Parasite Control

Millions of people in the U.S. may be suffering from health problems caused by a condition of which they are completely unaware. The problems are caused by parasites - something which is usually associated with people living in third world countries. A study published in "The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene" revealed that 32% of a nationally representative sample of 2,896 people tested positive for parasites.

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.

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.

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.

Tapeworms are 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.

Flukes are 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.

As worm populations build up over time, many of the health problems caused by these worms become chronic. The worms can cause malnutrition as they rob the body of food - either by reducing appetite, or by preventing food from being absorbed properly once it has been eaten. Children with chronic worm infections and large numbers of worms may become stunted and underweight.

Heavy infections with roundworm can cause bowel obstruction. Intestinal worms - especially hookworm - can contribute to anemia by causing intestinal bleeding and thus loss of blood. The larger the number of worms, the more likely they are to make a person ill. Chronic infections can lead to long-term retardation of mental and physical development and, in very severe infections, even death.

The long-term presence of parasites may contribute to the development of food allergies.

Parasites are responsible for many ill health conditions including diarrhoea, gastrointestinal upset, vaginal irritation, joint pain, nervous diseases, immune dysfunction and chronic fatigue. Long term, undetected infestation can cause many systemic problems. For the very old, very young or immunocompromised, a parasitic infection can be extremely problematic.

Signs of infection include less conclusive symptoms such as a runny nose, nighttime restlessness and blisters on the lower lip inside the mouth. If you become infected, be prepared for a rough time. Infected individuals may feel bloated, tired and hungry. They may have allergies, anemia, lethargy, fuzzy thinking, headaches and roller coastering blood sugar levels. They may experience restlessness, hair loss, diarrhea, arthritis, mineral imbalances and nighttime teeth grinding. One or more symptoms may occur to a greater or lesser degree depending upon the individual.

These symptoms may last for weeks and return several times a year. Other parasites are nearly harmless (at least in small quantities) and often don't cause symptoms. In North America and Europe, parasites rarely cause serious complications. The incidence of parasite infection is both overestimated and underestimated, depending on who you are listening to. If you have symptoms suggesting their presence, you should be carefully and even repeatedly tested, if necessary.

Parasites emit toxins that can over work the liver and kidneys, the organs may become sluggish leading to weight gain, fatigue and irritability. Certain herbs have been shown to kill parasites in the body helping to reverse their ill effects. Parasite Control includes these key herbs and other important nutrients in a formulation that is one of the strongest available.

Zinc deficiency causes marked changes in the immune system challenged with bacteria, viruses, and .parasites. Zinc plays an important role in specific immune defenses such as humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Zinc also influences nonspecific immunity by its effect on neutrophils and natural killer cell activity.

Cranberries are also good for flushing out parasites. Rich in organic acids, cranberries are tart fruits that break down the protein structure of parasites and discharge parasitic wastes.

Garlic has been used for expelling intestinal worms from ancient times by the Chinese, Greeks, Romans, Hindus and Babylonians. It is also used by modern biological practitioners for this purpose.

No drug or herb by itself can reach parasites that have been embedded in the intestinal wall, sometimes for years. The mucus-encrusted waste surrounding parasites has to be softened and exposed first. This can be done by using soluble fibers such as apple pectin. These water-soluble fibers all have a de-sludging effect, ridding the intestinal walls of encrusted debris and mucus and improving waste elimination.

Green black walnut extract is made from organically grown, green black walnut hulls.Green black walnut extract greatly assists the removal of parasites from extracellular fluids, such as the blood and lymph, and in organs such as the liver, kidneys, brain, heart and intestinal tract.

Carrots are particularly prized by naturopathic physicians for treating threadworm in children. The use of carrots and especially carrot juice as a therapeutic agent is an ancient practice. As long as a 150 years ago, books published in Germany speak highly of the healing properties of this vegetable in treating disease. English publications refer to the strong antiseptic qualities of carrots and a good many years ago the great professor Metchnikoff made the discovery that the stool of rabbits fed on carrots lost its odor and had become free of putrefactive germs.

