Common Parasites That May Be Lurking

It is not uncommon to have parasites in the body; however, if these parasites are active, they can wreak havoc. So, how do you know if you have a parasite that is causing issues? And where could these parasites have come from?

Common Signs of Parasites

• abdominal pain
  
• diarrhea
• gas
• bloating
• nausea
• vomiting
• fatigue
• blood or mucus in stool

Let’s look at a handful of common parasites…

Amoeba
There are many different types of parasitic amoebas, and each one can affect the body in different ways. In general, an amoeba is a water-borne parasite that can enter the body through ingestion (drinking water or eating food in which water was used) or through the nose (swimming in infected water).

Babesia
Babesia is a parasitic infection transmitted by deer ticks. It is typically transmitted by the tick in the nymph stage. It is not uncommon for a tick bite to be missed due to the incredibly small size of these pests. Babesia can also be transmitted through a blood transfusion (blood used from an infected person), and from an infected mother to the baby while in utero. People infected with babesia may experience the following: fever, chills, headaches, body aches, nausea, sweats, fatigue, and/or reduction in appetite. Check out this article about ways to limit your exposure to ticks.

Giardia
Giardia is a parasite most commonly transmitted through contaminated food or water. It can also be transmitted from person to person. Common signs of Giardia are fatigue, diarrhea, greasy stools, abdominal pain, belching, and/or bloating.

Nematodes
Nematodes are roundworms that can affect both plants and animals. Nematodes can enter a human host through the mouth or the skin. They are found in a number of places, but are most commonly found in soil and water. Signs of infection include itching in the location where the parasite entered, fever, diarrhea, weight loss, coughing, and/or anemia.

Toxoplasma
Toxoplasma is a very common parasite that can be transmitted by undercooked meat, exposure to infected cat feces, as well as from an infected mother to her baby while in utero. This parasite may cause fever, headaches, muscle aches, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and/or pregnancy complications.

While these parasites can be concerning. It is important to keep in mind that it is not uncommon to have parasites. It is also helpful to know that these parasites can be purged or managed for optimal health!