Okay....last one :)

Tiff

from:
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/today/story_50042.asp



How to keep parasites at bay

Overview

parasites are more common than you might think … in fact, the majority of us are infected. Children are more susceptible than adults to infestation. The most common parasites include pinworms (1cm long), Tapeworms (up to 10m long) and ringworms. These parasites live off the host organism (us) and affect the whole body. They thrive in the mucous membranes of the intestinal tract, thereby severely taxing the body and decreasing immunity.

They may live in the gut, blood, lymph and/or tissues. Ringworms are highly contagious and along with Tapeworms are the most common parasites. Hookworms enter through the skin, travel in the blood and live in the lungs and small intestines, causing pneumonia, nausea and anaemia. Tapeworms can survive up to 25 years in human bodies.

The most common ways to get worms are from house pets, undercooked meat, fish and raw vegies and from walking barefoot in humid climates. Poor personal hygiene and tap water are other common causes.



Symptoms

Abdominal pain and diarrhoea are common.
Gas, bloating, constipation, reflux and irritable bowel syndrome.
Malabsorption of nutrients.
food intolerances to fats, gluten (in wheat) and lactose (in dairy).
Hyper or hypoglycaemia.
Insatiable or decreased appetite.
Weight gain or loss.
Compromised immunity.
Allergies.
Nervous system disorders like nervousness, depression, anxiety and hyperactivity in children.
Pale complexion.
Blue or purple specks in the eyes.
White spots on face, especially around mouth.
Itchy anus, especially at night.
Constant nose picking or itchy nose.
Cravings for sugar, dried food (especially rice), charcoal or burned food.
Children eating dirt.
Anaemia.
Decreased growth.



Foods to include

Anti-parasitic foods like beetroot, cabbage, carrots, garlic, leeks, onions, radishes and figs.
A high-fibre diet is essential.
Protein-rich foods like legumes and beans.
Iron-rich foods like fish, sesame seeds, pumpkin, parsley and legumes.
Umeboshi plums.
Onions (pungent flavour and high in sulphur, which helps to remove parasites).
Prawns eliminate worms.
Lemons are anti-microbial and antiseptic.
Squash and their seeds destroy worms.
Pumpkin seeds are an old remedy for ridding the body of worms.
Sauerkraut is wonderful for maintaining good intestinal health.
Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain that destroys worms.
Pomegranates expel worms, especially ring and tape.
Carrots contain an oil that destroys pin and ringworms.
Bitter foods like alfalfa, rocket and rye are helpful.
Cucumbers contain erepsis, a digestive enzyme that destroys worms, especially tapeworms.
Mochi (pounded rice available from health food stores) with mugwort (herb).


Foods to avoid

Sugar (worms thrive on it).
Meat, especially pork.
Junk food.
Besides cabbage, avoid raw salad vegies unless washed in vinegar or citrus seed extract.
Raw nuts, especially walnuts.
Cooked rice.
Refined foods.
Dairy, meat and heavy oils.



Supplements:

Essential fatty acids protect the gut (flax, fish, evening primrose or olive oil).
Vitamin C for infection and immunity.
Acidophilus - Probiotics.
Colloidal Silver .


Herbal medicine:

Calendula or witch hazel for itchy or irritated anus.
Fennel and licorice for colon health.
Wormwood, gentian, mugwort, nettles, Black-Walnut and rhubarb root are specific for eliminating worms (not to be taken by pregnant or lactating women).
Citrus seed extract is a natural antibiotic, inhibits parasites and may be used to soak raw fruit and vegies in to remove parasites (not to be taken by pregnant or lactating women).



Herbal teas:

Chrysanthemum tea.
Corsican sea vegetable tea for children.
Paw paw seeds as a tea.
Mugwort tea in the evening before bedtime.



Culinary herbs:

Fennel, cloves, sage, garlic, ginger, horseradish, cayenne and thyme.



Home remedies

Soak pulp of paw paw in apple cider vinegar for 24 hours, then eat pulp and drink the vinegar for a week.
Soak any raw fruit and vegies in quarter of a cup of apple cider vinegar diluted in a sink full of filtered water. This will keep your produce fresh for longer and remove bacteria and parasites.
Make dough out of buckwheat flour and water. Roll into balls and eat. This will help to eliminate worms.
Sesame oil topically for ringworms.
Put garlic slices between apple slices or dissolve in miso to make it easier for children to take.



Traditional remedy

Skip breakfast and lunch. When hungry eat one handful of raw rice after letting it soak in your mouth. Then eat half a handful of raw pumpkin seeds and half a handful of raw onion. Wait two hours before eating. Do this for three days then wait a week and repeat for three days.


Lifestyle:

Drink filtered water only.
Maintain exceptional personal hygiene.
Cook meat, fish and chicken thoroughly (microwaves won’t do the job).
Avoid swallowing water when swimming in public pools.
Wash hands regularly, especially after playing with animals and gardening.
Avoid having pets live in the house.
Have your pets checked regularly for worms. Adding garlic to their food will help dispel worms.
Avoid overeating.

Chew food thoroughly.

Parasites are transmitted through sexual contact.

Antibiotics create the right environment for parasites.

Travel to foreign countries increases your chance of getting worms.


©Janella Purcell

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/today/story_50042.asp