Often overlooked and avoided in conversation, intestinal parasites can be responsible for a wide range of irritating and even chronic health problems such as:

• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Rapid Weight Loss
• Loss of Appetite
• Bloating
• Nausea

Many people suffer from the effects of parasites for lengthy periods, not realising that the true cause are these harmful organisms.

Parasites can manifest in the gut when the microbiome terrain gets out of balance. 

And they're more common than you might think. So it's important to understand what causes parasites and how you can rid yourself of them and avoid a host of debilitating health issues.

What are parasites?

A parasite is an organism that lives on or in other organisms from which it obtains nutrients, causing harm in the process.

The name comes from the Greek word 'para' that means beside, and 'sitos', which means food. Parasites require a 'host' in order to complete their life cycle. In other words, they can't survive without something to live in or feed off.

Parasites can vary in size from microscopic up to a hundred feet long in the case of certain tapeworms.  They can be found in certain conditions, almost everywhere in our environment; including in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat.

Parasites are sometimes referred to as nature’s clean-up crew for toxicity and filth, however, in the process of cleaning up they leach nutrients from the body.

How are parasites spread?

The most common source of parasites are:

• Contaminated water
• Undercooked meats and raw fish
• Infected animals

A perfect environment for parasites to thrive within the body, is when the bowels become ineffective at eliminating waste due to blockages in the intestinal tract, caused by eating too much of the wrong type of foods over time.

If you eat meat of any kind regularly (including chicken or fish), chances are you have at least one form of intestinal parasite - unless it represents only a minor part of your diet and you more than compensate for it by eating plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, drinking enough water, breathing fresh clean air and practicing regular exercise.

The main problem with eating meat is that from the moment the animal dies, it is in a state of decay.  And when you eat the animal, the decaying flesh that is now inside the intestine will attract parasites if it is allowed to remain in the digestive tract for any more than 72 hours.  

In other words, transit time is critical.

The other important thing to keep in mind is that parasites can also be attracted to animal products throughout the process of slaughtering, processing, storage, handling or preparation.

This is why if you're going to eat meat or consume animals products, it's important to eat the cleanest possible sources and to get as close to the source as possible.

What are the symptoms of parasites?

People infected with intestinal parasite infections will normally suffer from constant irritation, stomach pain, fatigue, headaches and frequent skin problems.

Because parasites secrete toxins they can cause some of the following symptoms in those who are host to them:

• Anaemia
• Asthma
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Decreased immunity
• Diarrhoea
• Digestive disorders
• Fatigue
• Itchy anus
• Nervousness
• Skin rash

What are the main types of parasites?

There are four common types of intestinal parasites (mainly worms) which are worth being aware of:

Tapeworm

Tapeworms are commonly attracted by contaminated drinking water. Raw or undercooked meat is also a common source of tapeworms in the gut. 

Tapeworms bury their heads into the intestinal wall and remain there. Certain types of tapeworms can then produce eggs that mature into larvae and migrate to other parts of the body. A tapeworm looks like a long, white ribbon which can grow up to 25 metres long and live inside a human for up to 30 years. 

Hookworms

Hookworm infections mainly occur by walking barefoot on contaminated soil. One kind of hookworm can also be transmitted through the ingestion of larvae. Most people infected with hookworms have no symptoms so they are difficult to detect, however the most common sign is gastrointestinal problems. 

Flukes

Flukes are a type of flatworm. Raw plants, particularly leafy greens, that have not been adequately washed with clean water are the main sources of flukes in humans. You can also get them when you drink contaminated water.

Flukes can live not only in your intestines but blood and tissues as well. 

Threadworms

Threadworms are generally harmless, tiny worms that more common in children than adults. These roundworms, when fully matured, live in the colon and rectum. The female lays eggs around the anus, usually during the night.

The eggs can survive on bedding, clothing, and other materials.

Threadworms tend to proliferate when hands touch the eggs and then the mouth. The eggs are extremely small, however they can be easily passed among children commonly in day care centre type environments.

