By Cathi Stack, ND

This article is based on my everyday reality – what I have come to know based on hands on experience and results. It is not for the squeamish but is very valuable information that pertains to at least 85 percent of you. I hope you share it with your health care provider if
you feel it may be an issue.

A few years back I wrote a letter to every gastrointestinal specialist I could find in the phone book. The funny thing about chronically constipated people is that when you treat them for parasites (specifically roundworm) many of their complaints are alleviated. I felt so sure I was on to something and felt it was my responsibility to share the information.

Three years later, I am absolutely convinced that undiagnosed abdominal pain, many types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and colitis could be eliminated if practitioners would consider parasite treatment. Why don’t they? I’m really not sure. Most of us with dogs treat our furry loved ones at least yearly if not monthly. They eat the same thing daily, and we aggressively treat them for worms. But what about us? We eat a large variety of foods as compared to our animals. When was the last time your doctor offered you prophylactic treatment for parasites?

First let me state that most of us have been exposed at some point in our life. Research has shown that an estimated 85 percent of all American adults are infected with some sort of parasites. More than 100 types of parasites worms can be living happily in human bodies, and only about 5 percent of these varieties can be tested positively, with only 20 percent accuracy.

Some parasites are big in size and can be seen by eyes, while the others are microscopic in size. Parasites can range from tiny amoebas, which are visible only under a microscope, to tapeworms 3 to 30 feet in length. Fortunately, the easy to eliminate roundworm species are the most common and tapeworms are not so common.

Many of us can live without parasite drama if we remain constipation free (moving bowels at least twice daily). But once constipated, we give those pesky critters a beautiful environment to flourish. The more toxic, the more they love us. Common complaints include lower right abdominal pain, grinding teeth at night (Bruxism) and dark circles under your eyes. Also, grinding of teeth is often misdiagnosed as TMJ because parasites are more active at night causing us a restless attempt at sleep.

Many years ago I worked a busy medical/surgical floor as a staff nurse. We frequently did stool samples for ova (eggs) and parasites. The results were often negative, but I now conclude they were false negative. As a colon therapist who sees parasites with her own eyes, what I do know is that they are usually not within the fecal sample. They are seen and excreted with a mucous-like coating. Anyone who has bowel movements with mucous strands should be very suspicious.

We are exposed to parasites from eating produce, having pets, walking barefoot in the grass, petting a pig, eating fish, and in many other ways. It is not that we are dirty or contaminated — it is life. Actually, it would be very hard to avoid exposure, especially if you eat healthy. But for those who eat a poor diet and find themselves constipated, you will grow and multiply your parasites faster. Also, something you may want to consider is that cooking does not always kill parasites, but freezing does.

As a naturopath, I avoid medications as much as possible. As a midwife, I have the ability to prescribe. If one were to eliminate parasites using herbs such as wormwood, black walnut and pumpkin seed, the minimum treatment would be six weeks. Most people were not compliant with the dosing, making the therapy ineffective.

Prescribing mebendazole along with colon cleansing has helped hundreds of people who found no help from laxatives, many doctor visits, unexplained congestion and skin ailments just to name a few complaints. “Miraculous” is a word that is commonly used when patients report an 85 percent to 90 percent improvement in their symptoms.

I am all for preventative and proactive treatment against parasites. It just makes sense.

To date, I have not gotten one reply or comment from any of those gastrointestinal specialists to whom I sent letters. Nevertheless, I will continue to practice what has helped hundreds as my satisfaction comes from their happiness and well-being.

For more from Cathi Stack, visit her Web site, http://www.journeyiihealth.com/.