Harmful organisms are abundant in the environment and your colon provides the ideal environment to host these dangerous organisms. There are so many varieties of bacteria and worms and viruses that it’s impossible to avoid all of them. Still, you can take measures to reduce your risks. From basic hygiene to lifestyle changes, simple practices can help protect yourself and your family.
Intestinal Invaders
Even in our industrialized culture, we’re not rid of intestinal invaders that infect and infest the intestinal tract. These infestations are harmful and cause a great deal of damage. Once they dig in, they attach themselves to the lining and siphon off valuable nutrients while excreting waste and harmful toxins.
Many of these invaders are silently present. If you’re thinking that you can’t become infected because you live in a clean, civilized,, industrial country, or because you don’t feel anything, consider this: it’s estimated many people are infected with these organisms and don’t even know it.
Do you experience any of the following symptoms?
- Abdominal Pain http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/aa/abdominal_pain.php
Allergies
Anemia http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/aa/anemia.php
Chronically Weakened Immune System
Colon Cancer
Constipation
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Gas
Chronic Fatigue
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Joint Inflammation
Muscle Pain
Nervousness
Sleeping Problems
Teeth Grinding
Weight Loss
Intestinal invaders can mimic many illnesses and are a threat to the intestinal tract when they move in. They sustain themselves by leeching nutrients from your body and they excrete harmful toxic waste materials. The list of harmful invaders we’ll review are Giardia, Toxoplasma, Cyclospora, Tapeworms, Roundworks/Pinworms, Hookworms, Trichinella, Intestinal fluke, Liver fluke, Candida, E-Coli, Clostridium, and Salmonella.
Giardia lamblia
Giardia lamblia is a single-celled organism that can multiply into the millions before being ejected. They move through the small intestine. The hard protective cyst that forms around the organism and its eggs, interfere with your digestion of lipids, and prevent needed fat-soluble nutrients from being absorbed. The infection it causes is Giardiasis. It is the most common invader and reason for 25% of the diarrhea cases in the United States and is not easily detected. Symptoms of this infection include severe diarrhea [1],bloating http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=32757, gas, abdominal cramping, weight loss, greasy bowel movements and dehydration.
The cysts are passed through feces and can live outside a host body for several months where they will lie in wait for their next host either by way of ingestion or contact with fecal matter. Daycare centers and other communal settings are at much higher risk of passing around this organism that lives on feces. Also at risk are: international travelers, people who swim in lakes, streams and rivers, and those who drink feces-contaminated water.
Anatomical Overview
Anatomical Overview of Cyclospora Infestation
Typical sites within the small intestine for Cyclospora infestation.
Interior View
Interior View of Cyclospora Infestation
Colonization by adult organisms occurs rapidly due to multiple asexual reproductive cycles.
Magnified View
Magnified View of Cyclospora Infestation
A single Cyclospora protozoan can lead to full colonization and severe illness.
Toxoplasma gondii
Another single-celled organism, this invader will live in the intestinal tract and cause toxoplasmosis. Usually it enters the body in contaminated meat, or when you come in contact with cat feces in the garden or cleaning the litter box. If a pregnant woman passes it on to her unborn child, major disorders of the nervous system, mental retardation, or heart or eye damage can develop.
If this invader is picked up by a healthy person with a strong immune system, then there may be no symptoms. However, the person with a weakened immune system may suffer greatly.
Anatomical Overview
Anatomical Overview of Toxoplasma Infestation
Typical sites within the small intestine for Toxoplasma gondii infestation.
Interior View
Interior View of Toxoplasma Infestation
Colonization occurs with adult organisms creating a health condition known as toxoplasmosis.
Magnified View
Magnified View of Toxoplasma Infestation
Protective cyst encasing a ‘family’ with adult organisms and their eggs.
Cyclopsora cayetanensis
Another common, single-celled organism, cyclopsora cayetanensis infects the bowels. It’s contracted by ingesting contaminated food or water, or contact with feces. They make their way to the intestinal tract. They grow and multiply exponentially. Ultimately, the invaders’ eggs are excreted in the host’s waste.