Additional symptoms of parasitic worms in the body

Symptoms of intestinal parasites or worms can be very similar to the common causes of gut disorders, which include the following additional symptoms:

• Allergic reactions
• Fever
• Itchiness and rashes
• Eczema
• Muscle pain
• Facial swelling
• Neurological problems e.g. seizures
• Lowered immune function

How to prevent parasitic infections

Here are some tips to reduce the risk of getting parasitic infections:

1. Source organic, locally grown, fresh produce where possible.  If you're unable to source organic or spray free, use an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse (using 1 cup of ACV mixed in 3/4 sink full of cold water) to wash your produce before storing to remove possible contaminants;
2. Avoid or limit meat and fish in your diet.  If you're going to eat these products, be sure to source the cleanest possible sources as locally as you can and do not to eat them raw;
3. Keep your living environment clean - Open the windows and doors, use ceiling fans and diffuse essential oils in your bedroom and main living quarters to help prevent airborne pathogens;
4. Avoid antibiotics - which are known to upset the gut microbiome, reducing the number of good bacteria in the gut.  This creates an environment for the proliferation of parasites;
5. Avoid drinking municipal tap water which can be a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms that can infect the gut.  Utilise a quality water filtration system at home and source bottled water from natural aquifers and springs.

Tips and Natural Remedies for Getting Rid of Parasites

The number one tip for getting rid of intestinal parasites is to starve the parasites by cleansing the digestive tract.  A clean digestive tract means the parasites no longer have plaque to feed on so they can no longer proliferate.

1. A 7-10 day water fast is one of the best ways to starve and eliminate parasites from the digestive system, however for most people this is not a practical option in their regular environment without support;
2. A 2-4 day Colon Cleanse utilising the natural detoxification powers of Australian Food Grade Bentonite Clay, Ground Flax Seed, Ground Psyllium, Dried Apple, Cinnamon and Ginger is a great place to start (our colon cleanse product is called, Cleanse Me, available from our store and we provide instructions when you order);
3. Wormwood Tea is a parasite-killing super herb for eliminating intestinal worms, especially roundworms and thread or pin worms. It works as a tonic for the upper digestive tract and helps to stimulate secretions that also aid the digestion process. It can be taken as a tea, but due to its strong and sometimes overpowering taste, many people prefer to swallow it in vegetable capsules.
4. Black Walnut Oil - Drinking black walnut oil with water will greatly assist with your worm eradication program. Start off slow though and increase your dosage over a few days. The reason for this is the oil can cause skin reactions as the parasites dump their toxins in order to protect their living environments. This can manifest as rashes or other outbreaks, so take it easy! Although uncomfortable, it’s not dangerous and is a sign that the parasites are on their way out.
5. Clove Essential Oil - Cloves have potent anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic qualities. Pure clove essential oil is the most concentrated form, so taking a drop or two several times a day over the course of a month will serve to destroy parasite eggs. This is important because the above two herbs only kill the worms themselves and not the eggs of which they can lay thousands each day! The last thing you want is those eggs hatching and starting another infestation cycle all over again.
6. Diatomaceous Earth - This chalky siliceous powder derived from naturally-formed sedimentary mineral rock aids the eradication of parasites and worms by piercing the outer layers of their bodies which then causes them to dehydrate and die!
7. Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar - Mix 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar into a glass of filtered chilled water and drink on an empty stomach, preferably first thing in the morning at least one hour before eating. Do this every day for at least a month, particularly if you have symptoms of intestinal worms;
8. ProBiotics and PreBiotics - probiotics are vital for restoring healthy bacteria in the gut to ward off the bad intruders.  Probiotics are naturally occurring in a range of fermented foods including, raw organic yogurt, cheeses, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, olives, pickles and organic tempeh, miso and soy.  Prebiotics feed the healthy bacteria with vital nutrients and are mainly coursed by eating a variety of fresh vegetables and leafy greens.

The Main Takeaway

Intestinal parasites and worms form in the gut when excess waste and digestive plaque is allowed to accumulate.  Generally, the main sources of parasites are raw meats, fish and contaminated water, however they can also form in toxic environments.

If you have constant symptoms of chronic fatigue, bloating, nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, irritability or rapid weight loss, you may have intestinal parasites.

And the solution is to starve the parasites and to clear the terrain so that they can be eliminated from your body and your health and digestive function can return to normal.

As always, eat a clean diet loaded with fresh, locally sourced whole foods, be sure to drink enough water, move your body every day and limit your consumption of raw meats and fish in particular, and you'll go a long way to ridding and avoiding intestinal parasites and worms.

Tolman Self Care.