My favorite articles to write are ones that patients of the pharmacy suggest.  The topic of parasites was a recent suggestion.  When I hear the word parasite, my mind gravitates towards tapeworms and intestinal bugs, but as you will see in this article, parasites can come in many forms and are a big part of the makeup of bodies. 

Microorganisms feeding on our bodies outnumber our cells by 10 to 1.  A typical person carries as many as six pounds of microbes, all living in a delicate, symbiotic balance amongst each other.  These microbes can cause either a beneficial or a harmful effect.  Most assuredly, an imbalanced overgrowth of any one species can lead to severe symptoms of parasites in the intestines.

Aside from "normal" microorganisms within the body, a person can be exposed to pathogenic parasites from outside.  Eating undercooked meat and touching pets are the two most common ways of contracting these parasites.  Because parasitic illness is so common, it is crucial to learn how to recognize the symptoms of parasites in humans to treat them quickly. 

Human parasites include protozoa, helminths (worms), and ectoparasites (such as lice and ticks).  These parasites can enter the body through contaminated food or water, insect bites, or contact with infected individuals.  Once inside the body, parasites can reside in the intestines, blood, tissues, or other organs, causing damage and triggering immune responses.



Common Parasitic Infections and Their Symptoms

Protozoan Infections: Single-celled parasites

·      Giardiasis: Caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia, this infection leads to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea.

·      Amebiasis: Resulting from the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, amebiasis causes dysentery (bloody diarrhea), abdominal cramps, and fever.

·      Malaria: Transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito carrying Plasmodium parasites, malaria presents with symptoms like fever, chills, headache, and fatigue.

Helminthic Infections: These can be seen with the naked eye and primarily reside in the gut. 

·      Roundworm Infections: Ascaris lumbricoides can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.

·      Tapeworm Infections: Taenia saginata and Taenia solium can lead to abdominal discomfort, nausea, weakness, and weight loss.

·      Hookworm Infections: Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus can cause anemia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue.

Ectoparasitic Infestations: This form of parasite lives on the skin.

Parasites come in all shapes and sizes, each with different symptoms associated with the specific organism. 

One of the challenges surrounding parasitic infections is the diagnosis.  There are several ways to determine if you have parasites:

·      Visual examination will often miss seeing parasites; therefore, microscopic examination of stool samples is best for detecting the presence of parasite eggs, cysts, or larvae.

·      Blood tests can identify antibodies or antigens produced in response to parasitic infections, aiding in diagnosing diseases like malaria or toxoplasmosis.

·      In suspected parasite tissue invasion cases, a biopsy may be performed to examine the affected tissue under a microscope.

·      Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays can detect and identify parasite DNA in clinical samples with high sensitivity and specificity, aiding in diagnosing infections like leishmaniasis or toxoplasmosis.

·      A physical examination by a healthcare provider may look for characteristic signs of parasitic infections, such as skin lesions, enlarged lymph nodes, or abdominal tenderness.

·      Information about recent travel to endemic regions can help narrow the list of potential parasitic pathogens, guiding diagnostic testing and treatment decisions.

·      Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA), where they analyze the stool to determine what "bugs" are in the gut (good or bad), and then, based on the results, you implement a program to address what is found.  CDSA is an excellent option, with scientific research backing up the test.

What do you do if it is determined that you have a parasite?  To deal with worm infestations, you must remove yourself from the sources of their eggs and larvae.  The best way to do this is to stop consuming meat.  Even well-cooked meat products can still contain worm cysts and eggs.  Also, ensure you clean your pets frequently and always wash your hands after touching them. 

Secondly, remove the parasites that are already in your system.  The natural option for treatment is with dietary supplements that contain wormwood, clove, and black walnut.  Turmeric, ginger, and garlic also help create an intestinal environment unsuited for microbial growth.  Prescription medications include metronidazole, ivermectin, and anti-malarial drugs, to name a few.

Some parasites can be stubborn and require a product to help break down biofilms.  As you may remember from a previous article, biofilms are protective shields that parasites and other microbes can build to protect them from killing agents.  The shield protects the microbe while allowing them to multiply and spill out toxins.  We can break down these biofilms with products that contain ingredients like EDTA and serrapeptase. 

Human parasitic infections pose significant health risks worldwide, affecting millions of people each year.  Recognizing the signs and symptoms of parasitic diseases is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment, preventing complications and transmission to others. Healthcare providers are crucial in conducting appropriate diagnostic tests and implementing effective treatment strategies to manage parasitic infections effectively.  Proper sanitation and health education are essential for preventing the spread of parasitic diseases and reducing their burden on society.

If you would like help or more information about parasites, don't hesitate to contact my pharmacy staff, as they would be more than willing to help you at 701-483-4858.  All my articles can be found online at our website, www.irsfeldpharmacy.com.  My podcast, "The Irsfeld Pharmacy Optimal You Podcast," can also be accessed through the website. 

Until next time, be vigilant about your health!!