Parasites 101
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and includes the opinion of the author. Information is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or disease. It is simply information found through experience and/or research. Always follow the directives of a licensed health professional. Neither Anita Bastian nor the publisher of the information takes any responsibility for actions readers take in regards to how they use or perceive the information. Readers are encouraged to do their own research.
In the following article, I share information about parasites that affect humans. This article is written to share a basic level of information for all to be aware of. The article contains many links. The links are for those who are more curious and would like to extend their learning. The more you become aware of the possible impact of parasites, the more you can make better decisions regarding your health. Blessings as you arm yourself with the knowledge that can propel you forward toward greater wellness.
What do we know about parasites?
We know that parasites are organisms that survive by living off of their host. A host can be an amphibian, a reptile, a bird, a fish, or a mammal (like a human.) Parasites may also live in the soil or water. One common parasite called Toxoplasma gondii can live in cats, ocean seals, and humans. Toxoplasma gondii can lead to a disease called toxoplasmosis. If you are curious about the signs of toxoplasmosis in cats, you may visit the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine to learn more. Pregnant women are recommended not to clean cat litter boxes, as contracting Toxoplasma gondii “may cause miscarriage and birth defects,” according to the information on the Mayo Clinic website. “More than 60 million people in the United States are said to be infected” with Toxoplasma gondii. Source. (Additional Source for those seeking more info.)
Parasites can be tiny microscopic creatures, or they may be visible to our eyes. Microscopic parasites include protozoans and sporozoans. Large ones, like cestodes or tapeworms, can grow to be several feet long. Some parasites may be the size of a piece of rice. Others are just a few centimeters or inches long. They come in many different shapes and sizes.
In parasitesinhumans.org, we learn that “Ascaris lumbricoides, a giant roundworm, is the most common parasitic worm in humans. According to some estimates 25% of humans are infected with the disease, ascariasis.” That is one out of four people!
Hookworms, tapeworms, and roundworms can produce hundreds, even thousands of eggs per day, making them able to expand their areas of infection quite readily.
Parasites can inhabit various tissues in the human body. Some settle in our blood vessels, while others affect organ tissue, connective tissue, or nerve fibers. Our bloodstream may be affected by microscopic parasites as well as various species of Schistosoma blood flukes. Some types of parasites may inhabit organs such as the brain, lungs, liver, skin, and spleen. Parasites affecting the brain may lead to a variety of behavior changes. Parasites in the lungs may affect the ability to breathe. Parasites in the liver may impair liver function and may lead to jaundice or digestive issues. Parasites may also infect the eye, leading to visual impairment and even blindness in some cases.
Parasites often go undetected within us. There are so many different species that it would be nearly impossible to test for all of them. Also, some burrow into our tissues. Blood tests or stool tests often may not reveal their presence if they are trapped within our tissues. Negative tests do not necessarily equate to the absence of parasites.
Parasites can be passed to humans through the soil, through infected blood from transfusions, from mother to baby, from animals or pets carrying the infection (especially from feces), and from water containing microscopic parasites or microscopic eggs of parasites. Water containing parasites may include fresh lake water, river water, ocean water, pond water, and tap water.
At a recent training, one of the instructors was asked how many people have parasites. He said, “If you have a pulse, you have parasites.” What? Yep. That’s what he said.
I can attest that every single person that has come to me seeking help has shown that they need support to detox parasites as well as other toxins. When we stop to think about how they are passed on, we can understand the possibility that we all have them. Consider all the generations before us. If even just a few generations passed parasites onto the next generation, it is likely we all have multiple kinds. Given this information, it may not be a question of whether or not we have parasites; it may be “How many different kinds do we have?”
I had to come to grips with this information about the prevalence of parasites myself. This is not easy information to digest. But ignoring the facts won’t make the creepy critters go away. Instead, I have chosen to embrace the journey of getting rid of those little hitchhikers that can wreak havoc on our bodies. As you can see, parasites can affect any organ or area of the body including our precious brains, eyes, and livers. Not good! Parasites could be one of the underlying causes that is keeping many people from getting well.
Thankfully, there have been wonderful advances in managing these little buggers. I can personally share that I have dealt with visible parasites. I have seen hundreds of little rice-size parasites. I’ve seen a few parasites that were just 2-7 inches long, some critters that were more like threads, and my grand champion was well over a foot long. Gross!! But as I say, “Better out, than in!” 😊
Detoxing Parasites should not be done without a trained practitioner’s help.
When supporting a person to remove these invaders, it is vital to be aware that parasites harbor toxins like, toxic metals, nasty chemicals, bacteria, and mold toxins. When parasites are within us, they absorb nutrients and toxins. These little creatures also need to excrete waste products just like we do. They do this within us, as long as they are there. When they die off, they release all the toxins that they were holding.
Detoxing parasites should not be done without the support of a trained practitioner. The release of these toxins needs to be managed so that a person doesn’t get sicker. We certainly don’t want the toxins that are being released to be reabsorbed into the cells or tissues of the body. We need the appropriate binding agents to make sure they are eliminated from our bodies completely, primarily through our bowel movements and urine.
I am so grateful for what has been learned and shared over the years about supporting our innate detoxification system to remove toxins and parasites. Practitioners are equipped with training and tools to support people in their journey to greater wellness like never before. Praise the LORD! We are fearfully and wonderfully made!
Let’s recap.
Where May People Contract Parasites?
Water (lake, ocean, pond, river, or tap water)
Soil
Raw or undercooked fish, seafood, or meat
From mother to baby
Blood transfusion infected with microscopic parasites or parasitic eggs
From pets carrying parasites
My Suggestions to Minimize Exposure
Avoid raw or undercooked fish, seafood, or meat
Wear protective gloves when dealing with pet poo or other excrements. Wash hands when done.
Avoid letting pets lick you, especially on your face near your eyes (wash right away if they do.)
Drink distilled water (see me if you want more info)
Avoid transfusions, if possible
Final Words
As we can see, parasites are nearly everywhere. They are passed on easily from mother to baby. They can truly wreak havoc on our health in a multitude of ways. They reproduce rapidly. They harbor and excrete toxic waste materials. They can affect or impair function of any organ of the body, such as the brain, skin, eyes, and liver. I believe parasites need to be dealt with if we want to achieve our most optimal state of wellness. This is the future of wellness.
We need to detox what doesn’t belong in us, so we can fully enjoy who God created us to be. When we support our innate detoxification system, amazing things can happen! It is possible to get rid of reoccurring headaches, digestive issues, brain fog, and fatigue.
If you are wondering if parasites may be part of your struggle, or if you’re seeking help to address them, reach out. I’ll meet you where you’re at, and we can go from there. Blessings!
Keep on keepin’ on learning, growing, and praising God that we are fearfully and wonderfully made!