Intestinal_Parasites_In_Humans

Once they've set up residence, here are a few of the symptoms your new room mate can create:

~Gas and bloating
~Reflux and indigestion
~Diarrhea and foul smelling stools
~Constipation (from blocking the intestines)
~Difficulty in losing weight, or (on the other side) weight loss
~Urinary tract and/or vaginal infections
~Skin disorders, such as eczema
~Chronic fatigue or low energy
~Brain fog
~Achy joins and muscles
~Allergies
~Itchy feet
~Anemia

Once introduced into the host, parasites change the whole digestive track in order to create an environment in which they can thrive. This change disrupts the entire digestive tract or gut and creates inflammation and conditions such as leaky gut syndrome.

Parasites can be transported into your body in a variety of ways. Most commonly, their mode of transportation can be:
~Unwashed salads, vegetables and fruits - it isn't just chemicals and pesticides you should worry about. Be sure to wash everything you consume thoroughly.
~Undercooked meats - of all varieties, including sushi
~Unwashed hands - after playing with a Fido or being outside
~Travel to foreign country - where water isn't treated diligently
~The bottom of your shoes - think about it... you walk around outside, stepping in poop of all kinds and then walk right into your home. Do as the Chinese do and leave your shoes by the door.

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview chiropractic neurologist, Dr. Shane Steadman, to learn more about parasites, and more specifically how to rid ourselves of them if we suspect one has found its way inside.

According to Dr. Steadman, the first step is to be properly diagnosed. Because parasites mimic other illnesses, it can be unclear as to the real source of a health issue. Depending on the parasite that is suspected, a stool, blood or saliva test can accurately pinpoint which little critter is to blame. Sometimes, a biopsy is required for accurate diagnosis.

Once properly diagnosed, you need to choose, based on your belief system and the recommendation of your practitioner, which medical treatment is best. While there are many types of alternative treatments, herbs and cleanses on the market, rely on your healthcare provider to help you choose the one best suited for your particular parasite. And Dr. Steadman cautions that the treatment of parasites can be a long, expensive process so be certain you choose wisely from the start.

In Dr. Steadman's practice, he has found using traditional anti-parasitic medication to be most useful as it can be matched to the parasite and will most often kill the parasites in various stages. You must be sure to treat the entire family - the parasite's family that is. Parasite's reproduce quickly so you must make sure that your treatment eliminates the grandparents and the eggs as well as the relatives in between. And be patient, some treatment can take three to six months.

Finally, be sure to receive a follow-up test to insure all of the critters are gone.

Creating a healthy, balanced digestive system is important to your everyday healthy living. It is also important because a healthy digestive environment for you is NOT a healthy living environment for a parasite... remember that parasites change the environment so that they can thrive. What is healthy for you, is not healthy for them.

According to Dr. Steadman, one of the best diet lifestyles you can commit to is the Paleo Diet. The Paleo diet provides the types of food your body was designed to consume... lean proteins, vegetables, fruits and for those with out allergies, nuts. By eating lean protein and veggies for breakfast, lunch and dinner and enjoying fruits and nuts for snack, you are creating digestive peace and harmony.

What about grains, bread, pasta? My interview with Dr. Steadman provides specific reasons why these types of foods are harmful to your body but the bottom line is this... grains are not good for your digestive system, can cause inflammation and its own set of problems. And the problems are many:

* Bloating and Gas troubles
* Diarrhea or Constipation
* Gastric reflux or Heartburn
* Tired, Exhausted, Lethargic
* Uncomfortable Tummy
* Eating Problems
* Lack of Energy
* Not Growing Well/Failure to Thrive in Children
* Unhappy With Your Weight
* Weakness
* Chronic Iron Deficiency
* Dermatitis, Eczema or other Skin conditions
* Infertility
* Runny Nose and Sinus Problems
* Osteoporosis, Bones and Joint Pains
* Feel Depressed And Moody
* Foggy Brain
* Headaches or Migraines
* Poor Sleep
* Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - especially in children
* Autism
* Hyperactivity or Cranky
* Mental Health Problems

Not sure if you have an allergy? Follow a Paleo style diet for 2 weeks and see how much different you feel. You can also be tested for gluten intolerance, if a doctors diagnosis will help you commit be being gluten free.

NOTE:
I think it is important to point out that the symptoms of gluten intolerance are similar to parasite infestation. Remember that parasites are the "great mimickers" and can mimic a number of different ailments. That is why it is so important that you be tested before guessing as to what is wrong with you.