Yuck! I Have Parasites. What Do I Do Now?

Globally, parasitic infections affect billions of people. Some of the most common human parasites include:

• Ascariasis (roundworms) — estimated to infect hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

• Hookworms — affect hundreds of millions, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

• Trichuriasis (whipworms).

• Malaria — caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium.

• Giardiasis — a common intestinal infection.

• Toxoplasmosis — often asymptomatic but extremely widespread.

In countries with modern sanitation, serious intestinal parasitic infections are  less common compared with many tropical regions. However, parasites have by no means disappeared.

There’s a strong likelihood that you have parasites. It’s gross, I know, but parasitic infections are one of the most underdiagnosed conditions. Many experts suggest that 9 out of 10 Americans have parasites. It’s a common problem, but most people are unaware of it, thinking that health issues are caused by something else.

Like I said, it is really gross but parasites depend on a host for survival, and humans make a great host. Three types of parasites particularly like humans: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites. Unfortunately, this relationship is not mutually beneficial. Parasites get their food at the expense of their host. While the parasite thrives, the human is robbed of nutrients and often plagued with gut issues. These issues can then lead to other health issues like skin problems, sleep issues or just an overall feeling of lethargy.

Parasites are opportunistic little buggers, so if you have a weak immune system, you are much more likely to contract a parasitic infection. And because they are literally everywhere, you have lots of exposure. Parasites can be in contaminated food and improperly cooked foods like pork, which is well known for containing parasites. They are also found in contaminated water and you can even get them from walking barefoot on contaminated soil. Parasites can be transmitted to a person in all sorts of ways, including insect bites, transmission of blood or fecal matter, transmission from a pet, or not washing your produce before consuming it.