Mature green papaya also contains another enzyme which works along with papain to digest carbohydrates and fats. It also possesses an antiseptic quality that helps prevent an overgrowth of undesirable intestinal bacteria and parasites.

Researchers have isolated over 20 active chemicals in pau d'arco. Research, mainly on laboratory animals, has shown pau d'arco to have anti-microbial and anti-viral properties, helping to destroy bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses by increasing the supply of oxygen to cells. It has demonstrated effectiveness against yeast infections, malaria, tuberculosis, strep, and dysentery. Pau d'arco has also been shown to influence the activity of the immune system. In small dosages, it increases immune system activity and in large doses suppresses some immune responses such as inflammation.

Centuries of European herbalists used wood betony as a calming remedy and to treat eczema, hives, and shingles. Wood betony teas also treat sore throats caused by allergies or colds, heartburn, and inflammation due to infections of the urinary tract. The herb is used in combination with other treatments to remove intestinal parasites.

Butternut Bark is a native of the midwestern and northeastern United States and been used since the 1800s as a laxative and in the elimination of parasites. Butternut is also used to support healthy liver function.

Clove is an ancient herbal medicine used for killing internal parasites and their eggs. Cloves also help to increase the circulation of the blood, promote digestion, and eliminate gas and intestinal spasms.

The herb wormwood (Artemesia annua) has been used for centuries as a herbal remedy for intestinal parasites. Preliminary research suggests wormwood may have activity against Ascaris lumbricoides, Plasmodium, Schistosoma mansoni, and Giardia. Wormwood contains sesquiterpene lactones, which are thought to weaken parasite membranes.

In modern times, Oregon grape is known as a good liver cleanser. This is due to the fact that it increases bile production. This action also aids digestion and purifies the blood. When combined with dandelion, milk thistle or celandine, it can be very effective in combatting hepatitis B and jaundice. Oregon grape root and other herbs that contain berberine are scientifically proven to protect against bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, helminthes (worms), and chlamydia. Conditions treated by Oregon grape root include bacterial diarrhea, intestinal parasites, and ocular trachoma. Oregon grape root may increase blood platelet counts and counteract the proliferation of cancerous tumors of the bladder and colon. It has a sedative effect on the smooth muscles lining the digestive tract and can relieve stomach cramps and abdominal pain.

A chemical found in blueberry leaves has shown a strong effect in blocking the replication of the Hepatitis C virus, opening up a new avenue for treating chronic HCV infections, which affect 200 million people worldwide and can eventually lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. One common cause of diarrhea in both the developed and developing worlds is the pesky protozoan parasite known as Giardia duodenalis. In vitro assays indicate that blueberry extracts can kill Giardia duodenalis during the activated/feeding stage of the parasite’s life cycle.

Golden thread is a Chinese medicine that tastes extremely bitter. In fact, it is famous for its bitter taste. The active ingredient is berberine or berberine hydrochloride, which is extracted from Golden Threads. Berberine-containing plants are used for treatment in virtually all-traditional medical systems, and historically its use in Chinese medicine dates back at least 3,000 years. Berberine has demonstrated significant anti-microbial activity against bacteria, fungi, protozoans, viruses, helminths and chlamydia. Berberine’s most often is used for illnesses such as bacterial diarrhoea, intestinal parasites, and ocular trachoma infections.

The medicinal benefits of goldenseal have been known for hundreds of years. Many of those historical uses of Goldenseal have been validated by modern research. It is well known as a remedy for digestive disorders. Goldenseal's effectiveness in cases of fungal and bacterial infections, skin disorders and parasites such as Giardia lamblia, Trichomonas vaginalis, Entamoeba histolytica and Leishmaniasis sp.

Echinacea angustifolia is well known for its actions in treating the symptoms of viral upper respiratory infections. Yet, in a study it has been shown that oral ingestion of Echinacea by human volunteers increases immune phagocytic activity against Candida albicans from 30 to 45%.