You might think of parasites — and the diseases they cause — as a problem that will never affect you, and you wouldn’t be alone in that thought. But intestinal parasites affect humans and are not just a Third World concern: They affect millions of Americans. Indeed, according to the CDC, more than 60 million people in the US are infected with parasites. Explains Gordo Crozier, DO, an integrative physician in Orlando. “Because parasites are spread by pets, contaminated water and improperly handled food, they’re becoming an increasingly common health threat in the U.S.” And intestinal parasites thrive in warm weather, so risk rises in the summer.
And intestinal parasites in humans are far from harmless: They are a top cause of fatigue, says Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of Guess What Came to Dinner? ($15.99, Amazon) Gittleman asserts that for eight in 10 women experiencing tiredness, GI issues, brain fog, and other vague symptoms, intestinal parasites are to blame. Adds functional medicine specialist Leo Galland, MD: “Because symptoms are so varied, parasites are often overlooked as the cause.”
Women over 50 are most at risk of harboring intestinal parasites since the production of stomach acid that helps kill the invaders drops rapidly with age. “Intestinal parasites in humans mostly come from food and water, so any decrease in stomach acid increases infection risk,” says Dr. Galland. Other sources of exposure: wilderness activities, pets, travel.
Most parasites can be eliminated with a single dose of ivermectin, scabies with two doses. I am not a doctor, so be sure to check dosage and timing with a trusted source or consult with your doctor. My understanding is ivermectin must be taken on an empty stomach for parasites, but with food for viral illnesses. ABN
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