Symptoms include diarrhea http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=33525, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, gas, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, fever http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/ff/fever.php and muscle aches.
Anatomical Overview
Anatomical Overview of Cyclospora Infestation
Typical sites within the small intestine for Cyclospora infestation.
Interior View
Interior View of Cyclospora Infestation
Colonization by adult organisms occurs rapidly due to multiple asexual reproductive cycles.
Magnified View
Magnified View of Cyclospora Infestation
A single Cyclospora protozoan can lead to full colonization and severe illness.
Worm Colon Invaders
Usually they can come from eating under-cooked pork, beef or fish. In the U.S., beef is the most common source because so many cows eat infested food and water. When the livestock eats the organism, they penetrate the intestinal lining and travel to the bloodstream and finally to the muscle tissue where it is eaten by people. Once in humans, they attach themselves to the intestinal lining to feed, mature and multiply.
Symptoms of infection include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, and severe appetite changes. Damage can spread to other organs and cause diseases such as Cysticercosis, and Alveolar-Hyatid Disease in children.
Roundworms/Pinworms
Did you know that there are more than 20,000 different species of roundworms? Some 15,000 of them live by sucking nutrients from hosts and “over 1.5 billions people are infected with some form of roundworm.” Roundworms are the most common harmful organism on the planet, but pinworms are the most common in the United States.
Pinworms are small white intestinal invaders and it is believed that may specifically target humans. Pinworm eggs move along the small intestine where they hatch and mature. Adult pinworms travel to the colon where they can live for several months.
Symptoms of pinworm infestation include anal itchiness, insomnia http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=33376, and poor appetite. Because the eggs are laid around the anus and its itchy, the re-infestation in children can recur repeatedly when the child scratches and then transfers them to their mouths on unclean hands.
Pinworms can live for as long as two weeks outside the body. And if someone touches a contaminated surface and puts unclean hands in the mouth, it’s very likely they may become infected.
Anatomical Overview
Anatomical Overview of Pinworm Infestation
Typical site within the large intestine for Pinworm infestation. Pinworms also routinely exit the body via the anus.
Interior View
Interior View of Pinworm Infestation
Adult organisms congregate within the host and reproduce in large numbers.
Magnified View
Magnified View of Pinworm Infestation
Pinworms exit the anus at night to lay their eggs. The host scratches the area and transmits them to mouth if hands remain soiled.
Hookworms
These creatures can penetrate human skin. For this reason, walking barefoot outdoors in high-risk areas poses a serious threat. High-risk areas include areas where animal feces is frequently found. Hookworms travel to and make their home in the intestine, where they attach with fangs and siphon blood to survive.
Symptoms of hookworm infestation include stomach pain, loss of appetite http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=33828, nausea, diarrhea, constipationhttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/cc/constipation.php, bloody stool [2], gas, itchy skin, fever and fatigue. These organisms can survive as long as 10 years in their hosts. Prolonged infections can lead to serious symptoms such as iron deficiency because of the blood they drink. The infection can also lead to heart problems.
Anatomical Overview
Anatomical Overview of Hookworm Infestation
Typical sites within the small intestine for Hookworm infestation. Hookworms can enter the body by penetrating the skin of the feet.
Interior View
Interior View of Hookworm Infestation
Adult organisms affix to the intestinal lining and can cause illness and conditions such as anemia.
Magnified View
Magnified View of Hookworm Infestation
A Hookworm attaches itself with razor sharp teeth and begins to ingest blood.
Trichinella
Trichinella Worm
The disease trichinosis is the disease you can get from this worm.
Ailments resulting from trichinosis infection include muscle soreness, fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, edema of the lips and face, difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, enlarged lymph glands, fatigue, and dehydration.
You usually can pick up this worm by eating raw or undercooked pork. The greater risk occurs in areas where pigs are fed raw animal carcasses. Like tapeworms, these settle into the muscle tissues of animals and once ingested by humans, they grow to maturity.
