Day 361

Hookworm

Thoughts: Yes, you do have worms!

The vast majority of human beings in today's society have parasites.

I'm talking about hookworms, pinworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and countless other nasty creatures. Theresa Schumacher, co-author of Cleansing the Body and the Colon for a Happier and Healthier You, estimates there are "about 300 different types of parasites thriving in America today." In recent medical studies, it has been estimated that 85% of the North American adult population has at least one form of parasite living in their bodies. Some authorities feel that this figure may be as high as 95%.

Dr. Peter Wina, Chief of the Patho-Biology in the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, states,

"We have a tremendous parasite problem right here in the U.S. It is just not being addressed."

Dr. Frank Nova, Chief of the Laboratory for Parasitic Diseases of the National Institute of Health, says:

"In terms of numbers there are more parasitic infections acquired in this country than in Africa."

Here are some pictures of just a few of the parasites that are thriving within us:
(From left to right; Whipworm, Roundworm, Intestinal Fluke, Pin Worm, Amoeba Parasite, Dwarf Tapeworm, Hookworm, Fish Tapeworm)


This is something we must take very seriously. The combination of environmental toxins, an unhealthy diet and parasites poses a grave danger to humans. “In fact, parasites have killed more humans than all the wars in history,” reported National Geographic in its award-winning documentary, The Body Snatchers.

The immediate question that comes to mind when people are informed of this situation is: How can a parasite possibly live in my body and I don't even know it is there? The answer to this is simple. The purpose of a parasite is to not make itself known. A smart parasite lives without being detected because if it is detected, of course, something is going to be done to eradicate it. If you think parasites are stupid, think again. They are highly intelligent organisms. Not intelligent in the same way humans are, but they are intelligent in their ability to survive and reproduce, which is of course, the purpose of any organism on this planet.

Dr. Ross Andersen, N.D. puts it this way:

"Other prominent physicians agree with me; that in human history, the parasite challenge is likely the most unrecognized of all endemic problems. Because they cannot be seen and rarely present immediate symptoms, they remain invisible as a cause or contributing factor to what can be a serious disorder."

We don't know why every generation prior to modern times made de-worming a regular part of their lives, but our generation chooses to ignore this basic practice. It is recognized that people in third world countries have parasites. It is also recognized that most of the animals we eat, and pets who live in our homes have an innumerable number of parasites and worms, but for whatever reason we seem to dismiss the notion that we as a modern society might also have foreign entities living within us as well. For whatever reason the medical profession chooses to try to down-play this fact, but the public is rapidly becoming more and more aware of this knowledge.

Parasites live everywhere and are commonly transmitted to humans in diverse ways, such as insect bites, walking barefoot, human contact, animal contact, drinking water, eating under-cooked meats and fish, and numerous other ways. Government inspectors do not inspect most of the animals that go through the slaughterhouse.

Some people who prepare food, as well as the general population do not wash their hands after going to the bathroom. When you consider that many of the parasites are spread by fecal-oral contact, this lack of personal hygiene may be one of the greatest factors in the spread of parasites. Consider everything that you touch that is handled by others; money, shopping carts, door handles, menus, salt shakers, and everything else -- the possibilities for contamination are enormous.

Why are So Many of Us Infested with Parasites?

The problem lies within our digestive system. Theresa Schumacher's book lists several types of parasites and a variety of ways in which they are caught. As for parasites in food, Schumacher notes the parasite incubation period is 36 hours. She says once we have eaten a meal we should be able to eliminate the waste from that food within 16 to 24 hours. But, she notes, "it is startling to learn that the average elimination time in America today is 96 hours."

If waste is not eliminated within 24 hours, it begins a toxic buildup that provides a breeding ground for parasitic infection. She writes that a clogged intestine with putrid fecal matter and plenty of sugar provides the ideal environment for parasites to thrive. It is now common knowledge that the average American adult has between 10-20 pounds of putrefying waste matter lodged in their intestines.

This waste material is home to, in the words of National Geographic, "a sinister world of monstrous creatures that feed on living flesh: parasites.” Discover magazine published a feature article in its August 2000 issue:

“Every living thing has at least one parasite that lives inside or on it, and many, including humans, have far more. Scientists are only just beginning to discover exactly how powerful these hidden inhabitants can be, but their research is pointing to a remarkable possibility: Parasites may rule the world. The notion that tiny creatures we've largely taken for granted are such a dominant force is immensely disturbing. We are collections of cells that work together, kept harmonized by chemical signals. If an organism can control those signals — an organism like a parasite — then it can control us. And therein lies the peculiar and precise horror of parasites.”

