Parasite infections represent a stealthy and often overlooked health issue, impacting millions globally. In fact, estimates indicate that at least half of the world's population is affected by some form of worm infection. Currently, millions of adults in both developing and developed worlds are hosting parasites within their bodies. These parasites can take many shapes, ranging from microscopic waterborne amoebas to tiny pinworms and even lengthy tapeworms. If not addressed, they can cause significant harm to the body in various ways. While many of the deadliest parasites thrive in tropical and subtropical regions, as well as in developing countries, western nations are not exempt from this threat
However, there are simple measures you can take to protect yourselves and prevent parasites no matter where they live or how much they travel.
Keys to prevention include helping you understand so here is a Q&A for you all
Q:1 What are some of the common types of parrasites
0%Parasites come in many forms, including microscopic amoebas,
0%tiny pinworms, and even feet-long tapeworms.
You can vote for more than one answer.
Q: What causes parasitic infections?
Infections can be caused by contaminated food or water
Direct Contact with pets,
Bites from insects like fleas and ticks
Exposure through the skin from the ground.
Q: Why are some people more vulnerable to parasitic infections?
Factors incl weakened immune systems, poor hygiene practices
Exposure to places with high parasite prevalence
Q: What are some common and lesser-known symptoms of parasitic infections?
Symptoms range from issues like diarrhea & abdominal pain
Fatigue, weight loss, and skin rashes.
Symptoms can include joint pain and neurologic disturbances
Q: Which foods should be avoided to prevent parasitic infections?
Undercooked or contaminated foods, esp. meats, seafoods
Also, be cautious with untreated water sources.
Q: What specific foods, herbs, and supplements can help combat parasites?
Foods like garlic, pumpkin seeds, and papaya seeds
Along with herbs like wormwood and black walnut
Supplements designed to target parasites can also be benefic
The 3 Main Types of Parasites and Where They Come From
Here’s the three main category types of parasites and where they come from:
1. Ectoparasites - a term commonly used to describe “blood-sucking arthropods,” such as mosquitos. But this term also refers to other insects or organisms that can bite, burrow, or sting into human skin and transmit parasites, including fleas, ticks, lice, and mites. This is why parasitic infections are common in those suffering from Lyme disease.
2. Protozoa — single-cell microscopic organisms that can either live within a host or survive as free-living organisms. Once they find a human host, these parasites can multiply, which can lead to more severe infections. Protozoa are shared human-to-human through fecal matter, but can also be transmitted through blood or insect bites. Malaria, for example, is caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium. According to the World Health Organization, over half the world’s population is at risk for malaria, including non-immune travelers to affected nations.
3. Helminths — larger, multi-celled organisms that, unlike protozoa, may be visible to the naked eye in their adult form. They can be parasitic or free-living, but their adult form cannot multiply in humans.
Some examples of helminths include:
Flatworms
Roundworms
Tapeworms
Thorny-headed worms
Testing is very difficult & expensive
Many people may wonder if they should take a test to see if they have parasites. However, testing for parasites is incredibly difficult, and there are few (if any) accurate tests that are comprehensive enough to cover every type of infection someone may have.
Even Lab Tests Have Shortcomings
Lab tests often only detect common helminths and protozoa and are most accurate if a stool sample is examined immediately. Parasites release enzymes that dissolve their bodies after death, so they may be undetectable by the time a sample is analyzed. Many parasites can alter their life cycle to evade the immune system and remain hidden. Most parasites are microscopic, making them invisible to the naked eye, even during a cleanse.
The Hateful 8 most common parasites
include these that can invade a human’s well-being and what damage they can cause in the body.
