"If you have a pulse, you have a parasite"- Dr. Todd Watts

Could parasites be contributing to your health concerns?

What is a parasite?

"A parasite is an organism that lives and depends on its host for survival."

There are three classes of parasites:

1.Protozoa, which are tiny, single-celled organisms that typically live in the intestines, blood, or tissue

2.Helminths, which are parasitic worms such as tapeworms, roundworms, pinworms, and flukes

3. Ectoparasites, which are ticks, bed bugs, fleas, lice, mosquitos and mites (including chiggers and scabies) that attach or burrow into the skin. Some ectoparasites not only feed on you, but many carry other pathogens. They can transmit infectious microbes to you as they feast. For example, ectoparasites can give you pathogens like the West Nile virus, Borrelia bacteria (which cause Lyme disease), and Plasmodium parasites (which cause malaria). Some can also transmit lyme coinfections, including babesia and bartonella.

They hide in one’s body in the sticky biofilm that protects them from our immune system. They develop symbiotic relationships with other pathogens.

Parasites can invade your muscles, lymph, brain, gut, lungs, liver, and other organs and tissues and disrupt their function. For example, some worms can block the valves between your intestines or clog your bile ducts, messing up your digestive system.

How do we get parasites?

-Tap water

-Lakes, ponds, creeks

-Travelling

-Contaminated fruits and vegetables

-Undercooked meat, especially pork

-Sushi

-Letting your pet lick you on the face or sleep in your bed

Some signs you may have parasites:

-Unexplained constipation, diarrhea, gas, or other symptoms of IBS

-Remember getting travelers diarrhea while abroad

-Grinding your teeth at night

-Dairy sensitivity or lactose intolerant

-Anal itching

-Bladder issues or recurrent UTI’s

-History of food poisoning and your digestion has not been the same since

-Trouble falling asleep or waking up throughout the night

-Psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, hives

-Migraines

-You have been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia

-Fatigue, anxiety, depression

-Weight loss or weight gain

-Fever

-Flu-like symptoms

-Food sensitivities

-Gallbladder and bile duct disease

-Gassiness

-Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

& many more!

Here are some common nutritional deficiencies parasites might cause:

• Vitamin A: Needed for eye and immune system health

• Vitamin B12: Required for energy, brain function, and DNA production

• Iron: Helps transport oxygen as part of hemoglobin in red blood cells

• Copper: Required for mitochondrial function, as well as bone and collagen strength

• Magnesium: Crucial for over 300 biochemical reactions in your body

• Zinc: Necessary for enzyme function, immune health, and wound healing

The signs and symptoms of being infected with a parasite can mimic other illnesses or health issues such as:

-IBS

-Blood sugar dysregulation

-SIBO

-Candida

-Adrenal fatigue

-Thyroid disorders, etc.

Stayed tuned for more on parasites..