Flukes (Flatworms)
X-Ray View of Liver with Flukes
Magnified View of Liver Fluke
Flukes, Fasciolopsis buski, live in the upper part of the small intestine. Adult worms produce 25,000 eggs daily. Once limited to foreign locations, world travel and importation of contaminated food has seen the infection rapidly becoming a worldwide concern.
Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, allergies, nausea, vomiting and intestinal ulcers. They can pass from human to human through the exchange of bodily fluids during intimate activities as breastfeeding and intercourse.
There are many different forms of Liver Flukes with the most popular being sheep liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica) and human liver flukes (Clonorchis sinensis). Dr. Hulda Clark’s research indicates that these two most commonly cause infections in humans [3].
Symptoms resulting from these liver flukes infestations include general fatigue, intermittent fever, mild jaundice, and pain on the right side of the abdomen below the ribs.
Candida
Candida in small amounts is a good thing since it limits the growth of harmful bacteria. Candida albicans is a yeast fungus http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=32986 that naturally inhabits the body. The majority of this fungus (90%) resides in the mouth and intestinal tract.
When Candida grows out of control, it becomes a major problem. Some things that can change the balance include taking birth control pills, prescription antibiotics, including poor diet, alcohol and soft drink consumption. Excessive Candida sustains itself using starches and sugars from the digestive tract. The waste that it produces give back nothing good, in fact it can be toxic to your body. The symptoms that it causes are varied and often confused with other disorders.
Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth:
- Abdominal Pain
Bloating
Constipation [4]
Decreased Sex Drive http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=33552
Depression
Fatigue
Hair Loss
Headaches
Inability to think clearly
Indigestion
Itchy Eyes
Menstrual Irregularities
Muscle & Joint Pain
Sinus Drainage
Skin Rashes
Toenail & Fingernail Fungus
Urinary Tract Infections
Weight Change
What Bacteria and Viruses are Toxic To My Colon?
Billions of bacteria inhabit the colon shortly after a baby is born. They help to digest nutrients, and convert starches into useful fatty acids and other energy. These are called good bacteria. They also keep harmful bacteria like Candida in check.
Some harmful bacteria like Escherichia coli and Clostridia putrefy meat inside the large intestine. People at risk are those who consume large quantities of meat along with considerably less fiber than they need to process this meat out of their bodies. This increases the risk of colon cancer.
What Happens When E. coli Infests the Colon?
Most strains of the Escherichia coli bacteria are rather harmless. There are E. coli strains however which are harmful and possibly fatal. Some of the things they can cause are kidney failure and Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome in children.
This bacterial infestation can result from ingesting undercooked ground beef and drinking contaminated water. The waste that this organism excretes is toxin to humans. It inflames the intestinal tract, which damages the bowel lining. Symptoms of the E. coli infestation include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting.
How Does Clostridium Infect My Colon?
Clostridium difficile is increasing in occurrences as a result of the increase in the use of antimicrobial medications and residence in hospitals. This organism, referred to as C. difficile, has been revealed as the cause of millions of cases of diarrhea and colon inflammation annually.
The antibiotics that people take can kill the flora that the body needs along with the bad stuff it’s supposed to kill. A decrease in needed flora means less guarding against C. difficile.
C. difficile can be contracted from fecal matter or contaminated surfaces since it can live independently of a host for up to 70 days. In hospitals it is found on bedding and toilets.
With severe infection from C. difficile you will often see ailments such as septicemia, renal failure, pneumonia, urinary tract infection and anemia. Foul-smelling or bloody stools and abdominal cramps are possible as well.
What Happens When Salmonella Infects My Colon?
Humans are infected by salmonella bacteria when then ingest food and water contaminated with feces. This means that you can get it from public eateries, not just at home from using less-than-healthy preparation practices of meat and eggs.
