PARASITES AND DETOX

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.

I realize the topic of parasites is not embraced by everyone, even though it’s likely they affect everyone to some extent. I feel an obligation to share a little information about these little buggers. Addressing them has changed many lives for the better, including mine. I won’t get too detailed or graphic. But I do want to share a few snippets of information that I think would be helpful for you to know. Some other time, I will take a deeper dive into this topic for those who are interested.

What are parasites?

Parasites are organisms that live inside of and/or off of another organism which is called a host. In other words, parasites are organisms that survive by utilizing nutrients or substances from their hosts. Parasites can be microscopic, or they can be visible to our eyes and potentially be several feet long. They are commonly found in dogs, cats, and other mammals, like people.

Inside our bodies, an overabundance of parasites can cause parasitic infections. These infestations are linked to many health issues, such as brain fog, fatigue, anemia, headaches, weakness, anxiety, depression, adrenal issues, liver problems, and digestive issues (like leaky gut) as well as connective tissue disorders. They can affect any organ or area of the body.

How prevalent are parasites?

According to this article in the Journal of Parasitology Research, the “World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 50 million people worldwide endure insidious amoebic infection each year, resulting in 40–100 thousand deaths yearly. Current estimates suggested that Ascaris lumbricoides can infect over a billion, T. trichiura can infect 795 million, and hookworms can infect 740 million people.”

Unfortunately, most people think parasites are something that developing nations or poverty-stricken areas deal with. From my experience, this is a myth. All people, regardless of socioeconomic status, can have parasitic infections. When we think about it, many of our ancestors were farmers or shepherds, or they worked with livestock to some extent.

Considering the prevalence of parasites, I am often asked, “How come we don’t hear about them? Why aren’t we addressing them in our current health system?” To which I often say something like, “Good question.” Much of the research I have found on these insidious critters dates back to the early 1900’s or even earlier. Parasites have been studied in the scientific community for decades. Their presence and debilitating effects in humans are widely documented.

We are learning that we need to be our own advocates. We need to be willing to dive in and align with others who are seeking to do the same for the sake of our health and for our loved ones.

What do parasites do?

Many parasites are microscopic. We can’t see them, but they are robbing us of nutrients, and some of them are stealing from our oxygen supply. Depending on where they locate themselves, they hinder our function accordingly. If they have an affinity to connective tissue, they will cause damage there. If they burrow into our blood vessels, that is where we will feel the effect. They can literally be present nearly anywhere and everywhere in the body. Imagine if they settle in your heart area or your eye.

Just like dogs have heartworms – so might people. We are mammals too. And many of us hang out with dogs. Cats have even more parasites to share. But that is perhaps a topic for another day.

To learn more, you may want to check out this website that shares about common parasites that affect humans.

How do we get rid of parasites?

I will share how I addressed my parasites. I have personally done well over a dozen comprehensive detox programs under the guidance of a practitioner to remove the layers of toxins and stubborn critters that were plaguing me. Little by little I have shown them the door. But I can attest that it has been quite a journey filled with ups and downs. There have been some ‘Come to Jesus’ moments. I remain persistent in my endeavors because I want to do my best to help others enjoy the life God created us to enjoy. We were created in His image. If we are going to serve Him, we need to get ourselves back on track.

What do I mean by ‘Come to Jesus’ moments? There have been times when I was doing a comprehensive detox program to remove these uninvited guests that I dealt with episodes of intense discomfort and pain as the parasites withdrew from my tissues. I have experienced some significant head pain that kept me awake at night. I have had stretches of deep, debilitating fatigue as my body was doing battle. My joints have given me grief, sometimes so much that each step was painful. But I would pray and trust that as I remove these unwanted guests, my body would more optimally function.

I don’t want to scare you off. I share my experiences so that others know that there may be challenges in the journey to greater wellness. I truly believe we are fearfully and wonderfully made. God wants you to know that and trust Him! Each time I prayed and pushed through a difficult time, I would come out stronger and better than before. Little by little I was getting healthier physically, mentally, and spiritually. I was even starting to feel a little bit younger! 😊

What is comprehensive detox?

Comprehensive detox is a way of supporting the body’s natural detoxification system by using techniques, supplements, and possibly foods. It supports the cells of the body to remove biological and environmental toxins so that the cells and tissues can function more optimally. Supportive detox techniques may include infrared sauna, manual lymphatic drainage, PEMF devices, castor oil packs, and coffee enemas. Supportive supplements may include cellular-based products, whole food supplements, nutraceuticals, and homeopathic products.

Praise God! Our bodies are absolutely amazing! They can recover from great injury and insult. Cells within us are constantly trying to repair, regenerate, and take out waste products and the toxic matter that comes in through our food, water, and air.

It’s important to know that toxins, microscopic bacteria, and microscopic parasites can be passed on through our blood. That means that expectant moms can pass what is in their bloodstream onto their children. Bummer. But at least we know that it happens. Now we can deal with it accordingly.

Regardless of how organisms get in us, we need to support our bodies to remove biological stressors, like parasites, and environmental toxins, like mercury, lead, pesticides, herbicides, and the plethora of chemicals we are exposed to. That’s why I love what I get to do. I get to help people support their bodies’ natural detoxification system to remove these harmful agents. If we are going to thrive in this toxin-laden world, we need to be actively engaged in doing what we can to support our innate ability to absorb nutrients and to remove parasites and toxins.

As I shared, doing detox programs comes with its challenges. I sometimes joke that detoxing isn’t for wimps. 😊 But if I can do it, so can you! Each person’s journey is unique. Some people may experience challenging episodes, like I did. Other people breeze through detox programs. Some folks are more sensitive. They need to move more slowly with detox support, and they will likely need more adjustments along the way. Detox programs should be tailored to you and your needs.

Working through short-term challenges associated with detoxing is a small price to pay to achieve higher levels of long-term function and greater wellness while addressing the underlying issues connected to our health struggles. Remember why you want to be at your best. How are you going to be able to enjoy life and serve others if you aren’t well? There are people who need you and are counting on you.

Through my training and personal experience, I have learned a great deal. I have been blessed to learn from some of the best clinicians in the world. It allows me to help clients make adjustments that generally help their bodies more readily resolve issues that arise. I am always learning and seeking to improve upon detox techniques and programs. There is always new advances being made in this field.

The detox journey is so worth it! I am grateful that God is seeing me through my journey of removing unwanted critters and toxins. I praise God that I no longer experience heart palpitations and anxiety like I used to. My digestive issues have resolved, so I can enjoy more foods again – on a limited basis. One never wants to mess up a good thing! I sleep better. My energy level is great! My cravings have stopped.

In January of 2020, just before starting to support my detoxification system, I completed a symptom survey I had a symptom score of 172! Now it is less than 15. Life is so much better! I want this for you too! You can have better energy, brain function, and overall health.

If you are tired of being sick and tired, or if you are struggling with ongoing health issues that are likely to get worse. If you want to live life to the full. And if you want to see how fearfully and wonderfully you are made – reach out! I am ready to help you when you’re ready to detox the stressors that are wreaking havoc on your health, so you can get back to enjoying what you love to do.

Blessings in your journey,

--Anita