Why is it so important to deworm?

What better way to start the year than with a fortified digestive system.  Many people think that only growing children need deworming.  The truth is that parasites are organisms that can be hosted by another host organism, in this case humans, of any age. 

Although parasites are not a disease, the problem is that they cause and spread diseases. They can enter the circulatory system, reach different organs of the body and cause what is known as a parasitic infection.

Parasitic infections often go unnoticed with just a few symptoms, but according to the CDC, these infections cause serious illnesses such as blindness, stroke, heart failure, liver failure and more.

Parasitic infections are more common than you think.  According to a 2014 comparative study published in the parasite research journal Hindawi, about 85% of the population is infected by parasites ( study ).

 

There are three main types of parasites to be aware of:

• Protozoa are unicellular organisms. Protozoan parasite infections are difficult to eliminate because they revert to the cyst stage when threatened and have adapted survival techniques.  Some of the main symptoms associated with these parasitic infections are diarrhea, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, dehydration, weakness, low energy and joint pain.
• Helminths are large, multicellular worms. These parasites do not reproduce in the human intestine, but they have a long life and consume many of the nutrients we need to maintain our body. Parasitic infections caused by helminths can be severely detrimental. 
• Ectoparasites do not live inside the organism but on it and refer to lice and fleas.

 

Factors that may predispose a person to suffer from parasitic infection:

• Prolonged or unnecessary use of antibiotics
• Chronic stress
• Poor sleep hygiene
• Bad eating habits
• Major injuries or traumas
• Kisses from home pets
• Developing countries where there are deficiencies in the quality of drinking water.
• Eating fruits and vegetables without washing them properly.
• Raw meat

In some studies, parasites were found to have the ability to reactivate retroviruses. When Leishmania parasites are infected with LRV (retrovirus), the parasite replicates more abundantly and causes a more severe disease process. Parasitic worms, called helminths, can reactivate latent herpes-like viral infections.

Strongyloidiasis, a parasite that can make women's menstrual cycles miserable, interacts with HTLV, which can make strongyloidiasis infection harder to eradicate. ( article )

 

Most common symptoms of parasitic infection

1. Recurring digestive problems such as stomach pain, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea.
2. Weight loss and changes in appetite (sometimes no appetite, other times a lot)
3. Chronic weakness and/or fatigue
4. Joint pain. There is a known link between parasitic infections and arthritis, which causes pain and inflammation in the joints.
5. Skin rashes, allergies and/or hives
6. Headaches
7. Iron deficiency anemia
8. Bruxism is clenching and grinding of the teeth during sleep. This is a little-known symptom of parasites that is most common among children, but adults can suffer from it too.
9. Fever
10. Poor memory and mental confusion.

 

 

How to treat intestinal parasites

Different parasites require different treatment methods, so getting an accurate diagnosis is essential. Testing involves examining stool for cysts or larvae. Blood tests can also detect certain parasites, and X-rays can be helpful for helminths.

Because tests for different types of parasites in stool samples vary widely and require specialized expertise, tests can sometimes miss an infection . In addition, the patient's medical history, symptoms, and test results must be taken into account.  This way, your doctor or health care provider will tell you the best individualized treatment and medications for the infection.

 

How to eat to treat and prevent parasitic infections

A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall good health.  Focusing on certain foods and avoiding others can help you prevent or fight parasites, as well as restore and strengthen your intestinal flora.

Eliminate inflammatory foods from your diet such as those containing refined sugar, refined vegetable oils, conventional protein and dairy, processed foods, soft drinks and artificial ingredients.

Try to consume dark green leafy vegetables, herbs and spices.  Low glycemic index fruits (low in sugar); healthy fats, complete and good quality protein, as well as fermented foods.

Foods containing probiotics, especially, as well as those with high vitamin C content help strengthen your intestine and make you less vulnerable to parasitic infection.

Hydrate with filtered water, as well as hydration-promoting beverages such as herbal extract, Matcha tea, and other aromatic drinks.

 

Other practices that help strengthen the body during digestive recovery

 

• Do physical activity. Emphasize light but consistent activities throughout the day and while the digestive detox lasts.  I suggest walking, practicing yoga, doing gardening activities or other household chores that can be done outdoors.

This allows you to improve circulation and facilitate the elimination of toxins, stress and body tension; it enhances oxygenation and mental clarity.

• Using a sauna or other type of thermotherapy such as temazcal or Inipi. This practice allows you to facilitate the elimination of toxins, reduce inflammation, activate the production of heat shock proteins, as well as the human growth hormone, among other important benefits.
• The use of coffee enemas. Enemas refer to the application of fluid through the rectal opening.  According to Dr. Max Gerson's protocol, during the time that the coffee is in the intestine (15 minutes), the blood from the entire body passes through the liver 3 times.  When coffee is released, it carries the amount of toxins that the liver has managed to filter in that time, in addition to carcinogens and free radicals.
• Emphasize restful sleep and relaxation. Make sure you get 7-9 hours of sleep. Avoid stimulant drinks 6-8 hours before bedtime and have your last meal about three hours before bedtime.  Keep your room cool (17ºC) and as dark as possible.

As for rest, I recommend my article and video on the types of rest and what you may need.

The right time to get a deworming:

Although it may sound like an old wives' tale, the full moon is associated with increased parasitic activity.  Circadian rhythms of both humans and parasites synchronize with lunar cycles. ( Study )

During the full moon we produce less melatonin and more serotonin.  Melatonin is the neurotransmitter that induces sleep and modulates the immune system.  If melatonin levels are lower, our immune system has a harder time defending itself against parasites.

Serotonin, for its part, is a neurotransmitter that induces pleasure and well-being and increases during the full moon.  Parasites, like humans, have serotonin receptors, which, when increased, helps them become active and cause problems.

Thus, the full moon phase is the opportune time to perform a parasitic detoxification.

As you can see, deworming is not just about taking a capsule and letting it do its work. In fact, it requires that you prepare yourself and treat your body during the days (3, 5 or 7) in which you carry out the digestive cleansing as if it were a convalescence, that is, in an attitude of recovery, regeneration and strengthening. 

This will make your body less vulnerable to any pathogens that try to enter your body and/or provide your immune system with enough defenses to prevent diseases from flourishing.  Your entire body will thank you.