Foods that may contain salmonella are:
- Chocolate http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=33069
Coconut
Fish, Shrimp, & Frog Legs
Non-Pasteurized Milk & Dairy
Peanut Butter
Raw Meats, Poultry and Eggs
Sauces and Salad Dressing
This type of bacteria can cause typhoid fever and intestinal infections. Symptoms from infestation manifest from 6 to 48 hours after ingestion. According to the Center for Disease Control, it is one of the leading causes of gastroenteritis in the nation.
Indications that you have this can include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea from salmonella poisoning can be severe enough to cause extreme dehydration requiring hospitalization along with inflammation of the intestinal wall. Death is possible but that is usually seen only in small children, elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
The bacteria can penetrate the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream. It can travel along to other organs and cause damage.
Intestinal Toxins from Viruses
Intestinal diseases may also result from viral infections. Viral gastroenteritis is characterized by watery diarrhea and is very common around the world. It is easily transmitted by sharing contaminated bottles, food, drinks and eating utensils or by eating contaminated food.
Unsanitary behavior is the major cause of food contamination. Wash your hands before and after handling food! Also, food contaminated with untreated sewage, and contaminated public drinking water can expose humans to viruses that cause this very unpleasant and potentially life threatening intestinal disorder.
How Do I Avoid These Harmful Organisms?
The harmful organisms listed above are living organisms. They survive by draining vital nutrients from your body and they give back toxic waste that puts your health at risk. These invaders can live in your body for as long as you are alive. A strong healthy immune system is your first line of defense to repel many of the would-be invaders. There are measures that you can take to reduce your exposure to these harmful invaders.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Remove waxy coatings, these are cosmetic preservatives. Cut away nicked, discolored, mushy or recessed areas. Buy organic foods as much as possible.
- Cook meats, poultry and fish at proper temperatures. Check for worms just under the skin before cooking. Wash hands and clean work surfaces thoroughly after handling each item. Use wooden cutting board when preparing or cutting raw meats to increase the chances of killing harmful organisms. Here is a list of remedies for killing germs and bacteria in your kitchen.
- Be sure your water comes from a reliably clean source. Drink only purified water from a multi-filtered source. Ideally distilledhttp://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=33388 or purified water is best supplemented with raw Apple Cider Vinegar for extra nutrients. The best brand is Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=32987.
- Wash your hands frequently throughout the day. Warm water, and natural tea tree soap if possible, can remove any microscopic organisms that you’ve come in contact with.
- Keep your surroundings clean, free of dust particles and fecal matter from dust mites. Believe it or not that’s enough to sustain those organisms which can live for a time away from a host. Use a damp sponge or HEPA vacuum cleaner to regularly remove dust from surfaces and flooring.
- Wear shoes to protect yourself from the organisms that can penetrate human skin. Keep your feet covered even on the beach and playground, as these areas are often rife with a plethora of bacteria and viral fungi.
- Know where you’re swimming and never swallow the water while you swim—no matter what body of water it is.
- Taking a high quality Probiotic supplement on a regular basis will help to populate your digestive system with needed, beneficial flora.
- Perform 2 to 3 Harmful Organism Cleanses a year to assist in removing harmful invaders. It will take at least 6 weeks (the life cycle of most harmful organisms discussed) to complete a thorough cleanse.
- Determine to eat a balanced diet to regulate your colon pH.
- Regular colon cleansing http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=30713 with a high quality oxygen colon cleanser. Performing 3 consecutive Liver Gallbladder Cleanses http://dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=30735 can also help detoxify you body.
References:
1. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Diarrhea http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/diarrhea/. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 2009 April 27.
2. Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center. Bloody Stool http://www.colon-cleanse-constipation.com/bloody-stool.html. 2009 April 27.
3. Brennan Hubbell. Dr. Clark’s legacy http://www.drhuldaclark.org/. New Century Press, LLC. 2013.
4. Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center. Constipation and Acne http://www.colon-cleanse-constipation.com/constipation-and-acne.html. 2009 April 23.
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