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Colon Parasites
It’s estimated that up to 90 percent of people in the USA will become infected with a parasite at some point in their lives. While parasites can live throughout the body, most of them prefer to attach themselves to the nutrient-rich intestinal wall, where they can thrive for prolonged periods of time.
Types of Colon Parasites
Colon parasites are divided into two groups: one-celled organisms (protozoans), or worms. It is possible for an individual to have two or more colon parasites at the same time. Some of the most common colon parasites that find a host in humans are flukes or flatworms, tapeworms, and roundworms.
- Flukes – Also known as flatworms, these are small, flat, leaf-shaped worms with suckers that let them attach onto the intestinal wall. They may lead to symptoms such abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
- Tapeworms – One of the most feared and notorious types of colon parasites, tapeworms can grow in length up to 40 feet, feeding off of the body’s nutrients and causing fatigue and dehydration. They possess six rows of teeth to hang on to the colon walls.
- Roundworms – Usually contracted through the soil in warm tropical climates, roundworms can lead to all sorts of infections within the body once they take up residence in the intestines.
How Are Colon Parasites Transmitted?
It is not necessary to travel to a third world country to obtain colon parasites. In fact they are actually all around us, floating through the air, water, and soil. They are commonly transmitted through food that is not cooked well enough, or contaminated water.
Main Methods of Exposure
- Eating undercooked meat
- Drinking infected water
- Absorption through the skin
Once they enter the body, colon parasites make their way through the digestive system or bloodstream into the colon, where they attach to the intestinal wall and take up residence.
Symptoms of Colon Parasites
It is possible for someone to have a parasite and not even be aware of it, though usually colon parasites will lead to a host of undesirable symptoms that may be difficult to diagnose as they are common to lots of different conditions. The following are a few of the most common symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Digestive Problems
- Chronic Diarrhea
- Fever
- Loss of Appetite
- Anemia
- Facial Swelling
- Conjunctivitis
Certainly, no one wants to live with these chronic symptoms. Fortunately, there are treatment options for colon parasites, though preventative measures may be the most effective.
Treatments for Colon Parasites
The best method of dealing with colon parasites is to try and avoid them in the first place. Following hygienic practices, always cooking meat thoroughly, and taking care to drink clean water can go a long way to avoiding infection.
If despite these precautions a person finds themselves playing host to an unwelcome visitor, prescription de-worming medications or thorough colon cleansing may be necessary to kick the intruders out. In serious cases, surgery may be necessary.
Prevention Tips:
- Always wash hands before eating and after using the restroom
- Wash fresh fruits and vegetables
- Make sure meat is completely cooked
- Wear boots and long sleeved shirts when walking in the woods
- Drink bottled water when traveling
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