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I Might Have a Para-what???

I was just talking to a friend (whose background happens to be in nutrition) about my dog's recent tummy issues, and she asked how I was feeling as I looked especially tired.  I mentioned that I hadn't been sleeping well since before my mom passed almost two years ago, and as well I had been suffering from tummy issues myself that I thought was just my IBS flaring up. We went on to discuss my other "old lady" ailments - headaches, gas and bloating (again something I attributed to my IBS), and of course my aches and pains then asked me if I was also suffering from other "ailments" like strong cravings for processed foods and sugary foods, teeth grinding and drooling during sleep or memory problems.

What she told me next, maybe shocked me, just a little.  She asked if I had ever done a parasite cleanse myself - I joked that was I human not one of the dogs.  She was serious and went on to tell me that everyone has parasites, including humans.

We all have parasites. It’s practically impossible to not come in contact with them; they are in just about everything, from food to carpet. However, having parasites does not necessarily mean they are negatively affecting you. Parasites will always exist; they are part of the cycle of life. Even healthy individuals have them, the difference is that they are not doing harm; instead, they are doing their job. Parasites are everywhere: doorknobs, keyboards, restrooms, shopping carts, fingernails, water, air, food, pets, the floor, etc. No one is totally immune, not even the healthiest people alive. We can, however, keep our bodies in very good condition, which is a non-ideal environment for them.

She went on to explain that parasites can be the actual cause of most mysterious illnesses. Some people may not have any symptoms from infection. The tricky thing with parasite infections is that they can cause just about any known symptom. That’s because ultimately, parasites are often the culprit behind almost every medical condition known.

Parasites can create major nutrient deficiencies and digestive problems, as they rob us of our vital vitamin and mineral nutrients and amino acids needed for digestion. This can cause anemia or cause people to become drowsy after eating. Overall, they depress the immune system by making us toxic. A weakened immune system and toxic body leads to further degeneration, fatigue and illness. They can age us rapidly, as well, considering that they destroy cells faster than cells can be regenerated. There really isn’t anything a parasite can’t do in terms of destroying our health.

I think my eyes must have gotten as large as saucers, as she went on to further explain that having a parasite can be a scary thought, but parasites are far more common than I thought.

What is a parasite?
A parasite is any organism that lives and feeds off of another organism. When I refer to intestinal parasites, I’m referring to tiny organisms, usually worms, that feed off of your nutrition.

Because parasites come in so many different shapes and sizes, they can cause a very wide range of problems. Some consume your food, leaving you hungry after every meal and unable to gain weight. Others feed off of your red blood cells, causing anemia. Some lay eggs that can cause itching, irritability, and even insomnia. If you have tried countless approaches to heal your gut and relieve your symptoms without any success, a parasite could be the underlying cause for many of your unexplained and unresolved symptoms.

How do you get parasites?
As a dog owner, I know how dogs get worms and parasites, and we do often deworm our crew.

As a human, there are a number of ways to contract a parasite. First, parasites can enter your body through contaminated food and water. Undercooked meat is a common place for parasites to hide, as well as contaminated water from underdeveloped countries, lakes, ponds, or creeks. However, meat is the not the only culprit. Unclean or contaminated fruits and vegetables can also harbor parasites. Some parasites can even enter the body by traveling through the bottom of your foot.

Once a person is infected with a parasite, it's very easy to pass it along. If you have a parasite and don't wash your hands after using the restroom, you can easily pass microscopic parasite eggs onto anything you touch — the door handle, the salt shaker, your phone, or anyone you touch. It's also very easy to contract a parasite when handling animals. Hand washing is a major opportunity to prevent parasite contamination and transmission. Traveling overseas is another way that foreign parasites can be introduced to your system. If you consumed any contaminated water during your travels, you may have acquired a parasite of some kind.

Signs You May Have a Parasite
You have unexplained constipation, diarrhea, gas, or other symptoms of IBS
You traveled internationally and remember getting traveler’s diarrhea while abroad
You have a history of food poisoning and your digestion has not been the same since.
You have trouble falling asleep, or you wake up multiple times during the night.
You get skin irritations or unexplained rashes, hives, rosacea or eczema.
You grind your teeth in your sleep.
You have pain or aching in your muscles or joints.
You experience fatigue, exhaustion, depression, or frequent feelings of apathy.
You never feel satisfied or full after your meals.
You've been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia.

The signs of a parasite can often appear unrelated and unexplained. There are MANY different types of parasites that we are exposed to in our environments.

Of course, my next question was, if I did have nasty little parasites, how would I get rid of them?

Good news - apparently there are some really good parasite cleansing supplements available to purchase over the counter,  They are usually a blend of herbs that provide a broad spectrum of activity against the most common pathogens present in the human GI tract, while sparing the beneficial gut bacteria.

The supplement she suggested was the ParaGONE from Renew Life. She recommended I do two weeks of this parasite cleanse, taking these supplements, then take a week off and jump back on for two more weeks if necessary.

ParaGONE was actually very easy to find locally and I will start on it tonight before bedtime.

Wish me luck!  I'll keep you posted.




*The opinions expressed in this blog are for educational, informational and entertainment purposes.  They are not intended as a diagnosis, treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Please consult a local physician or other health care professional for your specific healthcare and/or medical needs and concerns*

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