Throughout recorded history, humans have been plagued by parasites. But certainly things aren't all that bad in the 21st Century, right? Our health standards have risen quite a bit.
They have, but we've also come up with some creative methods of messing with our bodies.
Common pollutants like PCBs, benzene, asbestos, dyes and heavy metals depress our immune systems, preventing the body from properly responding to parasites.
As a result, parasitic infection is quite common.
The effects aren't always drastic; not all parasites are life-threatening. But even the non-deadly ones can be intrusive and result in frustrating symptoms.
Dr. Leo Galland says that in many of his patients plagued by chronic fatigue, internal parasites are to blame. The protozoa class of parasite, which can reside in drinking water, is most often responsible.
Some parasites, such as mites, burrow into your skin and lay eggs. This leads to an allergic reaction that can manifest itself in red bumps, eczema, rashes and hives.
According to Reference.com, nearly four out of every five American homes have detectable levels of mites. They can live in bed linings, carpets and drapes.
According to research from Penn State, the protozoan class of parasite can result in metabolic syndrome. The hallmark symptom of metabolic syndrome is obesity.
Anemia, the most common blood condition in the United States, can be caused by a hookworm infection.
According to Healthline, hookworms live in soil and can enter the body through skin. They feed on blood, resulting in the red blood cell deficiency responsible for anemia.
8 Common Symptoms of Parasitic Infection
1. Fatigue
Dr. Leo Galland says that in many of his patients plagued by chronic fatigue, internal parasites are to blame. The protozoa class of parasite, which can reside in drinking water, is most often responsible.
2. IBS
According to BadBugs.org, more than 50% of all IBS patients have a parasite known as blastocystis hominis. The parasite is spread as a result of oral-fecal contact. For example, if a chef does not wash his hands properly after using the bathroom, he is exposing his customers to potential blastocystis hominis infection.3. Skin Conditions
Some parasites, such as mites, burrow into your skin and lay eggs. This leads to an allergic reaction that can manifest itself in red bumps, eczema, rashes and hives.
According to Reference.com, nearly four out of every five American homes have detectable levels of mites. They can live in bed linings, carpets and drapes.
4. Insomnia
Roundworms live in soil. They can enter your body through your skin or mouth. One of the symptoms of roundworm infection, according to the aptly titled NastyParasites.com, is insomnia. Roundworms infiltrate your gut, wreaking havoc on beneficial bacteria there.5. Weight Problems
According to research from Penn State, the protozoan class of parasite can result in metabolic syndrome. The hallmark symptom of metabolic syndrome is obesity.
6. Joint Pain
According to research from the journal Rheumatology, polyarthritis is a major feature of parasitic infection. Additional research from the journal Parasite Immunology links parasites to other inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis.7. Anemia
Anemia, the most common blood condition in the United States, can be caused by a hookworm infection.
According to Healthline, hookworms live in soil and can enter the body through skin. They feed on blood, resulting in the red blood cell deficiency responsible for anemia.
