Parasites: The Missing Diagnosis?

Parasites, commonly thought of as only affecting those in developing countries, actually affect 1 in 6 people in North America and are the most common disease condition in the world. For many chronic conditions this can be the missing diagnosis. For example, amebiasis can be misdiagnosed as Chron's disease, and roundworm can be mistaken for peptic ulcers. IBS, food allergies, and chronic fatigue syndrome have all been found to have parasitic causes.

WHAT IT IS

A parasite is an organism which lives off of a host body, such as humans plants and animals,feeding on the nutrients, cells and organs of the host. Some reproduce by producing thousands of eggs, or simply replicating by cell division, within the host. Living in the body, they often move around and graze, eating cells and draining nutrients from the host's tissues, while secreting fecal wastes.

CAUSES

Transmitted in a variety of ways,it is likely that everyone is host to some type of parasite. Transmission can occur through ingestion of cysts contained in comtaminated food & water, person-to-person contact, cockroaches, houseflies, etc. as in the case of amebiasis, giardiasis, Some are spread by insect bites, (Chagas' disease, malaria). Most microbial infections come from our food and water sources but can also be transmitted by human or animal contact. Simply petting and grooming our pets can cause infection as parasites' eggs pass from their fur to our hands, nose and mouth. Some parasites (e.g. pinworms) can even be transmitted through the air and are in the dust we breath. It's likely, therefore, that those who live in the same household will all have the same parasitic infections, whether they are currently symptomatic or not.

SYMPTOMS

Wide-ranging symptoms can be chronic or acute and include:

NAUSEA

VOMITTING

DIARRHEA

BLOOD OR MUCUS IN STOOL

ITCHY SKIN

SKIN RASHES

ABDOMINAL PAIN

FLATULENCE

SULFUROUS BURPING

DECREASED APPETITE

WEIGHT LOSS

INTENSE ITCHING AROUND ANUS AND /OR NOSE

SLEEP DISTURBANCES

ABNORMAL VAGINAL DISCHARGE

LIVER/SPLEEN ENLARGEMENT

DIAGNOSIS

Unless a lab is is experienced in looking for microbial infections it is highly like that diagnostic tests will miss them because they take so many different forms within their many stages of development. To locate a clinic near you contact the Great Smokies Diagnostic Labratories at: http://www.gsdl.com

TREATMENT

Conventional treatment involves the use of parasiticides which are generally very toxic, even in the small doses needed, and thus, must be used carefully. These drugs are also generally specific for only one particular parasitic organism at certain stages of parasitic development. Because of the cunning survival strategies of parasites, and the fact that most are motile, they can quickly migrate from the area of the body that is being treated. Herbal treatments are generally more successful at treating the differing stages of parsitic infection and for dealing with parasites for which there are no conventional treatments available.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Practice good hygeine.

Keep nails short, especially children's.

Wash hands often, especially after using toilet.

Launder bedding often in hot water.

Avoid suspect water sources.

Freeze fish for 24 hrs before eating to kill tapeworms.

BENEFICIAL HERBS

AGRIMONY

ARTEMISIA (WORMWOOD)

BARBERRY

BETEL NUT

BLACK WALNUT

BROMELAIN

CLOVES

ECHINACEA

GARLIC

IPECAC

PAU D' ARCO

PRICKLY ASH

WOLFBERRY

Coconut Oil contains antifungal properties and can be used topically or taken internally.

About The Author

Cori Young is an herbalist living in the Pacific Northwest.

For more information on healing with herbs, visit her website, Herbal Remedies Info (http://www.herbalremediesinfo.com); cori@herbalremediesinfo.com

---

Aloe Vera, an Alternative That Will Improve Your Looks and Your Outlook

Do you remember your teen years? Remember that schoolmate that... Read More

Organic Juices for Constipation

Organic fresh made juices have cleansing and laxative action, which... Read More

Just The Tea FAQs: Health Benefits (Part I)

Hands up all those who can't get through the day... Read More

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums can be one sign of periodontal disease, gingivitis,... Read More

Hemorrhoids Remedy: Practical Diet Tips, Toilet Habits And Exercise To Prevent Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Some people say that prevention is better than cure. That... Read More

Alzheimers Disease: Notes from a Medical Intuitive?s Casebook

In my medical intuitive practice, I have often been consulted... Read More

Paintings That Heal? & Children?s Healing Art? ? Right !

If you asked me a year ago if a Painting... Read More

Constipation: the Fast, Easy Answer to Something No One Talks About

Everyone jokes about constipation, but it's no joke if you're... Read More

Treat Cold, Flu, and Ear Infection the Natural Way

With or without medication, the cold or the flu can... Read More

Why DO the Japanese Have the Longest Lifespan? Part 2: Live the Lifestyle

Why do the Japanese have the longest lifespan? Last month... Read More

Oral Chelation ? What Can It Do For You? (Part 2)

Intravenous chelation therapy was more popular than oral chelation initially.... Read More

Green Drink For Constipation

A green drink is a powerful drink that can help... Read More

The Secret Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has been used for thousands of... Read More

Nerve Pain: Try Using Visualizations And You May Get Some Relief

"Neuropathic" means nerve damage and refers to nerve pain. So... Read More

Aromatherapy Favorites: Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli's History and UsesAh, Patchouli oil - people seem to... Read More

Iridology: A Natural Health 101 Article

What It IsIridology is the art of discovering weaknesses in... Read More

A Constipation Home Remedy - Cayenne

Cayenne is a constipation home remedy that is effective in... Read More

Straddling the Science/Magic Line: A Look At Magnetic Therapy

What's the difference between science and magic? It's our understanding... Read More

Mud Baths at Your Home Spa- the Pros and Cons

"If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere"... Read More

Healing and Transformation

Every symptom has a certain way of being with which... Read More

Can Tea Strengthen Your Bones?

It has long been said that caffeine is not good... Read More

Body Calling: All Natural Cures

Natural remedies can heal and have been around for centuries.... Read More

Shemale Breast Enlargement - Transgender Breast Development

Shemales, or transgender males who strive to achieve more feminine... Read More

Emotrance & Well-Being

Are you ready to easily release worry, pain or fear... Read More

Prevent Disease By Thinking Differently Than Experts

Did you know that all physicians and medical researchers have... Read More

Herbal Medicine

Herbal Medicine, also referred to as Herbalism or Botanical Medicine,... Read More

Garlic ? My Favorite Healing Herb

Garlic is a wonderful healing herb and, unlike many of... Read More

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is one of the most useful products... Read More

Will This Years Flu Paralyze The US And Canada?

According to the Associated Press on August 26th, the US... Read More

Aphrodisiacs: Increasing Sexual Desire and Capacity

Are you among the millions of people worldwide who are... Read More

Aloe Vera - No Wonder They Call It The Miracle Plant

Aloe Vera is a member of the Lily family. It... Read More

Aromatherapy ? Part III: Esoteric & Spiritual applications

The Way Essential Oils Effect the Etheric Body or Psycho-spiritual... Read More

Aromatherapy Oils

Aromatherapy is a method of using the aromatic oils which... Read More