Parasites have been around for probably as long as humans themselves. Few of them are life-threatening, but they typically compromise nutritional uptake by their hosts, leading to all sorts of related health problems. They can also hamper physical and mental growth in children.
Where do parasites come from?
There are three types of parasites: protozoa (microscopic types of organisms); worms; and ectoparasites, such as mosquitos, fleas, ticks and mites.
Protozoa and worms are spread through contaminated water, food, waste, soil and blood.
Outdoor cats can get toxoplasmosis from rodents and birds. This infection, which is spread through the cat’s faeces, can harm pregnant women and their babies, and cat litter should therefore be cleaned daily by someone else. Toxoplasmosis is seldom a problem for anyone but pregnant women, though.
What symptoms should I look out for?
A commonly known and feared parasitic disease is malaria. If you have been in a malaria region and you develop a fever and headache, you should see a healthcare practitioner at once.
Another rare but serious disease that has been known to occur in South Africa is Lyme disease, caused by tick bites. Up to 20 per cent of cases can cause lasting symptoms that include arthritis, cognitive problems and chronic fatigue, in addition to the initial symptoms of fever, headache, fatigue and skin rash.
Other parasitic infections may cause diarrhoea, sometimes with a bloody stool; stomach pain; nausea and vomiting; dehydration; weight loss; fever; and flu-like symptoms. You may also suffer from general fatigue and mental fog, and some parasites can cause skin rashes. And, of course, the most obvious symptom: passing worms in the stool.
If your doctor suspects that you may have parasites, or if you have tick bites, they may order a blood test; faecal exam; endoscopy or colonoscopy; or an X-ray, MRI or CAT scan.
What can I do to prevent parasitic infections?
As with so many other diseases, the first step is to wash your hands regularly, especially after handling raw food or faeces.
Cook meat to the recommended internal temperature, as most parasites are killed by heat.
Drink clean water, and make sure you don’t swallow water from lakes, streams or ponds.
Be sure to keep the mozzies and ticks off with an efficient yet natural repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when exposed to bugs, particularly around sunrise and sunset, and inspect yourself for ticks after a walk in the veld.
As mentioned above, pregnant women should also not handle cat faeces.
Getting rid of parasites the natural way
A healthy immune system is the first defence against picking up parasites. They do sometimes clear up on their own, and immunity will play a big part in this. High dosages of Vitamin C should also be taken with any parasite cleanse.
Research has found that natural remedies tend to be more effective than allopathic medicine in the fight against parasites. Allopathic medicine may also have some adverse side effects. (Please note, though, that malaria is a serious condition that requires immediate attention by your healthcare provider. Also consult a health care provider such as a homeopath if you have been bitten by a tick.)
Invest in Health offers a number of proven natural products that will kill parasites and their eggs, while at the same time detoxifying the colon. We recommend using a natural anti-parasite product every 4-5 months with a lot of Vitamin C, water, and Diatomaceous Earth products.
All-natural products for treating parasitic infections and detoxifying the colon
Our PURE HERBAL REMEDIES range includes a number of anti-parasitic and detoxification remedies such as Paraherb capsules and spray, Thyroid support suspension and Artemisia Extract capsules. DNA BIOPHARM, PHYTO-FORCE (particularly Worm-Logic) and HERBAL WELLNESS are trusted names that help with the treatment of worms and parasites.
We also recommend using Diatomaceous Earth with a cleanse with great results – DNA Biopharm DNA-Detox.
PURE HERBAL REMEDIES Paraherb spray for kids is a must-have if you have small children.
You can also click here for numerous immune boosters that will protect you against parasites and help you combat existing infestations.
A healthy body with a good immune system should make short shrift of any parasitic invasions. Boosting your immune system is therefore a good start. If you should display symptoms of parasitic infection, though, natural remedies will be more effective than OTC medications in getting rid of most of them.
Takeaway
A healthy body with a good immune system should make short shrift of any parasitic invasions. Boosting your immune system is therefore a good start. If you should display symptoms of parasitic infection, though, natural remedies will be more effective than OTC medications in getting rid of most of them.