Most of us who are pet owners regularly give our animals treatments to rid them of many different parasites but don't consider that we may be harboring these same parasites inside of our own bodies.  Many doctors in the United States believe that 80 to 90 percent of Americans have parasites. And because of these parasites millions of people are suffering needlessly from chronic diseases caused by parasites.  Parasitic experts believe there are 100 to 130 common parasites that are being hosted in our bodies.

In 1993, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease reported 100 deaths and more than 400,000 people who became ill from the parasite cryptosporidium, a protozoan (a one-celled organism) that had infected the city of Milwaukee's water system. In October of 1994, NBC's Dateline reported this same parasite as the cause of deaths and illnesses in New York City.  In 1998, cyrptosporidium caused widespread water contamination in Sydney, Austrailia.

While some parasites are believed to cause little or no harm to the human body, many of these parasites cause great harm. For example, protozoans that cause malaria are parasites that attack and destroy red blood cells and have caused the deaths of 3 million people worldwide every year.  Some parasites are content to feed on the host's food supply while others do further harm and consume body tissues and cells and occassionally burrow through into the kidneys, corneas, muscles and brain. A tapeworm can grow to a considerable size in our bodies and it is highly likely we would not be aware of it's presence. Waste products from parasites may be toxic and these toxins are released directly into the body of the host. Parasites cause infections that compromise our immune systems.

Below is a list of some of the common symptoms of parasites:

Allergies Anemia Apathy Asthma Bedwetting Bloating Blood in stools Blurry or unclear vision Chronic fatigue Constipation Depression Diabetes Eating more than usual but staying hungry Excess weight gain Fatty tumors (especially on the feet) Fevers Flatulence Forgetfulness Immune System dysfunction

Intestinal obstruction Irritablity Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Itchy anus, nose or ears Lethargy Lips chapped during the day Nervousness Nutrient deficiencies Pain in the back, joints or muscles Problems with menstruation Sensitive to touch Sexual dysfunction in males Skin problems Sleep disorders Stomach discomfort Swollen glands Teeth clinching or grinding Toxicity

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, parasites may not necessarily be the cause but it certainly should not be overlooked as 80 to 90 percent of us have parasites without even knowing it!

Common Sources

There are several ways in which we can possibly come into contact with parasites some of them being through contact with animals, contaminated fruits and vegetables, infected drinking water, meat, day-care centers and pre-schools, basic hygiene, travel overseas and sexual practices.

What can you do to aid your body in getting rid of parasites? 

• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables (especially green leafy) 
• Eat whole grains such as rice.  
• Drink plenty of water
• Do a parasite cleanse

AVOID:

• Coffee
• Alcohol
• Sugary or fried foods
• White potatoes
• Egg plant
• Red peppers
• Tomatoes
• Diets high in carbohydrates
• Infected drinking water
• Contaminated flour
• Raw or undercooked fish, beef, chicken
• Unwashed fruits and vegetables
• Water chestnuts and watercress