Many people are concerned about having parasites these days and there are doctors practicing natural healing who recommend parasite cleanses for anyone who has an auto-immune disease. It is important to remember that there are many types of parasites, some microscopic and others seen by the naked eye–think worms!!! It follows that different treatments will be effective for specific types of parasites. Dr Lee Merritt has good information about this on her website, themedicalrebel.com.
Regardless of any diagnosis, there are definite signs to watch out for so that you know you need to follow up with treatment:
- Itchy bottom/anus (pin worms)
- Unexplained weight loss (tape worm?)
- Constant hunger without gaining weight
- GI disturbances, including nausea upon awakening
- Coughing fits that last 5 or so minutes and repeat every 7-10 days (round worms?)
- Hives, facial redness that are not related to an immediate food allergy
There are many herbal formulas available that are not specific and may not be effective, especially for egg-laying worms. In many cases, taking conventional medicines as prescribed and which are designed to stay in the gut (they are not systemic) is the best treatment. Dr. Merritt has good information about this so follow the link above to read more. Also, long-term dosing is not generally necessary with the anti-parasitic meds so that the issue of side effects is not of great concern. For anyone who has had pinworms spreading through the family, this is a no brainer–take the single dose med, clean all your linens and cloths, and be done with it!
It pays to be pro-active. Vacations abroad are often the point of contamination so be careful when travelling. Another common source is having pets in your house. For both of these cases, it is especially important to watch out for those signs listed above. Don’t forget to wash your produce very well–even the stuff that is from your garden or the local farmer!
