In Brazil, one parasite called American Trypanosomiasis causes 30% of adult deaths. Relative to other countries, it was thought that North Americans suffered little from parasite diseases because of our "good health", "good nutrition", climate and sanitation. Climate, yes. Sanitation, yes. But the fact that we are one of the sickest nations in the world would reflect poor nutrition. Increasingly poor eating habits are beginning go catch up with each new generation. Parasite diseases in America have increased significantly just in the last two decades. Few medical doctors understand the significance of this. Seldom do they look for parasites in their patients. And, then if they do suspect parasites, few would know what to look for or how to effectively treat them.

I know of an instance where a doctor who was examining a patient's eyes with a microscope and saw a tiny worm crawl from one part of the eye to the other side and disappear. Parasites may be microscopic in size or as long as 20 feet (or longer). Most of them are not deadly, but they can cause a lot of trouble. Parasite disease symptoms mimic many other diseases, thereby avoiding accurate diagnosis.

Since the medical world does not accept the fact that parasites are abundant in the American people, they have not thoroughly investigated what parasite invasion can do throughout the body. Parasites can live anywhere in the body - be it intestines, lungs, liver, muscles, or brain. One autopsy revealed five tapeworms in a woman's head. If they cause damage to the nerves in the head or spine, symptoms can occur anywhere in the body - from one end to the other. Similarly, if worms are in the intestinal tract, they can cause problems in the heart, liver, kidneys, brain, ect. by their toxic secretions or by reflex disturbance. Some common worms such as round worms lay over 200,000 eggs a day, hookworms lay 5-10,000 eggs a day and can live for fourteen years. Something to think about!

Here is something else to think about. Have you ever had symptoms of feeling tired most of the time? Are you experiencing digestive problems"gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea'that come and go but never really clear up? Do you suffer from food sensitivities and environmental intolerances? Have you developed allergic-like reactions and can't understand why? Are you depressed? Do you have difficulty gaining or losing weight no matter what you do? Have you ever tried a yeast control program that helped to some degree but you know you can't stay away from bread, alcohol, fruits, and fruit juices all your life? Do you sense something is not quite right with you but just can't figure out the cause - and for that matter, neither can your doctor?

If these symptoms and feelings sound familiar, then you may be an unsuspecting victim of the parasite epidemic that is affecting millions of Americans.

You may be asking how a clean-living person could be infested with parasites. Some of the more serious infections (especially those involving large worms) find their way into the human body when one eats rarely-cooked pork, beef, fish, or other creatures that have eyeballs, legs, fins, or pinchers (yes, this includes crab and lobster).

Touching dogs, cats, and other animals may lead to one's picking up parasites eggs or sometimes parasites themselves. The reason for this is that pets are hosts to numerous parasites and they are unexpected spreaders of disease. There are 240 infectious diseases transmitted by animals to humans. Of these, 65 are transmitted by dogs and 39 by cats. There are 110 million dogs and cats living in America's households making exposure to some of these diseases significant. One pet food manufacturer says that 89 percent of all house cats in America sleep with their owners. Dog and cat roundworm, hookworm, and cat-transmitted toxoplasmosis can become severe in pregnant women and children and even life threatening in immuno compromised individuals.

Drinking infected water is a major method of parasite infection. According to Steven Rochlitz, Ph.D., in his book Allergies and Candida, he states, "Giardiasis may be a rampant problem in the U.S. today, since over 50% of our water supply is contaminated with it and unlike bacteria, it is not killed by chlorination". Hundreds of small water systems throughout the country do not have adequate purification systems. In urban as well as rural areas, streams can become contaminated through infected human sewage.

Walking barefooted on infected soil is another way you can be infected by parasites. In the soil, the eggs can become infectious within two weeks. Soil, grass, and shade help the eggs survive. They usually settle near the top of the soil in a silt layer, which protects them from destruction by sunlight. Toxocara eggs are very hardy and can survive years, resisting the most perilous weather conditions of rain and snow. There are no chemicals that can kill all the toxocara eggs in soil. While contaminated soil is the primary direct source of infection, children can become infected from the coat of a puppy that has been playing in contaminated soil.

Antibiotics and immunosuppressive drugs are a big problem of parasite infections. Parasites are opportunistic invaders. When the intestinal system is in healthy balance, there is less opportunity for parasitic infestation. Antibiotics, however, kill bacteria indiscriminately, both the good and bad, upsetting the natural ecology of the gastrointestinal tract and vagina. This often leads to yeast overgrowth and trichomoniasis. Trichomonas vaginalis is a microscopic parasite that causes foul-smelling vaginal discharge, burning sensation, and inflammation. In some areas of the United States, this condition is found in 50 percent of all women. It is sexually transmitted and when passed to a male partner can cause non-specific urethritis.

