PARASITES, GASTRO INTESTINAL INFECTIONS & WEIGHT GAIN:
When we have any gastro intestinal infections (GI), parasitic, bacteria, fungal, damage has occurred and is continuing to be done to our gut lining. This means that we are not able to properly digest and absorb the nutrients from our food, and this negatively affects our body system, tissues and organs. This is why we may experience symptoms in other body systems that do not appear to be directly related to the gut.
In terms of weight gain or inability to lose weight, we must remember the cortisol connection. When we have a chronic GI infection, this triggers inflammation and therefore sends the message to our body that we need more cortisol, which is a primary anti-inflammatory hormone. Cortisol is also acts as a fat storage hormone, so when we are over-producing it, our body holds onto weight particularly around the mid section.
An infection in the intestinal tract may be associated with excessive gas. This can be a parasite such as Giardia or an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. Bloating is a sensation that the abdomen is too full. The abdomen can also become distended which means there is an actual increase in waist size.
Symptoms you may have parasites:
- Chronic digestive symptoms as described above (heartburn, indigestion, IBS, bloating, gas, etc)
- Mood disturbances (anxiety, depression, etc)
- Constant sugar cravings
- Unexplained weight gain or inability to lose weight with diet and exercise
- Increased food sensitivities/allergies
- Female hormone imbalances (irregular periods, extreme PMS)
- Fatigue
- Achy Joints
- we all have parasites to some degree, when the parasites levels gets out of control it becomes harmful to our bodies.
Nutritional guidelines to help keep parasites from growing:
- Avoid simple carbohydrates, such as those found in refined foods, fruits, juices, dairy products, and all sugars, except honey.
- Eat raw garlic, pumpkin seeds, pomegranates, beets and carrots, all of which have been used traditionally to kill parasites.
- Drink a lot of water to help flush out your system.
- Eat fiber, which may help get rid of worms.
- Probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacilus plantarum, Saccharomyces boulardii and bifidobacteria) help keep your digestive tract healthy but they may not be appropriate in some severely immune compromised patients.
- Digestive enzymes will help restore your intestinal tract to its normal state, which makes it inhospitable to parasites.
- Vitamin C supports the immune system. Lower the dose if diarrhea develops.
- Zinc supports the immune system but may interact with certain medications, particularly some antibiotics, and it may not be appropriate for people with HIV/AIDS.
- Herbs are a proven, effective way to strengthen the body’s systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your doctor to diagnose your problem before starting treatment. You can take herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas, tinctures).
The Paracleanse has really improved my cravings and bloatng. i’m aiming to reduce sugar intake. Thanks for the tips.