Infestations may be severe or mild and can be life threatening, especially for children. A common side affect is the POOR absorption of critical nutrients for growth potentially leading to anemia, growth problems, and a weakened immune function creating susceptibility for disease. According to numerous books, parasites are commonly found in people with AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, candidiasis, and many other disorders. Symptoms may include abdominal pains, diarrhea, anemia, cardiac insufficiency, nausea, perianal & perineal pruritis, dysentery, amebic hepatitis, weight loss, intestinal toxemia, colic and cirrhosis.

Removing Parasites with Clay

A clogged-up colon and its parasitic infection is often the undiagnosed root of many physical problems. But, Schumacher writes, the medical profession "does not even agree with the notion of filthy and impacted colons contributing to much American ill health. This may be because there are no patented drugs for quick relief of impacted colons. The only way to cleanse intestines is with natural ingredients, and via a persistent personal hygiene.

In his book, The Clay Cure, Ran Knishinsky writes:

"While many herbs and homeopathic remedies are suggested for this condition, I believe clay offers one of the finest treatments for all types of parasites. First, its use will stimulate the gall bladder to increase the flow of bile according to Raymond Dextreit, a French naturopath. He writes that no parasite can live too long under any bilious condition.

Second, considerable research has shed light on the connection between clay eating and parasites. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition mention this in a recent article: "Geophagy can be a source of nutrients. Its primary way of enhancing nutritional status appears to be, however, to counter dietary toxins and, secondarily, the effects of gastrointestinal parasites" (Johns and Duquette 1991). Further, numerous citations in a host of other journals collaborate this fact: throughout the globe, people eat clay in response to parasites.

Third, worms are themselves clay-eaters and are attracted to clay. As a result, when the clay is eliminated from the body, so are the worms. But the process isn't quick; for every worm eliminated several eggs are usually left behind. However, the eggs hatch, the new worms are also immediately attracted to the clay, and in time, the entire problem should be disposed of."

Knishinsky recommends ingesting clay daily. To do this, you can either eat hydrated clay or drink liquefied clay. Generally, it is suggested that one to two tablespoons of hydrated clay daily is the proper amount for an adult. For those who prefer to take their clay in liquid form, we recommend one to two ounces daily. In all three cases, it is recommended to take the clay on an empty stomach for best results. And if you're taking any medication, it is recommended to wait 1-3 hours before ingesting clay, but please check with your physician, as medications vary in time release and content.

Natural Calcium Bentonite Clay is available through the Earth Diet shop. As well as removing parasites this clay is also used for acne, cellulite, detoxification, drawing out toxins from the body, facials, body wraps, foot soaks, clay baths, chilled clay for burns, itches, insect bites, spider veins, varicose veins, Psoriasis and Eczema, allergies, hay fever, knee and muscle packs! Read more on my blog Day 360.

Source: AboutClay.com

Your next Earth Diet Challenge begins next Thursday 11th of November!

Quotes: To know that you do not know is the best. -Tao Te Ching

What I Ate Today:

Meal 1: Water with 1/2 of a lemon juice

Meal 2: Almond Butter Balls! Yum :) Simple and delicious - a hearty snack. Created with almonds and dates.




Meal 3: 1/2 a cantaluope (rockmelon)



Meal 4: A beet (beetroot), carrot, celery & ginger juice.


Meal 5: More cantaluope.

Meal 6: Rice and Beans made by Andrew, my husband! Absolutely delicious :) Created with brown rice, black beans, garlic, onion, peppers (capsicum), basil, spinach & cilantro (coriander).


Meal 7: A Green Salad. Created with avocado, lime, baby spinach, lettuce, snap peas, shallots, & cilantro (coriander).

Meal 8: 2 tablespoons of almond butter :)



Recipe:All recipes will be published in The Earth diet book and are available free on The Earth Diet website www.TheEarthDiet.Org

Exercise: Dancing at home to some of my favourite music from Coldplay, The Fray & Travis :) Stretching and yoga also! Light enjoyable exercise. I also went for a bike ride today.

4 days to go!!!