Intestinal Parasites: An Overview BY MARY BETH GUDEWICZ, CNTP, MNT When one hears the word parasites, the thought of horror films comes to mind. Yes, by definition, parasites are “an organism that lives on or in host and gets its food from or at the expense of the host.”[1] Although some parasites have evolved alongside of us and don’t cause harm, some parasites our body wants to eliminate because they can cause harm by manipulating our immune system response in a negative way. References in literature point to parasites being one of the primary causes of allergies because parasites damage the gut lining allowing large molecules to cross through the gut wall and entering the bloodstream, causing an immediate immune response. Let’s explore the types, symptoms, and treatments for a parasite invasion. Types: There are two general types of parasites: Helminths: Also known as worms. They can often be seen in your stool. Examples are tapeworms, pinworms, flukes, roundworms Protozoa: Are single-celled microbes that can multiply inside the human body leading to serious infection. Examples are amoebas, leishmania, giardia, plamodium and cryptosporidium.[2] How You Can Be Exposed: Certain opportunities can arise that increase your risk for getting a parasite. They include the following: Living or visiting an area known to have parasites International travel Poor sanitation through both food and water Poor hygiene Age – children and the elderly are more likely to get infected[3] Exposure to daycare and institutional care centers A weakened immune system HIV or AIDS Signs and Symptoms: Parasites can live in your intestines for years without producing any noticeable symptoms. However, some parasites have a life cycle. What...
Your Guide to Eliminating Chronic Fatigue (Part 1 of 10): Auto-Immunity and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome BY MICHAL COOLING, CNTP At The Healing Center Denver we have a holistic, whole-person view as well as molecular view, with tools and testing to evaluate the biochemistry of cells, tissues, and organs. We seek to find the exact imbalance in your body, the underlying cause for that imbalance, and the individualized solution. With this approach, we view fatigue differently than traditional medicine does, and usually find there is usually a network of things contributing towards this fatigue and other related symptoms. Our Top Ten Strategies These are the top ten most common causes of chronic fatigue that we see, which are often not addressed by conventional or even holistic practitioners: Auto-Immunity Gut Function / Nutrient Imbalances / Poor Absorption Hidden Food Sensitivities Hidden Infections Brain Imbalance Emotional / Stress/ Post-Trauma Sleep Issues and Their Underlying Causes Hormone Imbalances (Thyroid, Adrenal, Sex) Toxicity Detoxification and Metabolism Impairment Today, our focus is on Auto-Immunity and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): CFS is actually referred to as “Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome,” showing there to be a science-based link between immune function and chronic fatigue. Many studies have shown imbalances in the immune system with those who experience chronic fatigue, and the science literature in the last ten years has shown the mechanism underlying chronic fatigue to be immune in nature. In fact, the risk profile for CFS is similar to the risk profiles for a number of autoimmune diseases. Most conventional doctors typically don’t look for this “immune piece” and rarely address it. At The Healing Center, we...
Oil Pulling: A Natural Remedy for Improving Oral Health and Reducing Pathogenic Toxins Hi, I’m Dr. Marie Starling At The Healing Center, we help people like you reach their full potential. I specialize in adjunctive care for internal disorders, autoimmune conditions, IBS, thyroid symptoms, diabetes, and other complex health issues. As your Denver Functional Medicine specialist, we commonly see pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and mold underlying and accompanying many health issues for patients. We have multiple tools for eliminating these pathogens including herbs, clearings, frequency treatments, and detoxification. Another method of eliminating and managing pathogens is through proper oral care. By now, you may have heard of the term “oil pulling,” as articles extolling its benefits are blowing up social media feeds, making it a hot topic recently. Oil pulling is nothing new: this method was used for 1,000’s of years as part of ancient Indian Ayurveda remedies for managing oral health. Oral care was recognized as a critical component of overall health. Traditionally, cold-pressed sesame oil was used, but coconut oil is more commonly used today. Oil pulling has many benefits, including: Assists in the reduction and prevention of plaque, cavities, pathogens, gingivitis, and infections. Helps strengthen the jaw, tissue, teeth, and gums. Prevents throat dryness, cracked lips, and bad breath. Oil pulling provides a natural remedy for oral maintenance and for reducing pathogens, and is claimed to contribute in the elimination of over 30 systemic diseases. What Is Oil Pulling? Oil pulling is swishing up to one Tablespoon of oil in your mouth. Using the tongue to help pull and push the oil between the teeth and gums, take caution to...
Eliminating IBS Once and For All I found an excellent article by Dr. Hyman, MD this week that highlights 5 simple steps to eliminate IBS without drugs. We commonly use these steps in our practice, which are aimed at identifying and addressing the underlying cause for IBS. Most patients are prescribed antidepressants, sedatives, anti-spasm drugs, Metamucil or other fiber sources, and not given real answers, or real results. IBS effects 20% of the population. So what exactly is it and how can we eliminate it once and for all? According to womenshealth.gov, “IBS is defined as abdominal pain or discomfort, along with a changed bowel habit (such as diarrhea or constipation), for 3 months or more. The abdomen is the same as the “stomach area.” The symptoms may be different from person to person and can include: Cramps or pain in the stomach area Constipation — infrequent stools that may be hard and dry Feeling like you haven’t finished a bowel movement Diarrhea — frequent loose stools Alternating between diarrhea and constipation Mucus in the stool Swollen or bloated stomach area Gas Discomfort in the upper stomach area or feeling uncomfortably full or nauseous after eating a normal size meal Do these sound common? I hear one or more of these symptoms in nearly every patient we see! Since all systems rely on digestion, any imbalance within, can create and fuel much bigger problems down the line. In fact, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), say that IBS can be linked to: GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) Dyspepsia (Indigestion) causing discomfort or pain...
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