The immune system is our first line of defense against invading bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Patients with compromised immune systems or those undergoing immunosuppressive drug therapies for cancer and organ transplants are at greater risk for toxoplasmosis, and opportunistic infection that attacks the central nervous system, heart, and lungs. While the effects of this infection in healthy individuals can be asymptomatic, in compromised patients it can be life threatening.

Improperly washed vegetables and fruits are also a constant source of parasite infection. Vegetables known to carry parasites include watercress, lettuce, and radishes, as well as leafy greens. Even organic fruits and vegetables need to be washed thoroughly. Whether the food is organic or not, I instruct all my clients to use Nutribiotic to wash their fruits and vegetables. Nutribotic is derived from grapefruit seed extract, and it does the best job in killing yeast, parasites, and bacteria.

Ultimately, each of us is responsible for our own health, and nowhere is this seen more dramatically than in the case of parasites. Parasitic infection remains a neglected disease. Physicians hardly ever suspect parasites as a current American health problem and therefore, rarely ask for a comprehensive lifestyle history. Without this kind of history, parasites can be easily missed because their symptoms mimic a host of diseases. Irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue may be cases of giardia. Persistent allergy is often a case of roundworm infection, while pinworms may be at the bottom of your child's hyperactivity.

Parasitic infections are a reality in the United States today. Our water, food, pets, restaurants, and day-care centers are all potential sources of infection. But there is no need to become paranoid. We just need to become more responsible and conscious of a problem that many of us are not aware even exists. Parasites can only persist when they have a suitable environment. Diets high in sugars, refined carbohydrates, and fiber-depleted processed foods, and immune systems that have been weakened by these diets and by other environmental consequences of modern-day living provide the ideal feeding ground for parasites. The problem is not so much "out there" as it is within our bodies.

The body can and will rid itself of the parasites if it has the right natural nutrients. Based on that belief I have set about to provide you with information necessary to find the best products to help you. When I seek products, I look for those that will give you the best quality of nutrients and that are very easily absorbed. My years as a Nutritionist have taught me that people do not want to take a handful of pills to feel good.

A former FDA representative predicted on seeing more and more products that will be taken through the skin and sublingually. Today you are seeing creams that are applied through the skin and patches that are being used on the body. There are more and more products that come in extract form to be taken sublingually. In my opinion, extracts are your best form to be taken. Here is a list of the primary nutrients that I would look for in a nutritional supplement that is designed to kill and eliminate parasites from within the body.

Green Black Walnut Hulls: Walnut Hulls are well known for their antiparasitic properties. They are typically used to remove ringworm, tetter, Candida, and other pest. They are primarily effective against the adult and developmental stages of the parasites. Green black walnut hulls supply natural iodine (which is lacking in our depleted soils), and manganese. Walnut hulls have been used as an effective blood cleanser, particularly in cases of stubborn skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, impetigo, and boils. Walnut hulls have been used in the treatment of systemic poison oak toxins.

Cloves: Cloves are beneficial to the nervous system, and are also very effective in removing various types of worms and parasites. Cloves are the only herb which has been found effective in killing the eggs of the various parasites. This is important because any eggs left behind will soon hatch and start the parasitic cycle anew. Cloves have a definite antiseptic action which helps to prevent and eliminate bacterial infections. Cloves are particularly useful in alleviating indigestion and nausea, or as a gentle aid for malfunctioning kidneys.

Wormwood: Wormwood has historically been used to rid the body of pinworms, tapeworms, and other parasites. It is also excellent for poor digestion. Wormwood has often been used for liver and gallbladder weakness. Wormwood increases the secretion of bile, thus alleviating many digestive distresses. Wormwood is often used as a flavoring in meats or other fatty dishes, since it helps in the digestion of these items.

Using natural supplements that are synergistic in their formulations and taken sublingually plus the dietary considerations outlined here, you should experience relief very soon. Depending on your condition and how frequently you take this combination of nutrients; you"ll be able to improve the quality of your life.

Dr. Carmack received her Ph.D. at the American Holistic College of Nutrition in Alabama. She has had her own radio talk show on health and nutrition. She has been a guest lecturer at Holistic Fairs held at the Phoenix Civic Plaza and been a guest speaker at many seminars on health and nutrition. She has been consulted by authors of health related books and co-authored some chapters in books. She has owned and operated her own health food store and is a practicing Nutrition Councilor in the Phoenix area.