Parasites

A parasite is an organism that lives off of or inside of another organism, called a host, during all or part of its life. This is a type of symbiotic relationship in which the parasite needs the host in order to live to obtain nourishment. Many organisms, including some plants, animals, spiders, crustaceans, bacteria, and worms, are considered parasites. Many parasites can enter the human body via the skin and mouth and when the larvae reach the intestines and develop into adults, mild or moderate symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, and sometimes bloody stools. Severe infections may cause abdominal pain, fatigue, vomiting, weight loss, worm in vomit or stools, or worm emerging from the nose or mouth.

If left untreated intestinal parasites may cause further complicationsto health such as allergies, digestive conditions, liver congestion,bowel ailments and depressed immunity. Asample of blood, stool, urine or phlegm may be analysed for thepresence of parasites in the body.

DIET TIPS FOR PARASITES

• Increase bitter foods in your diet to help slough off the parasites. Intestinal parasites thrive on an acidic digestive system so by changing the environment to alkaline natural kills them off. Bitter foods are lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, rocket, endive, raddichio
• Use coconut oil in cooking and smoothies as it contains Caprylic Acid a short chain fatty acid which inhibits the growth of bacteria and parasites
• Eat more garlic, onions and pumpkins seeds as these help to kill of intestinal parasites
• Fibre supplement such as slippery elm or psyllium husks to increase bowel elimination and parasites through the faeces
• Decrease acidic foods such as sugar, dairy, wheat, alcohol, tea, coffee and soft drinks
• Ensure adequate dehydration to increase bowel cleansing and use herbal teas such as Ginger, Echinacea, Elecampagne, Peppermint and Chamomile to improve digestion
• Begin each day with a small glass of warm water with ½ lemon squeezed into it. Lemon has a cleansing effect on liver and bowel
• Decrease the consumption of dietary fats as they may increase the risk of intestinal parasites
• Dont eat raw or undercooked meat

LIFESTYLE FACTORS FOR PARASITES

• Hypochlorhydria (insufficient production of hydrochloric acid) as low digestive acids increase an acidic system which parasites thrive on. Other than increasing bitter foods in your diet you can take digestive enzymes, especially if you have other digestive complaints such as bloating, constipation, belching and abdominal pain
• Wear gloves when gardening in the soil and wash hands thoroughly afterwards before handling food, after gardening and after changing babies diapers
• Address liver and digestive function

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR PARASITES

• Anti-parasitic herbs – Pau D’arco, Wormwood, Dandelion, Rhubarb, Black Cumin, Oregon Grape, Bitter Orange, Cloves, Gentian, Neem, Golden Seal, Garlic, Thuja, Rhubarb, Black Walnut, Olive leaf, Echinacea, Agrimony and Barberry. Speak to a Healthcare professional who can tailor make a herbal tincture specific to your needs
• Probiotics may help to ensure a healthy amount of bacteria through the colon; this may help to encourage better bowel elimination and immunity to fight of the incubation of parasites
• Fibre supplement such as slippery elm or psyllium husks to increase bowel elimination and parasites through the faces
• Magnesium Oxide is a bowel cleanser and may help expel the worms and reduce the risk of them continuing to occupy the lower bowels
• Liver herbs such as Dandelion, Bupleurum, Schizandra, Gentian and Milk Thistle and may help to produce bile and kill of parasites as well as increasing detoxification and elimination