Presented by Immanence Health

Written by Dr. Irina Strelyuk

Parasites are organisms that live and depend on a host for survival. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to travel to a tropical destination to pick up parasites. Many people in the United States have parasitic infections (and many don’t know it).   Humans may contact parasites through contaminated food, water, soil, surfaces and toilets, as well as via contact with infected pets, other people and blood transfusions. 

This article will give an overview of parasite types, signs and symptoms of parasitic infections, diagnosis and treatment options. 

There are three classes of parasites that can cause disease in humans:

Protozoa: microscopic, one-celled organisms

Examples of protozoan parasites that infect people include Babesia microti, Blastocystis hominis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Leishmania tropica, Naegleria fowleri, Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Trypanosoma cruzi.

Helminths: large, multicellular organisms, generally visible to the naked eye in adult stage 

These include flatworms (flukes and tapeworms are subtypes), thorny-headed worms and roundworms. Some subtypes in the roundworm category include hookworms, pinworms aka threadworms and whipworms. Examples in the roundworm category are Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis (pinworms) and Strongyloides stercoralis. 

Ectoparasites: organisms that attach or burrow into the skin of a host to feed on their blood and skin tissues . These include bed bugs, fleas, flies, lice, mites, mosquitoes and ticks 

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS: 

Symptoms due to parasitic infections can present immediately after exposure or may take a much longer time to become noticeable. 

Different parasites can affect different cells and parts of the body and so the symptoms a person may present with can vary. 

Severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the type of parasite as well as the overall health of the individual and their total body burden. 

Some signs and symptoms linked with parasitic infections include: 

• Abdominal bloating and gassiness 
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Abdominal pain or discomfort 
• Greasy stools, or stools that float in the toilet bowl 
• Gallbladder and bile duct disease
• Loss of appetite 
• Difficulty gaining weight or difficulty losing weight 
• Symptoms of dehydration 
• Not feeling satisfied after a meal 
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Fatigue, exhaustion
• Skin rashes
• Hives
• Eczema
• Skin itching
• Anal itching 
• Achy joints
• Muscle pain
• Coughing 
• Bladder problems 
• Headaches 
• Insomnia 
• Teeth grinding at night 
• Symptoms worse around full moon (sometimes also new moon) 
• Seizures 
• Anemia
• Autoimmune disease 

DIAGNOSIS: 

Although parasitic infection in humans are very common, diagnosis is challenging.

Stool (fecal) testing may or may not be able to tell accurately if parasites are present. Most parasites die soon after leaving their host and most parasites also release chemicals and enzymes that start to decompose their bodies shortly after death. By the time a stool sample gets to the lab for testing and analysis, the parasites might have dissolved completely and the test result could be a false negative.

This is unfortunate, as it leaves people chasing a diagnosis and worse being told by their doctor that because all of their tests are coming back negative, there is nothing wrong with them and it must all be in their head. 

I find that with a good history and the use of Autonomic Response Testing (ART) it is possible to identify parasites and to find effective treatments. 

TREATMENT:

Opening drainage and detox pathways is important prior to doing any “killing” protocols. This will help a person tolerate treatment better. 

I like to use homeopathic remedies, supplements and herbs, topical application of castor oil over the liver, coffee enemas, digestive bitters and binders to help support drainage and detox pathways. 

Some of the remedies with antiparasitic properties that I use when treating parasites include: 

• Berberine 
• Ozone / ozonated oils – in a form of a rectal suppository or oral capsule / drops 
• Wormwood (Artemisia annua) 
• Mimosa pudica (commonly known as the sensitive plant, or touch-me-not) 
• Garlic (Allium sativum)
• Black walnut (Juglans nigra)
• Fig (Ficus carica)
• Neem (Azadirachta indica)
• Antiparasitic pharmaceutical medications – albendazole (Albenza), iodoquinol, ivermectin, mebendazole, Mepacrine, nitazoxanide (Alinia), praziquantel (Biltricide), pyrantel pamoate 

Keep in mind that parasites can harbor other pathogens such as viruses, fungi and bacteria as well as heavy metals and other toxicants, which can all weaken the immune system and make a person more prone to getting parasites and also more resistant to treatment.

 In order to successfully treat parasitic infections a holistic approach to treatment is needed.

Often times when the body’s toxin burden is high, using only antiparasitic herbs or medications is not enough to completely resolve the problem. 

Additionally, when symptoms are not shifting even when it seems the person is taking and doing “all the right things”, exploring the psychoemotional level may be helpful. Particularly looking if there are areas in someone’s life where there are porous boundaries or parasitic relationship dynamics as well as any history of trauma.

Working through these types of issues can have a huge positive impact on helping to clear the parasitic infection and resolve physical symptoms. 

About Dr. Irina Strelyuk

Dr. Strelyuk specializes in Complex Chronic Illness, Mold and Mycotoxin Illness, Vector-Borne Illness, Immune Dysfunction, and Health Optimization.

A typical patient for Dr. Strelyuk is someone who has already seen several doctors and specialists. A person with relatively normal lab results that do not match the long list of symptoms they are experiencing, as well as individuals who tend to be more sensitive to various treatments including herbs, supplements, and homeopathic remedies.

In addition to working with people with chronic illnesses, Dr. Strelyuk enjoys supporting individuals who are interested in preventative medicine and in optimizing their health before symptoms appear.

To learn more about working with  Dr. Irina Strelyuk  in person or virtually (US and Worldwide), set up a free discovery call with our team.

Disclaimer: this post is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Please do your own research and consult with your own personal licensed health care provider before making any treatment decisions.

References: 

1. https://www.cdc.gov/parasites
2. https://cellcore.com

Disclaimer: this post is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Please do your own research and consult with your own personal licensed health care provider before making any treatment decisions.