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Ronald Steriti, ND, PhD
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Finally, a Healthy Energy Drink for you and your kids!

Information on Intestinal Parasites


Description

There are two classes of infectious agents called parasites. Protozoa are single cell animals which characteristically divide and multiply within the host, are usually direct fecal-oral in transmission, and do not cause an eosinophilia. Helminths (worms) are multi-cellular animals and with rare exceptions do not multiply within the host and are often associated with some degree of eosinophilia that correlates with the degree of mucosal invasiveness. Worms have a limited life span within the host and without reinfection eventually die on their own.

Most worms require either a prolonged incubation period outside the host before being infectious or need a specific vector for transmission. A notable exception to this rule is Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm), the eggs of which are infectious shortly after being passed, so auto-infection occurs readily. Direct person-to-person transmission is uncommon.

Causes

The likelihood of acquiring an intestinal parasite depends on several factors - the presence of the specific infectious agent, an appropriate "vector" or mode of transmission, and a host who is susceptible to the infectious agent. The world-wide distribution of parasites is determined by geographic factors, socio-economics, age, and crowding with poor food preparation and a break in the standard of water and personal sanitation being the major factors.

Risk factors include: Age (children), Low socioeconomic status, Poor sanitation (personal, food, water), International travel, Crowding (day care centers, mental institutions), Intercurrent medical conditions, pregnancy, gastric hypoacidity, and immunosuppression (AIDS).

Conventional Labs

A single stool specimen provides an accurate diagnosis in 90% of patients. Additional specimens will need to be examined for greater diagnostic accuracy. Special techniques for the detection of Cryptosporidium, Isospora belli, Cyclospora, and microsporidia often require that the laboratory be informed of the "risk" profile of the patient before these tests will be done. Pinworm paddles provide a greater diagnostic yield when Enterobius vermicularis is being considered. Multiple tests (5) may be needed to exclude the diagnosis of pinworms. A parasite culture is possible for a few organisms - Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Strongyloides stercoralis, but are rarely indicated and are usually available only in referral laboratories.

String tests and upper bowel intubations are rarely needed to diagnose the upper intestinal parasites. Rarely, a biopsy will demonstrate the presence of an invasive helminth on tissue section. Worms can be extremely difficult to diagnose in this manner, usually needing the expertise of a tissue parasite pathologist. The other parasites may be visualized on the mucosa or in the mucous layer.

Specialty Lab Tests

Comprehensive Parasitology Profile
CDSA


Products to consider

Probiotic Pearls 30p


Natural Therapies

Most natural health web sites put a list of herbs, vitamins and nutritional supplements along with citations from scientific studies.

Have you found this to be confusing, since there are so many to choose from?

A far simpler way is to choose a supplement from the appropriate body system, such as liver support, detoxification, etc.
A well formulated supplement works a lot better than separate vitamins and usually costs a lot less.
Please call me at (239) 659-2684 if you would like some assistance in choosing an appropriate product.

I can't diagnose or treat diseases by phone, but I can assist you in making better choices. I also can send some relevant articles to read. The first ten minutes are free (as long as you purchase from my web site).

What's your next step?

The next step, after you have been diagnosed with a disease, is to find out what is the specific cause, and then choose supplements that address it. Phone consults are my specialty. Please call my at (239) 659-2684 to schedule a consultation.

The choice is yours

I recommend that you make an informed choice, and the goal of this web site is to provide you with the information to make a wise choice when it comes to your health and wellness.

As you can see, I don't sell any vitamins on this web site. There are thousands of vitamin stores that will sell you whatever vitamin you want, and many of them offer discounts.

If you are interested in some high-quality basic nutritional supplements, I recommend visiting the Store You will find my recommendations for a multiple, tasty chewable fiber wafers, high-potency probiotics, and fish oils.

Good luck in your journey towards health and wellness!!

Why don't you tell me what vitamins to take for this disease?

Unfortunately, that would be a clear violation of FDA regulations. Also, one of the most important aspect of naturopathy is: "Treat the person, not the disease". This is a profound statement, and many people have spent thousands of dollars on vitamins listed in books or web sites for a specific disease. This is what I call "vending machine medicine". It rarely works! The solution is to find a naturopathic physician, such as myself, to assist you.


NaturDoctor.com

Ronald Steriti, ND, PhD
Natural Health Coach and Consultant
Call today (239) 659-2684

Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

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