Sometimes I have patients that get stuck. Despite following my protocols their skin remains blemished, their digestion remains upset and their energy continues to wane. Their acne is persisting and they just aren’t getting that ‘glow’ that they have been working so hard to get.
When this happens, I will often consider a parasitic infection as the underlying cause of their skin, digestion, and overall health problems. I know, I know. Ewwww…..
But stick with me. This is important to talk about.
Parasitic Infections are Real
Often completely overlooked by both conventional and alternative healthcare practitioners, parasites are a real health concern. In fact, some sources estimate that up to 90% of the population will suffer from a parasitic infection at some point in their life – parasitic infections now out-rank cancer as the number one global killer.
And sadly, it is not true that living in North America means that we are safe from acquiring a parasite.
The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) estimates that over sixty million people in the United States are likely infected with Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite associated with raw meat and contact with cat feces.
A report on food borne parasites prepared for the Food Research Institute at the University of Wisconsin–Madison cited an estimated two and a half million cases of food and waterborne Giardia lamblia and three million cases of Cryptosporidium parvum in the U.S. alone. Both protozoan parasites are transmitted through drinking water contaminated with the fecal material of infected persons.
And while only a minimal number of cases are detected and reported, some estimate that approximately fifty million American children are infected with worm parasites.
And this doesn’t even take into account the cases of hookworms, tapeworms, and ascaris that infects most of the worldwide population.
Let’s face it – parasites are a huge problem that is being over-looked.
So why aren’t doctors finding parasites?
The symptoms of a parasitic infection can be broad and varied, and many doctors are not trained in recognizing the signs of symptoms of parasites.
Furthermore, testing for parasites is not easy. Conventional stool testing for parasites is the most common method, but often parasites are not active during the time that samples are taken and/or the eggs do not show up in the samples. Parasites have a very unique life cycle, where they can rotate between dormant and alive. In order to identify them in this conventional test, the stool sample must contain a live parasite, the parasite must remain alive as the sample ships to the lab, and the medical technologist must be able to see the live parasite swimming across the slide. This does not always happen and it leads to a large number of false positive test results.
What is the best way to test for a parasitic infection?
The comprehensive digestive stool analysis test is much more sensitive than the conventional stool test because it uses Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology to amplify the DNA of the parasite if there is one. This means that the parasite can actually be dead or in its dormant phase and it will be detected on this test. Because this test utilizes PCR technology it is not reliant on a pathologist seeing a live parasite swimming on the slide. This method of testing for parasites is far more effective, but still not perfect.
Sometimes, after ‘trying everything’ and still not experiencing results, it may be worthwhile to treat for parasites, even if tests show a negative result.
What are the signs and symptoms of a parasitic infection?
- Unexplained constipation, diarrhea, gas, or other symptoms of IBS
- Trouble falling asleep or wake up multiple times during the night
- Skin irritation or unexplained rash, hives, rosacea, acne or eczema
- Grinding your teeth in your sleep
- Pain or aching in your muscles or joints
- Fatigue, exhaustion, depression, or frequent feeling of apathy
- Chronic fatigue
- Never feeling satisfied or full after your meals
- Diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia
- Traveled internationally and remember getting traveler’s diarrhea while abroad
- History of food poisoning and ‘your digestion has not been the same since’
- Multiple food sensitivities
- Floaters in the eye
- Itchy ears, nose or anus
- Chronic candida, yeast, sinus, urinary or ear infections
- Immune dysfunction
How do parasites cause acne?
In my 7-Week Clear Skin Program the gut and the liver are two organs that need to be supported and healed in order to clear up acne for good. Parasites sabotage both organs, which can lead to persistent acne that will not subside unless a thorough parasite cleanse is followed.
How is a parasitic infection acquired?
Travelling to foreign countries is a great way to pick up a parasite. But even if you have not left North American soil, parasitic infections are very common.
- Water is the primary way parasites infect humans.
- Other Humans pass eggs of parasites on the items they touch.
- Animals– petting or grooming, you pick up eggs that pass from them to us via hands, nose and mouth.
- Meats and raw fish– Undercooked meats, especially pork, are a very high source of parasite infections.
- Fruits and Vegetables– Unwashed fruit and vegetables.
- Pores of Feet– walking barefoot.
How do you get rid of parasites?
Okay, now that I have totally freaked you out I am going to share some great news with you. You can totally get rid of any unwanted parasites that may be lurking in your body.
Parasite cleansing is a ritual that has been practiced by different cultures around the world for centuries. Traditionally, parasite cleansing is done twice a year – fall and spring are the best times to do a parasite purge.
The timing of a parasite cleanse is usually around the full moon, when parasites are most active, and lasts approximately 10 days. The diet is simple, usually eliminating all sugars and starchy carbohydrates, which can be a source of nutrition for many types of parasites.
Traditional herbal preparations containing wormwood, black walnut, olive leaf, garlic, oregano and clove are used. In addition, foods such as pumpkin seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, onions and garlic are consumed. Some cleanses also incorporate diatomaceous earth, castor oil and colonic cleansing.
Join me for a Fall Parasite Cleanse
If you think parasites might be contributing to your health and beauty issues – including persistent acne, I will be hosting a 10-day Parasite Cleanse as part of my 7-Week Clear Skin Program from October 19-29th, 2018.
To take part in the cleanse and have lifetime access to the 7-Week Clear Skin Program and Support, click the link here. I want to help you heal your acne from good – this is an incredible offer at a special price of $297.00 (regular $397.00)! Only available for a few days…
Love,
Dr. Stacey
