holistic wellness

Human Parasites and Intestinal
Parasite Worms Are Infecting Americans
In Epidemic Proportions

human parasites warning

Human parasites infections are one of the most undiagnosed health challenges in the US. A silent parasite epidemic is affecting millions of Americans. Most doctors, being uneducated in parasitology, don't have the experience to recognize even the most common symptoms. Many experts consider parasite infections to be the missing diagnosis in many chronic health problems.

Parasite expert, Dr. Hazel Parcells, believes that "85% of adult North Americans are infected with parasites." She has also stated that worms are the most toxic agents in the human body and are the most basic cause for a compromised immune system.

What Is a Parasite and How Do They Harm Our Bodies?

The definition of a parasite is an organism that lives in or on a host organism of another species. Intestinal human parasites feed off nutrients in the food we eat, use the energy produced in our cells, and even rob us of supplements we take.



Intestinal parasites in humans secrete toxic substances, inducing an inflammatory reaction that can push the immune response into overdrive - leading to immune system exhaustion.

Complications of Intestinal Parasite Infections

  • Dehydration from diarrhea or vomiting must be treated medically if severe. If dehydration is not serious, drink adequate amounts of pure water, and use an electrolyte replacement solution.

  • intestinal parasites in humans - hookworms embedded in intestinal mucosa
  • Iron deficiency anemia is often found with hookworm infestation. The severity of the deficiency is proportionate to the number of hookworms present.
  • General malnutrition is due to competition for nutrients by the parasites, and from malabsorption of nutrients due to inflammation and damage to the intestinal mucosa.

    A nutritious diet feeds the parasites, but helps to boost the host's immunity. Intestinal human parasites thrive on sugar, so a diet high in junk food and sweets will feed the parasites while lowering the immune defenses of the host.

  • Studies have shown that roundworm and giardia infestation interferes with the absorption of Vitamin A resulting in a deficiency. Vitamin A is especially important for increasing resistance to tissue penetration by parasitic larvae.
  • Some tapeworms compete for Vitamin B12 and cause a B12 deficiency.
  • Immune system dysfunction - human parasites decrease the secretion of immunoglobulinA. IgA is a type of antibody that protects against bacterial and viral infections of the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract and respiratory system.

What Type of Parasite Cleanse Should I Use For Parasite Removal?

It's imperative to do a colon cleanse with a natural parasite cleansing program since most human parasites spend at least part of their life cycle in the intestines.

This is why the most effective cleanse will include:

  1. a high-quality fiber mix to soften and loosen old impacted fecal matter
  2. a herbal formula to kill parasites and their eggs
  3. herbs to gently increase peristalsis and move the waste out of the body.
  4. a high-potency probiotic mix of several strains of friendly bacteria to restore the normal intestinal flora.

There are many colon cleansing supplements available, however most products do not address both cleansing the colon and eliminating parasites.

List of The Most Common Types of Parasites in Humans

Experts estimate that there are about 300 different parasites in the US today that can cause human parasites infections. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) thinks that number is much higher. There are many dog parasites, cat parasites, and other plant and animal parasites that can cross-contaminate the human body.

The following parasite pictures, images, and basic information will provide some familiarity with this global epidemic that has developed into a major health hazard in the United States.

Leishmania donovani - protozoan parasite

Protozoa are microscopic organisms making up about 70% of all parasites. Approximately 7 million people in the US are infected with some form of protozoa.

  • Entamoeba histolytica - Amebiasis is the primary cause of death throughout the world.
  • Giardia lamblia - Cysts can survive up to 6 months under the fingernails and is highly infectious. Food and water is contaminated via cysts in human and animal feces. Tap water, well water, and streams and lakes are common sources of contamination.
  • Cryptosporidium parvum; C. muris - Much like Giardia, it is the main cause of infectious diarrhea in preschool children - related to diaper changing in day care centers.
  • Cyclospora cayetanensis - can cause days or weeks of diarrhea, GI distress, and fatigue. Outbreaks have been traced to imported fruits and vegetables from Guatemala and Chile.
  • Trichomonas vaginalis - Primarily a sexually transmitted organism, it can also be passed through contact with toilet seats, towels, sauna benches, and therapeutic mud and water baths. Men and women can be asymptomatic hosts. Symptoms can be foul-smelling vaginal discharge, painful and frequent urination, and small vaginal lesions. Males can suffer from prostate infections.
  • Toxoplasma gondii - Toxoplasmosis can be acquired via contact with cat feces or by inhaling dust containing infectious eggs. Because it can cross the placenta barrier and infect a fetus, pregnant women in their first trimester should exercise caution around cats - including not handling litter boxes. Acute symptoms resemble mononucleosis, and chronic symptoms include hepatitis and swollen lymph glands.
  • Leishmania donovani - One manifestation consists of frequently ulcerated skin or mucosal lesions; the other infects the internal organs like the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Leishmaniasis is transmitted by sand flies, and was found in troops returning from Desert Storm.

