider vinegar, cranberry juice and pomegranates in your diet.
• Avoid eating water chestnuts and watercress.