Parasite Name | Commonly found | Species / Variations |
Flatworms | Can be found in the bladder, GI tract, kidney, liver, and lungs | can range from microscopic to 50 feet long. |
Flukes | Look like small tongues and have a sucker they use to attach to their hosts. Liver flukes are the most common types of flukes found in the human body, | but there are also blood, intestinal, lung, urinary, and other kinds of flukes. |
Hookworms | Have sharp teeth they use to penetrate the skin and consume blood | Hookworms can cause anemia, brain fog, fatigue, stomach pain, and swelling. They generally settle in the intestines but can affect the lungs, too |
Pinworms | Symptoms of pinworms include a GI tract upset, itchy anus, and mood disorders | These parasites crawl out of the anus at night to lay eggs. They’re only about a half an inch long. |
Are a recent classification of parasites. They’re usually seen during a parasite cleanse or after coffee enemas. They can be 1-2 feet long and bumpy in texture | ||
Roundworms | Also called nematodes. They can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs a day. Symptoms include rashes, respiratory issues, stomach pain, and trouble sleeping. | Roundworm larvae can go through the intestines to the bloodstream and spread to other organs. They’re about the thickness of earthworms. |
Tapeworms. | Can live inside human intestines for almost a decade, causing hunger, poor absorption of nutrients, and weight loss | They can also cause no symptoms at all. It’s possible for tapeworms to grow 20-30 feet long. |
Whipworms | Though commonly found in dogs, whipworms can affect humans as well. Whipworms can be contracted by contaminated dirt or foods that have not been thoroughly washed or cooked. | Whipworms can be contracted by contaminated dirt or foods that have not been thoroughly washed or cooked. Symptoms include blood in stools, stomach pain, nausea, and weight loss. They’re usually about 1-2 inches and shaped like a small whipone — one thicker end and one thinner end. |
Causes of Parasite Infections
In underdeveloped, subtropical, and tropical countries, parasitic infections most commonly come from consuming unclean water — either by drinking it, bathing in it, or consuming raw foods which have been washed in it. In developed places, however, parasitic infections come from more unexpected sources, including:
Blood transfusions — Per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), donated blood is not screened for all types of parasites. Thus, parasitic infections can be transmitted via transfusions.
Certain types of fish — Freshwater and saltwater fish such as cod, pike, salmon, swordfish, and trout can contain parasites, such as roundworm or tapeworm larvae. Therefore, fish should always be consumed fully cooked.
Fecal matter contact — Daycare or healthcare workers, for example, can pick up fecal-borne parasites if they are not taking the proper precautions.
Insects — Fleas, lice, mites, and ticks can transmit parasites to humans through biting, burrowing, or bloodsucking.
Pets — Animals can give parasites to humans via direct contact or by spreading fleas, ticks, and lice, which can bite and then transmit the parasites.
Pork — Notorious for containing a variety of parasites, including the protozoa Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp., and the helminths Trichinella spp. and Taenia spp. Thus, pork should either be avoided or only consumed fully cooked.
Raw or undercooked foods — Since some parasites are blood-born or live in feces, they can be transmitted by food service workers using unsanitary food handling practices, such as working with a cut finger or not washing their hands after using the bathroom
Sexual contact — Trichomoniasis, for instance, is a prevalent STD caused by the protozoan parasite: Trichomonas vaginalis. According to the CDC, approximately 3.7 million Americans are infected with “Trich,” and many do not even realize it.
Soil — Protozoa and (more commonly) helminths like pinworms can be transmitted via contact with the soil.
Unclean water — Water swallowed from swimming in lakes, ponds, rivers, etc.
Vulnerability to Parasites
This is such an important point to address for patients. Because, just like with bacteria and viruses, not everyone who is exposed to a parasite or even consumes a parasite will develop an infection.
It comes down to two things:
The immune strength of the host
The host’s daily diet
The immune system can handle bacteria, trauma, injury, viruses, and parasites in healthy individuals. However, many people worldwide have compromised immune systems due to autoimmune diseases, digestive issues, malnutrition, and chronic conditions, making them more vulnerable to pathogens. Focusing on nurturing a healthy immune system is essential for preventing infections, including parasites, and diet plays a critical role in immunity.
Parasite infections often go undiagnosed for three main reasons:
Limited diagnostic techniques — Microscopic parasites are hard to detect with conventional methods.
Misdiagnosis or misunderstanding of symptoms — Parasites cause diverse symptoms like insomnia, skin rashes, and teeth grinding, leading to misdiagnosis.
No noticeable or overtly bothersome symptoms — Some infections, like Trichomoniasis, may not show significant symptoms for a long time, and Lyme disease can mask parasitic infections.
