Living in Canada, we may be inclined to think that infectious and parasitic diseases are not a major health concern, but we would be wrong! It's estimated that one in three Americans has a parasitic infection and, while the percentage may be lower in Canada, at least partly due to our generally cooler climate, there are still many ways we can come in contact with parasites. So, even though it may not exactly be an appetizing topic, it's a really good idea to know what you might do if ever you find yourself with this problem. Read on below...
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How to Fight Parasitic Diseases
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Types of parasites
There are three main categories of parasites:
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Protozoa, including Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum. They are microscopic one-celled organisms that can be free-living or parasitic in nature. They are able to multiply in humans, which contributes to their survival and also permits serious infections to develop from just a single organism.
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Helminths are large multicellular organisms that are generally visible to the naked eye as adults. They can also be either free-living or parasitic. The adult form cannot multiply in humans. They include flatworms (platyhelminths), e.g. tapeworms (cestodes); thorny-headed worms (acanthocephalins); and roundworms (nematodes). They generally reside in the gastrointestinal tract, blood, lymphatic system or subcutaneous tissues. However, the immature states (larvae) can infect various body tissues.
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Ectoparasites - While the term can broadly include blood-sucking arthropods, such as mosquitoes, it is generally used to refer to organisms like ticks, fleas, lice and mites that attach or burrow into the skin and remain there for relatively long periods of time, e.g. weeks to months. Arthropods are important because they cause disease in their own right, but are even more important as vectors, or transmitters, of many different pathogens that in turn cause a major amount of illness and mortality from the diseases they cause. For example, in this category, world-wide, malaria causes the most deaths.
How would I come in contact with a parasite?
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Water
In Canada, Giardia and Cryptosporidium can be found in drinking water that has not been filtered. Giardia causes an intestinal illness called giardiasis or "beaver fever". These parasites can also exist in bodies of fresh water, i.e. rivers and lakes.
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Food
One source is food imported to Canada from countries where contamination by parasites is more likely; this can include produce. Undercooked meat or raw fish are potential sources of parasitic infections regardless of their place of origin.
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 International travel
Travel to countries where parasitic infections are more common can result in bringing them home.
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Contact with an infected person
Close contact, e.g. with children in daycare centres, and also sexual contact, can spread parasitic infections.
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Having a weakened immune system
Seniors and children are more likely to be infected, as well as anyone with a compromised immune system.
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Symptoms, Treatment and Avoidance
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What are the symptoms of a parasitic infection?
The symptoms, and their severity, may differ depending on the parasite, but the most common symptoms include:
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abdominal pain
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diarrhea
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nausea or vomiting
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gas or bloating
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dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus)
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rash or itching around the rectum or vulva
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stomach pain or tenderness
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feeling tired
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weight loss
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passing a worm in your stool (may look like a piece of spaghetti)
Note that in some cases, people are symptom-free.
How can parasitic infections be treated?
Parasitic infections can be treated with antiparasitic drugs or antibiotics, depending on the parasite. However, re-infection is common, and there is concern about the development of drug resistance. Alternative medicine treatments are also available, and I personally recommend Nature's Sunshine's Para Pak, often in combination with other antiparasitic supplements, such as garlic, digestive enzymes and probiotics (see the section on supplements below). Avoid refined carbohydrates (which feed the parasite) and eat more fibre (which can get rid of worms). If you suspect you have a parasitic infection, please call me for an appointment at 613.829.0427. I can determine the best combination of supplements for your situation.
What can I do to avoid infection?
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drink clean, bottled water when travelling
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if you are pregnant, avoid cat litter and feces
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practice safe sex
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 wash your hands, especially when coming into contact with contaminated food, water and feces
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cook food to recommended temperatures and practice good hygiene
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avoid swallowing water in lakes, streams or ponds
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water stored in glass or stainless steel containers is generally safer than water stored in plastic
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when you travel, research your destination before you depart to obtain information on outbreaks and preventive measures
It is estimated that the large majority of reported cases of food-borne illness in the United States (and no doubt in Canada, as well) are caused by a lack of hygiene and food-handling errors in the home and commercial kitchen. Thus food-borne illness could be greatly reduced if everyone learned simple, safe food-handling and preparation procedures.
I wish you a safe, enjoyable and parasite-free summer!
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 There are a number of Nature's Sunshine supplements that can help you deal with a parasitic infection. You can find information about these products and purchase them in our online store:
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Disclaimer: The suggestions and recommendations in this newsletter are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic. The information is accurate and up to date to our knowledge, but we are not responsible for any errors in our sources of information.
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Amazing... I'm feel better already!! I've been experiencing adrenal exhaustion, not being able to sleep and daily headache from dehydration, so now taking some herbal supplements, a tonic and vitamins to get my groove back!! Apparently burning the candle at both ends for twelve years will do that to you. After three days I'm already sleeping better and headaches are just about gone. Going back in a couple of weeks to do the emotional cleanse/release and in a month to check my adrenal glands making sure I’m back to 'normal'.
- Tracey S, Ottawa
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