Most people assume that one can only acquire a parasitic infection if one has traveled to a foreign country.  This is a common mistake that most people make and what one needs to understand is that anyone can be infected with a parasite at anytime/any where.  Over half of all Americans will be infected with a parasitic infection and these infections can happen from eating poor quality meats, fruits and vegetables not thoroughly cleaned or from the handler having poor hygiene. 

Recognizing symptoms of parasitic infection can be difficult because the symptoms often times mimic other conditions. Some symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal bloating and gas.  Below is a comprehensive list of symptoms of parasitic infection.  If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and your symptoms are not improving you may want to discuss with your doctor testing for a parasitic infection.  Within our clinic we have seen this time and time again of individuals who come into to us with a diagnosis of IBS with their symptoms not improving.  We run gut testing on our clients and many times we come back with test results showing a parasitic infection.  After appropriate treatment their IBS symptoms are eliminated.

Common symptoms of Infection

• 1. Constipation: parasites if large enough can physically block nutrients and waste from passing through the digestive system.
• 2. Gas & bloating: products from parasites can cause inflammation which can lead to gas and bloating.
• 3. Joint & Muscle aches: parasites can move throughout the body therefore landing in joint spaces as well as muscles leading to pain and discomfort. Many times the pain that is experienced is diagnosed as arthritis.
• 4. Diarrhea: parasites can cause a sodium and chloride loss that leads to watery, loose stools.
• 5. Allergies: parasites can make it very difficult to digest foods. When undigested particles travel through your body it increases your immune system response by releasing eosinphils. Eosinphils inflame the body’s tissues leading to allergic reactions.
• 6. Skin conditions: parasites release hormones that can in turn irritate the skin. If you suffer from hives, eczema or rashes on a regular basis you may want to consider gut testing.
• 7. Anxiety: parasites can cause nervousness and anxiety by releasing toxins that affect the nervous system.
• 8. Trouble sleeping: during sleep your liver’s job is to remove toxins. Parasites can interrupt this process which in turns affects sleeping patterns.
• 9. Teeth grinding: caused by the release of waste products from the parasite.
• 10. Chronic fatigue: parasites deplete the body from nutrients and may affect sleep patterns which can lead to fatigue symptoms.
• 11. Itchy anus or ears: at times parasites try to migrate out of the anus during sleep that can cause itching and irritation. This irritation however can take place any time of the day.

If you suspect that you have a possible parasitic infection testing should be done as soon as possible.  Also, if you do find out that you have a parasite and you have a significant other that you share the same bed with testing should be done on that person as well as parasites can be passed from one person to the next regardless of hygiene.

For more information or to purchase a gut test that you can perform in the privacy of your own home please contact us at www.replenishingsoul.com

Lori Metroka

Nutrition & Wellness Specialist

Resource:  Parasite Cleanse Resource Center - Dr. Edward F.