Parasites: more common than you might like to think
Parasitic infections, long thought to be confined to developing countries, are a global issue that can impact anyone, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status including those of us in Cyprus.
Affecting billions worldwide, these often-overlooked invaders pose significant threats to health and longevity.
While some parasites can be used therapeutically to modulate immune systems, such as in cases of Crohn’s disease, the majority are harmful and linked to chronic illness.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 1.5 billion people – nearly 24 per cent of the global population – are infected with soil-transmitted helminths, a type of parasitic worm.
Meanwhile, diseases like malaria, caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted by mosquitos, result in more than 600,000 deaths annually.
These figures highlight the sheer scale of the problem, dispelling the misconception that parasitic infections are limited to tropical or underdeveloped regions.
In industrialised nations, parasites such as Giardia and Toxoplasma gondii are also prevalent.
Giardia, a waterborne parasite, infects an estimated two per cent of adults and sux per cent of children in developed countries each year.
Toxoplasma gondii, often contracted through undercooked meat or contaminated cat faeces, affects up to one third of the global population.
Like I said, parasitic infections are not just a third-world problem, but a universal health concern.
Parasites enter the body through various routes such as contaminated water, undercooked food, exposure to pets, insect bites and bodily fluids.
Pork and shellfish, in particular, are known carriers of heat-tolerant parasites, which is why both need to be cooked thoroughly.
Modern lifestyle factors, such as disrupted sleep patterns, poor diets, excessive antibiotic use and chronic stress, further compromise immune defences, making it easier for parasites to take hold.
Despite advancements in hygiene, the prevalence of certain lifestyle habits has caused further problems because while our environments may be cleaner, our bodies – weakened by stress and poor health choices – are more vulnerable than ever.
So, how do you know if you have a parasitic infection? In truth, it’s not always easy. Parasites can disrupt nearly every system in the body, often masquerading as other health issues. However, symptoms to look out for include:
- Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
- Digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhoea, and gas
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight fluctuations (both loss and gain)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Skin irritations, including rashes and itchiness
- Brain fog and cognitive difficulties
- Chronic headaches
- Nutrient deficiencies, such as iron-deficiency anaemia
- Joint pain and chronic discomfort
- Depression, anxiety and adrenal fatigue
Other indicators include swollen lymph nodes, recurring yeast infections, liver problems, and leaky gut syndrome. These symptoms, often dismissed or misdiagnosed, highlight the importance of accurate testing and diagnosis.
Identifying parasitic infections can be challenging due to their ability to mimic other conditions, but there are a number of tests available.
Advanced diagnostic tools, including stool tests and non-invasive bioresonance devices, are becoming essential for accurate detection.
Comprehensive stool analysis remains one of the most reliable methods, capable of identifying both parasites and their eggs in the digestive tract.
Emerging technologies, such as non-linear scanning devices, can measure cellular vibrations to detect abnormalities with remarkable accuracy. These
advancements not only help locate parasites, but also identify their type, enabling targeted treatment strategies.
Effectively addressing parasitic infections requires a combination of approaches, with diet being the easiest to immediately fix. This means cutting out sugar and refined carbohydrates, which feed parasites, and incorporating anti-parasitic foods like garlic, pumpkin seeds and papaya seeds into your daily meals.
Another effective treatment is detoxification. This supports liver and kidney function to remove toxins and enhance the body’s natural defences. The more intoxicated and nutrient-deficient the body is, the easier it is for parasites to colonise and thrive. This makes detoxification an absolute priority for everyone.
Immune system support is also a recommended strategy with a focus on balanced nutrition, probiotics and stress reduction.
There are also a number of targeted therapies out there such as anti-parasitic medications and natural remedies like herbal tinctures.
As ever, prevention is always better than cure, so practice good hygiene, cook food thoroughly and use mosquito nets when you holiday in endemic areas.
Remember, parasitic infections are not simply an embarrassing problem to deal with, they can have long-term effects on health and longevity.
Chronic infections contribute to inflammation, a key driver in ageing and degenerative diseases. They also deplete the body’s resources, leading to nutrient deficiencies and weakened immunity, further compounding their impact.
With recent studies suggesting that climate change and global travel are exacerbating the spread of parasitic diseases, it has never been more important to be vigilant.
These factors, combined with the rise in antibiotic resistance, make tackling parasitic infections more urgent than ever.
