Parasitic infections in the gastro-intestinal tract are common.  Eighty percent of North Americans harbour one or more parasites.  It is so wide-spread because of international travel, immigration, contamination of the water and food supply, use of daycare centres, household pets, antibiotic use and chemical contamination.  Giardia and pinworms are the two most common intestinal parasites.

Intestinal parasites cause illness by competing with the host for nutrients and secreting waste products that cause allergic and autoimmune reactions. 

Parasitic infections in the digestive tract can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms look similar to other abdominal illnesses.  Common symptoms include appetite changes, abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea and stool changes.  Dehydration may occur due to the diarrhea.  If the infection is long-term weight loss, malnourishment and chronic digestive problems manifest.

Conventional treatment involves the use of anti-parasitic medication.  This usually takes care of the current infection.  However, the body becomes susceptible to subsequent infections if friendly bacteria are not replaced.

Good hygiene is important to prevent parasitic infections.  Wash your hands, with soap, before eating and wash your hands frequently when preparing food.  Wash your hands after using the toilet.   Always cook foods fully and use a fork thermometer for checking the temperature inside of cuts of meat.  The most contaminated foods are commercial pork products followed by beef, chicken, lamb and fish.  Wash fruits and vegetables with 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar in one gallon of water and soak for 15 minutes.

The best way to prevent parasitic infections is to have a healthy immune system and good digestive environment.  Take extra precautions while traveling and camping.  Ensure that the water supply is safe or use water bottles with built-in filtration systems.

Avoid foods that stimulate parasite growth such as gluten containing grains, dairy products, eggs, artificial sweeteners, food additives, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, soft drinks, peanuts and cashews.  Eat foods that are high in carotenes like sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, squash, kale and cantaloupe.

Eat foods that are high in antioxidants and vitamin C like citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries, melons and brussel sprouts.  Rice products and blueberries help to stop diarrhea.

Well-cooked lamb, poultry and fish are high in protein and help to heal the intestine.  Foods that kill parasites are garlic, raw pumpkin seeds, fresh coconut, papaya and papaya seeds.

Parasites undergo larval and adult phases that coordinate with the moon cycle.  The most effective time to start treatment is a few days before the full moon.  Ensure that the treatment continues through several cycles in order to make sure all of the organisms are destroyed.

The following list of supplements can be used for preventing and treating parasites.  They are best taken at the first signs of an infection.  Adult doses are given.  (CLICK SUPPLEMENT NAME FOR PRODUCTS).