 AIM
Para 90® details - parasites
Digestive problems comprise the number one health problem in North
America. These concerns, encompassing everything from hemorrhoids to
colon cancer, result in more time lost—at work, school, and play— than
any other health problem. They also appear to be occurring with much
more frequency—while many of them were almost unheard of in our grandparents’
times, they are cropping up more and more and at an earlier and earlier
age.
A digestive concern we should all be aware of is the increasing prevalence
of parasites. We need to understand the effect parasites may have on
the digestive system and what we can do to maintain a parasite-free
system.
Parasite frequency
Although North Americans often consider parasites something to only
worry about when traveling, this is not true. The U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention carried out a nationwide survey that showed that
one in every six people selected at random had one or more parasites.
Parasites enter your body in one of four ways: through food and water
intake; through a transmitting agent, such as a mosquito; through sexual
contact; and through the nose and skin. They are also carried by household
pets and livestock, and spread through international travel.
What are parasites?
Parasites are organisms that grow, feed, and are sheltered on or
in other living organisms, known as “hosts,” without contributing anything
to the survival of the host. There are two broad groups of parasites,
protozoa (one-celled organisms) and helminths (worms).
Parasites can be transmitted from animal to animal, animal to man,
and in some cases, man to animal. Some parasites are larger than bacteria
and viruses but they are usually so small that you cannot see them without
a microscope. Others, such as worms, can grow quite large and can be
seen with the eye.
Parasites live within the organs and tissues of the body and are
often harmful. Any number of them can infect your gastrointestinal tract.
Eventually, they are excreted in the feces; however, they are one
of the major causes of diarrhea and as such may be seen as the greatest
single cause worldwide of illness and death.
How do I know if I have parasites?
A parasitic infection could be manifested by any number of signs.
These include constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating, irritable bowel
syndrome, joint and muscle aches and pains, anemia, allergies, skin
conditions, nervousness, sleep disturbances, teeth grinding, and chronic
fatigue.
Treatment
If you suspect you have parasites, a health practitioner can arrange
a number of tests. These include stool tests, blood tests, tissue swabs,
and others.
However, these tests are often inconclusive as parasites can reside
in tissues and organs and in the blood and will not be found in fecal
samples. Often, only parasite eggs will be passed in the stool.
Treatment options include:
- Conventional medications. Drugs are unique to the parasite
and can have side effects. With severe and prolonged diarrhea, replacement
fluids may also be necessary.
- Herbs. Many herbs, including those in AIM Para 90®, have
helpful properties. For example, garlic is useful against amoeba
and hookworm, and pumpkin seed is useful against tapeworm. Sweet
Annie and black walnut were used in traditional medicine as far
back as the early 1800s.
- Natural therapies. The digestive enzymes in AIM PrepZymes®
will help ensure that foods are more completely digested, helping
to eliminate potential problems due to toxins. The fiber and herbs
in AIM Herbal Fiberblend® will help cleanse the colon. Probiotics,
such as in AIM FloraFood™, will recolonize the helpful bacteria
in the intestines and create a hostile environment for parasites.
Colonics also help cleanse the colon.
- Dietary changes. Avoid eating uncooked foods or foods
from doubtful sources. Even undercooked meat, fish, and poultry
can present problems.
When camping, do not drink stream water.
- Pet care. Ensure regular deworming and maintain good hygiene
when handling your pet.
The complete Digestive Health line consists
of AIM Herbal Fiberblend®, AIM
FloraFood®, AIM
PrepZymes®, and AIM
Para 90®. Use these products to help maintain
your digestive health. Complimentary Products are AIM
Composure®, AIM
Herbal Release®, and AIMega™.
|
