Like it or not, each and every one of us are susceptible to parasites and worms infecting our bodies on a daily basis. Parasitic infections are difficult to identify and avoid. We become hosts to parasites after ingesting their microscopic eggs. As shocking as it sounds, most humans actually carry parasites, with contamination often found in a number of everyday, seemingly harmless sources, including:
Water
Water is a primary source of parasite infection for humans. Often water treatment methods do not kill all parasites present in lakes, dams and streams. Swallowing only a small amount of contaminated water can lead to a nasty infection. Parasitic infections, such as Giardia, are commonly contracted from contaminated water. Homes and establishments running on rain-water tanks are a high risk where no filtration system has been installed.
Other Humans
Parasitic eggs are easily spread from person to person and can sometimes remain alive for weeks without a host. Simply touching something that an infected person has handled after sneezing, or using the toilet can easily transfer the parasite. It is not uncommon to have whole families infected after one family member becomes a host.
Food
Meat, improperly washed fruit and vegetables, or fruit and vegetables washed in contaminated water are other ways for parasite eggs to transfer to humans.
Pets and Animals
Pets carry a large number of parasites that can be transferred to humans. Petting your animals, being licked by them, making contact with their feaces, or being bitten by ticks and fleas, are all pathways that can spread parasites. Toxoplasmosis is an example of a parasite that is commonly transmitted from animals to humans.
Travel
Visiting exotic destinations can sometimes lead to bringing home more than you bargained for. Traveling can expose you to new parasitic infections via the methods listed above, as well as by coming into contact with people who have been traveling and who have perhaps become infected unawares.
Symtoms of Parasitic Infection
Symptoms of parasitic infection can be identifiable by common symptoms or be asymptomatic. Visible symptoms may include:
- Stomach pains and cramps
- Diarrhea
- Gas and bloating
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
- Skin conditions and allergies
- Dehydration
- Dizziness
- Mood swings and anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Change in appetite
- Muscle and joint pain
- Sexual and reproductive problems
- Sleep disorders
- Constipation
Types of infection
There are three main types of parasitic organisms that can lead to infection:
- Protozoa, single-celled organisms including giardiasis that live and multiply within the human body;
- Helminths which are multicellular organisms, often worms like the flatworm, tapeworm, ringworm and roundworm;
- and Ectoparasites like mosquitos, ticks, fleas, lice and mites that live on the external surface of our bodies.
Preventing Infections
You may not always be able to prevent infection, but you may be able to reduce your risk of exposure by following these guidelines:
- Always maintain a high standard of personal hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, especially if you suspect you have come into contact with contaminated food, water or faeces.
- Avoid cat litter and animal faeces
- Wash and prepare food thoroughly, paying particular attention to recommended temperatures when cooking meat.
- Avoid swallowing water in lakes, streams and dams.
Integrated Health Practitioner and The Body Balance Company Founder, Scott, has extensive knowledge and treatment experience gained from his time working in Germany. Scott specialises in gut-health and parasite eradication (most commonly the blastocystis hominis), drawing on various cutting edge procedures, rarely seen of in Australia. If you suspect that you are host to a parasite, or if you would like to ensure the health of your body and digestive system, contact us for an initial consultation.