Nematode - hookworm intestinal parasite worms

Nematoda are parasite worms and multiply by producing eggs (ova or larvae). They are considered the most toxic agents in the human body.

  • Hookworm-Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenal - Larvae are found in warm, moist soil and can penetrate the skin, especially of people going barefoot. They travel through the bloodstream to the lungs and eventually end up in the intestines where they attach to the mucosal lining, robbing the body of blood and often causing anemia.
  • Roundworm-Ascaris lumbricoides - The most common intestinal parasite in the world, infecting about 1 billion people, children are especially susceptible. It can be spread directly from soil or food that has been contaminated with human feces. Adult worms can travel to the liver, heart, or lungs. Ascaris can clump together and block the intestines or bile duct.
  • Pinworm-Enterobius vermicularis - This is the most common worm in the US and is most prevalent in children. Transmission is primarily through contaminated food, water, infected humans, and house dust. Pinworms move outside the body to lay eggs around the anus, causing perianal itching. Children can scratch the area and transfer the infection to family members and playmates. Pinworm infestation can become serious and cause hyperactivity, epilepsy, and problems with vision.
  • Trichinella-Trichinella spiralis - Transmitted via undercooked pork, they often travel and become encased in muscles. Trichinosis goes through many stages and symptoms, and can cause serious illness.
  • Anisakine Larvae - Found in Pacific salmon, red snapper, cod, and herring, and transmitted from raw or undercooked fish. May cause intestinal inflammation that can be the underlying etiology of appendicitis or Crohn's disease.
  • Filaria - There are eight species, including dog heartworm, known to infect humans. Transmitted by blood-sucking flies and insects. Various strains can cause blindness, dermatitis, and elephantiasis.

human parasites worms - Cestoda  tapeworm

Cestoda are the segmented tapeworms that can grow to several feet in length. They attach to the intestinal wall by a scolex or head and, as long as the head remains attached to the intestinal mucosa, a new worm can grow from it.

  • Beef Tapeworm-Taenia saginata - Acquired from eating raw or undercooked beef, they can grow to several feet long and live in the body for 20-25 years.
  • Pork Tapeworm-Taenia solium - Acquired from undercooked pork, ham, or sausage, it is the most dangerous tapeworm infection. Larvae can invade the muscles, heart, brain, or eyes.
  • Fish Tapeworm-Diphyllobothrium latum - The largest parasite found in humans and transmitted via raw or undercooked fish. It can consume up to 100% of the host's vitamin B12, creating a B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia.
  • Dog Tapeworm-Dipylidium caninum - Transmitted by infected dog fleas; kissing dogs or letting them lick your face can result in accidentally ingesting an infected flea.

Schistosoma - blood fluke parasites

Trematoda are leaf-shaped flatworms known as flukes. Larvae are released into freshwater by infected snails and can directly penetrate the skin of swimmers. They can also be ingested after encysting on crustaceans, fish, or edible vegetation.

  • Blood Fluke-Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum, S. haematobium - Travelers should be aware that larvae can penetrate the skin while swimming, bathing, rafting, fishing, or doing other water activities in endemic countries. Schistosomiasis occurs mainly in Africa - particularly Egypt, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Caribbean, South America, and Asia.
  • Liver Fluke-Clonorchis sinensis - Common in Asia and Hawaii and acquired from eating raw, pickled, or undercooked fish. Inhabits the bile duct of the liver and causes inflammation and jaundice.
  • Sheep Liver Fluke-Fasciola hepatica - Acquired from eating encrusted larvae found on aquatic vegetation such as watercress. Worms settle in the liver and bile ducts, and can cause liver abcesses.
  • Intestinal Fluke-Fasciolopsis buski - Found mainly in Southeast Asia on such plants as water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and lotus plant roots. Adult flukes live in the small intestine, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain and edema.

Can Human Parasites Live in Other Areas Besides the Intestines?

Human parasites infect not just the digestive system, but can travel to the lungs, liver, joints and muscles. Parasite larva, eggs, or cysts can also migrate to or develop in the brain, spinal cord, blood, skin, and even the eyes.

Any part of the body is susceptible to human parasite infections.

Try Ultimate Anti-Parasite Support Program

Read More Human Parasites Information...

Transmission of Parasites ~ How Do We Acquire Human Parasite Infections and What Are The Parasite Prevention Guidelines?

Parasite Cleanse ~ Human Parasites - Symptoms and Parasite Removal

Parasite Diagnosis Questionnaire ~ Symptoms, Lifestyle, Travel History

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