A parasite is an organism that lives off another organism. Parasites living inside the human body will feed off our cells, the food we eat, the supplements we take, and our energy. They usually have unpronouncable names like Ascaris lumbricoides (round worms), Enterobius vermicularis (threadworms, also known as pinworms), Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Blastocystis hominus. It’s not necessary to bore you with this information though.
Because parasites can get into the bloodstream and travel to any organ, they can cause problems that are often not recognized as parasite-related. This can result in an incorrect or incomplete diagnosis. However some of the typical symptoms of parasites are thought to include the following : –
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Ravenous appetite
• Persistent skin problems *
• Irritability/nervousness
• Pain in the umbilicus
• Digestive complaints (gas, bloating, and cramps)
• Granulomas (small masses that encase destroyed larva or parasites)
• Disturbed sleep |
• Allergies
• Anemia
• Overall fatigue
• Joint pain
• Brain fog**
• Prostatitis
• Rectal itching
• Sugar craving
• Postnasal drip
• Bed-wetting
• Teeth grinding
• Muscle cramps
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* We beleive this is because the toxins they release end up being dumped in the skin to cause acne, eczema, psoriasis and other eruptions.
** Again the released toxins are thought contribute to muzzy head, headaches etc
Parasites and Candida
It is interesting to note that a number of the typical symptoms of parasites are also typical candida symptoms. We think this is because the two problems often go and in hand. The existance of one problem, means that the intestinal tract is more susceptible to other dysbiotic microbes. Many people mistakenly believe that the products which elimiunate candida are one and the same with the ones that eliminate parasites. There is
some truth in this, but it’s only partially correct. For example our
Oxygen Therapy products like Oxygen Elements Max, Aerobic Oxygen, Colosan and Oxy-Powder are helpful in the treatment of any anerobic (do not live in oxygen) micro-organism. And as candida and most parasites are anaerobic, they obviously help. Friendly bacteria products such
Threelac,and
Fivelac, are beleived to be helpful, probably becauyse they secrete hydrogen peroxide in the gut.
Certainly Golden Seal Formula E, Golden Seal Formula F, Oxygen Elements Plus, Aerobic Oxygen and Samento are effective against some parasites, protozoa and other bacteria, but with the exception of Samento they are not primary products for this role (I will come to that in a moment).
Keep Your Colon Clean
Another consideration regarding parasites (and candida) is that although many external factors contribute to an increased susceptibility to parasites, the biggest factor is internal – an unhealthy colon, largely the result of an unwholesome lifestyle and bacterial imbalance. Once the ideal ratio of good to bad bacteria in the intestines is disrupted, the resulting imbalance creates an environment conducive to parasite infestation. This is why we always reccomend customers to use one of our Colon Cleansing Supplements when attempting to eliminate parasites. In the same vein, it is also a good idea to use one of our Probiotics at the same time – not so much for their anti parasite action, but as a gentle replenisher of intestinal bacteria.
However our main product for eliminating parasites is Paratrex.
I could just re-iterate what’s already on the main page on the web site about this product, but that would be rather dull. Besides which all you need to is click here. There is some good information there, as well as interesting pictures of what these things look like in your guts (yuk!), so do take a look. But here is some information on the ingredients of Paratrex.
Perma-Guard) Diatomaceous Earth (organic, fresh water-food grade) - DE is an abbreviation of the words “Diatomaceous Earth,” which is a fossilized deposit of microscopic shells created by one-celled plants called Diatoms. These plants inhabit all the waters of the earth, and serve as the basic food for aquatic life, just as grass is the basic food for land animals. The razor sharp edges of the diatoms in Diatomaceous Earth discourage unhealthy colonization of the intestinal tract. This ingredient has been used to promote intestinal health and to help the body in its fight against intruders without the use of chemicals. Because of its sharp edges, this ingredient helps break up unwanted debris and cut through the physical defenses of intestinal intruders. DE will not hurt beneficial bacteria. “Ingestion of diatomaceous earth is not toxic to mammals. Rats fed a daily diet containing 5% freshwater diatomaceous earth show no abnormalities after 90 days (Bertke 1964). Dairy farms sometimes feed their animals food containing 1 to 2% diatomaceous earth to control internal [organisms] (Allen 1972). Impoverished humans add “fossil flour” to their baked goods in order to stretch their flour supply (Cummins 1975).”
Organically Certified Black Walnut Hull from Green Hull (Juglans regia) - Ancient Greeks and Romans used Black Walnut Hull to promote intestinal health and beneficial microbial activity. Asian Peoples have also used the kernel and the green hull to help promote cleansing of the intestinal tract. The high tannin content of this ingredient is primarily responsible for its beneficial properties; although other constituents such as juglandin, juglone and juglandic acid are also most likely involved. Black Walnut is thought to have the ability to oxygenate the blood, which creates a state believed to be hostile to invasive organisms. The green husk contains organic iodine. Iodine is known to have properties which help produce an intestinal environment hostile to harmful bacteria. Black Walnut has been used to promote healthy sugar levels, to help melt away fatty materials, and to detoxify the colon. Black Walnut is also useful for helping maintain an internal condition that is unfavorable to fungi.