The following table lists some common, yet often overlooked, symptoms associated with parasite infections:
Symptoms |
Adrenal fatigue |
Anemia |
Chronic Lyme disease |
Compromised immunity/frequent illness |
Digestive disorders, including leaky gut syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome |
Eyespots, “floaters,” or other vision problems |
Genital discharge |
Insatiable hunger |
Insomnia, consistent fatigue, and poor sleeping habits |
Joint and muscle pain |
Low blood sugar |
Memory problems |
Mental issues, such as anxiety, brain fog, and depression |
New onset of allergies |
Skin problems, such as eczema, itching, psoriasis, and rashes |
Stomach aches/abdominal pain |
Swollen lymph nodes or flu-like symptoms |
Teeth grinding |
The symptom list is extensive, which is why we will work to work with you as a practitioner if you suspect a parasite problem.
Protect from Common Parasites: Avoid These Foods
While people likely realize they can catch parasites from eating contaminated foods or undercooked foods, direct contact with fecal matter, or drinking tainted water — especially when traveling abroad — parasites can even lurk in everyday foods.
The following table lists foods that commonly contain parasites:
Food | Precaution |
Beef, game, and organ meats | Cook thoroughly and source from trusted organic or sustainable farms. |
Fresh produce |
|
Freshwater fish (e.g., trout, pike, salmon) | Avoid or cook thoroughly. |
Salads | Even if the salad kit says it’s “triple washed,” it’s recommended to still thoroughly clean raw veggies. |
Salad bars | Can be a petri dish of bacteria and parasites due to outside-handling from different people. |
Saltwater fish (e.g., cod, herring, swordfish) | Avoid or cook thoroughly. |
Pork | Avoid or cook thoroughly. |
You should also steer clear of certain foods that can compromise the immune system and nourish those unwelcome bugs.
Foods that may fuel parasite infection and growth include:
Foods that may fuel parasite infection and growth |
Alcohol |
Dairy (for some people) |
Grains |
Processed foods |
Sugars |
Foods, Herbs, and Supplements to Help Prevent Parasites
The following foods help prevent and expel certain parasites:
Food Item | Description |
Apple cider vinegar | Maintains gut health and strengthens the immune system with B-vitamins. Useful for washing vegetables to protect against parasites. |
Berries | Fight parasites with antioxidant polyphenols and a natural laxative effect. Consume in moderation and wash thoroughly. |
Garlic | Boosts immunity and acts against fungal infections and protozoan parasites like Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia. |
Olive oil | Controls fungal infections that feed parasites. Historically used to treat head lice. |
Papaya seeds | Proven anti-parasitic properties, effective in expelling intestinal parasites. |
Pomegranates | Promotes health and expels pathogens, useful in parasite cleanses. |
Pumpkin seeds | Treat intestinal infections and parasites, effective against tapeworms, and rich in immune-boosting nutrients. |
To best prevent parasites, we encourage the incorporation of some of these foods into a regular diet.
Supplement Support
In addition to supporting the body with anti-parasitic foods, the following CellCore supplements are packed with certain herbs that can also be safely used for prevention and as part of a parasite cleanse:
Para 1 — Contains one ingredient, Mimosa pudica seed, that binds to unwanted waste in the intestines and carries it out of the body.
Para 2 — A multi-herb blend with Carbon Technology designed to nurture the body’s immune and digestive systems, as well as assist in killing off parasites.
Para 3 — The 7 herb blend also supports immune cell activity, inflammatory balance, and microbiome health by providing phytochemicals to support the liver and digestive system.
Para 4 — Using a proprietary blend of herbs — including extracts of noni root and stem, holy basil, and horsetail — combined with Carbon Technology (consisting of fulvic polysaccharides), this product also benefits those with sensitivities to other pathogen-killing supplements.
Your Functional Medicine Practitioner may also do a Mimosa Pudica Seed or Full Moon Challenge as a start to parasite cleansing (using Para 1 and the Para Kit). For a deeper detox, you can work with your practitioner to create a specialized protocol on their roadmap to health to best address their current situation.
Steps to Prevent Parasites and Maintain Vibrant Health
Parasites are nearly everywhere, and infection is a common problem in the East and the West.
But your patients are far from powerless when it comes to prevention. Remind them to:
Avoid common foods that contain parasites
Keep their immune system healthy by avoiding foods that act as fuel for parasites
Consider taking gut-supportive, anti-parasitic supplements proactively
Consume immune-boosting, naturally-anti-parasitic foods daily
Stay savvy on where parasites are commonly found, and avoid those situations whenever possible
Take extra precautions when traveling abroad
By avoiding common parasite hotspots and nurturing their immunity, your patients will have the tools they need to protect themselves from parasites and optimize their health.
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