Organically Certified Grapefruit Seed Extract (Citrus Paradise) - Grapefruit Seed Extract is a biologically active botanical extract derived from the seeds and pulp of wild-crafted grapefruit. Grapefruit seed extract contains the following minerals: phosphorus, potassium, iron and sodium, magnesium and all of the vitamin B group, especially biotin which is an important nutrient for the utilization of dietary body fats. The active ingredient (citricidal) of grapefruit seed extract has been known to have the unique ability to safely and effectively help boost internal health. Citricidal is also said to effectively help create an environment that is not friendly for intestinal invaders.
Organically Certified Wormwood Extract (Artemisia absinthium) - Historically wormwood has been used as an intestinal cleanser and a medicinal herb. References to Wormwood go back as far as 1600 BC in Egypt. In Paratrex™ it helps create an extremely hostile environment for certain types of invaders. It has also been known to promote healthy digestive processes and help promote increased secretions of the liver and gallbladder.
Wild-Crafted Male Fern Root (Dryopteris filix-mas) - According to history, Male Fern Root has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb to promote digestive health and as an aid in cleansing bodily systems. Researchers have determined that the oil of the male fern root contains the chemicals filicin, filmarone, and oleoreson. These chemicals help establish an intestinal environment that is toxic and debilitating to certain intestinal invaders helping promote digestive health.
Wild-Crafted American Worm Seed (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.) – The oil of chenopodium, derived from the seeds and other overground parts of wormseed, is an excellent ingredient for any product designed to promote an intestinal environment that is unfavorable to intruders. Before being popularized in the 19th century in America by the medical establishment, American Worm Seed was frequently used by the Native Americans to promote digestive health. Wormseed is also said to have properties that help remove intestinal irritants to the colon wall that can cause spasms. Wormwood contains up to 90% ascaridol, an ingredient that is very useful for promoting a hostile environment to would-be intestinal intruders.
Bromelain - Bromelain was first introduced in 1957 as an important proteolytic enzyme that supplements the body’s natural enzymes. Bromelain, like all proteolytic enzymes, decomposes harmful proteins in the body. Scientific literature contains over 600 research articles about Bromelain. It is derived from the pineapple plant and is useful in supporting the body’s natural recovery mechanisms following physical stress occurring during strenuous activities, and as general digestive aid.
Wild-Crafted Kamala (Mallotus Philippinensis {MUELL.}) - Kamala has been traditionally used to help cleanse and flush the intestines of harmful substances. It is known to act quickly and effectively.
Organically Certified Clove - Has been used for many years to help aid the body. It’s believed to have natural detoxifying qualities and to help promote an environment hostile to harmful intestinal bacteria.
The manufacturers reccomend using 2 bottles (6 week supply) to eliminate parasites, and generally speaking this is what we suggest. Obviously individual speed of repsonse varies but this is a good general guideline. The bottle suggests taking 3 capsules twice a day. This is a good idea for most people. But if it makes you feel lousy (this is a detox reaction and nothing to panic about), you can of course reduce the dosage. Apart from occasionally feeling under the weather to begin with, we have never had any side effects effects reported. However common sense should prevail and the product discontinued if any disturbing side effects occur.
What else can I do to eliminate parasites?
We’ve already mentioned that Colosan or Oxy-Powder can be very helpful as well as a Probiotics. There are two main other reccomended products if extra help is required.
The first is Samento,
Although it is not a drug (it is a natural plant extract) Ecuadorian Government officials have allowed 3 drug claims to be used for Samento
- IMMUNE SYSTEM MODULATOR
- ANTIMICROBIAL
- ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Some other medicinal properties that have been claimed :
- ANTIBACTERIAL (in this context Samento is often used by Lymes disease sufferers)
- ANTIFUNGAL
- ANTIVIRAL
- ANTIPARASTIC
- VERMIFUGE
- ANTIOXIDANT
- DIURETIC
- ANTIHYPERTENSIVE
- DEPURATIVE
- ANTIULCEROUS
- ANTIDEPRESSANT
- ANTIPARKINSONISM
The second is MSM Max.
Clinical tests suggest that MSM has anti parasitic effects against Giardia lamblia (traveler’s diarrhea), trichomonas Vaginalis, Nematodes, Enterodbius and other intestinal worms, systemic infections by Histoplasma Capsulation, Coccidioides Toxoplasma and other in vitro susceptible organisms. As well as being directly anti parasitic, MSM appears to help the immune system, which may also partly explain its effectiveness in treating parasitic infections i.e. by a direct and indirect route.
Of course there are many other benefits of MSM. This includes helping with healing leaky gut problems which parasites and candida both tend to cause. This nicely segues me into my final comments on this subject…
When you’re better….
Marshmallow Formula is useful to take for about three months to heal the bowel irritation and leaky gut which parasites almost inevitably cause and help prevent re-occurence. (It is also useful for candida sufferers to take at the end of the their program for the same reason). Once again the probiotics can be very useful here, but Marshmallow Formula has been designed more specifically for this purpose.
I wish you all happiness and parasiteless good health.
