Parasite Hunting: 7 Ways Unwanted Parasites Can Get Into Your Body

Parasites can reach people through raw or undercooked food, contaminated water, soil, animals and travel, among other routes. This article summarizes general sources of exposure and everyday hygiene habits for educational purposes. If you are concerned, see a healthcare professional about testing.

So you probably do not spend much time thinking about parasites.

But parasites can enter the body in more ways than many people realize.

Parasites are organisms that live in or on another living thing. Some can live in the digestive system. Others can affect different areas of the body.

The CDC divides parasites that can affect humans into three main groups: protozoa, helminths, which are worms, and ectoparasites.

So where can we come into contact with them?

Let's go parasite hunting.

1. Food

One place to start is your plate.

Certain parasites can spread through raw or undercooked foods.

Depending on the parasite, possible sources can include:

• Raw or undercooked meat
• Undercooked fish or shellfish
• Unwashed fruits and vegetables
• Food exposed to contaminated water
• Cross-contamination during food preparation

This does not mean you should be afraid of your food.

Safe cooking, properly washing produce, and good food-handling habits can greatly reduce your risk.

2. Water

A beautiful stream can look perfectly clean.

That does not mean the water is safe to drink.

Parasites such as Giardia can be found in contaminated water.

Lakes, rivers, springs, and other untreated water sources can sometimes contain organisms that can make people sick.

Exposure can even happen by accidentally swallowing contaminated water while swimming.

Be careful with untreated water, especially when camping, hiking, or traveling.

3. Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables should be an important part of a healthy diet.

But we should also wash them.

Fresh produce can come into contact with contaminated soil or water while it is being grown, harvested, transported, or prepared.

Certain parasites can be spread through contaminated produce.

Washing fresh fruits and vegetables under running water is one simple step that can help reduce exposure.

4. Soil

Do you garden?

Walk barefoot?

Spend a lot of time outdoors?

Certain parasites can live in contaminated soil.

Depending on the type of parasite, exposure can happen when microscopic eggs are accidentally swallowed. Some parasite larvae can also enter through the skin.

Wearing gloves while gardening, washing your hands afterward, and wearing shoes in areas where contamination may be possible are simple ways to help protect yourself.

5. Animals

We love our pets, but animals can carry certain parasites that can also affect humans.

Exposure may happen through contact with animal waste or with soil and surfaces contaminated by animal waste.

One example is Toxoplasma gondii. Cats can play a role in the life cycle of this parasite.

This does not mean your dog or cat is dangerous.

Good hygiene and regular veterinary care are important.

Wash your hands after cleaning up animal waste and keep your pet's veterinary care up to date.

6. Travel

Travel lets us experience new places, cultures, foods, and environments.

It can also expose us to organisms we may not normally encounter at home.

Depending on where you travel, contaminated food and water can be sources of certain parasites.

Pay attention to local health recommendations, drinking water, ice, fresh produce, and how food is prepared when traveling.

A little preparation can go a long way.

7. Other People and Surfaces

You do not have to travel around the world to come into contact with a parasite.

Some can spread close to home.

Giardia is one example. An infected person or animal can pass the parasite through feces. Microscopic contamination can then reach hands, food, water, toys, bathroom surfaces, and other objects.

This is one reason something as simple as washing your hands properly is so important.

What Happens If a Parasite Gets Inside?

It depends on the parasite.

Some people may have no symptoms.

Others may experience:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Gas
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Dehydration
• Tiredness

These symptoms can also be caused by many other health conditions.

Having bloating or feeling tired does not mean you have a parasite.

If symptoms continue, proper medical testing can help determine what is actually happening.

Prevention Starts With Everyday Habits

You do not need to be afraid of parasites.

You just need to understand how exposure can happen.

Some simple habits can help:

• Wash your hands regularly.
• Wash fruits and vegetables.
• Cook meat and seafood properly.
• Be careful with untreated water.
• Try not to swallow water while swimming.
• Wear gloves when working with potentially contaminated soil.
• Wash your hands after handling animal waste.
• Keep up with your pet's veterinary care.
• Learn about food and water safety before traveling.

Small habits can make a big difference.

Do Not Forget What You Put Back In

Avoiding unwanted exposures is only one part of the wellness conversation.

What you put into your body every day matters too.

Vegetables and other plant foods provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are an important part of a healthy diet.

But let's face it. Getting a good variety of greens every single day is not always easy.

This is where ReLive Greens by The ROOT Brands can fit into a daily wellness routine.

ReLive Greens provides a convenient way to add greens and plant-based ingredients to your day, especially on days when getting enough variety from food may be difficult.

The idea is simple:

Pay attention to what you are trying to keep out while making sure you are putting good nutrition in.

A cleanse may be something you choose to do from time to time.

Nourishing your body is something you can do every day.

Know Your Environment. Know Your Body.

Parasites are part of our environment.

We may come into contact with them through food, water, soil, animals, travel, and other people.

That does not mean we need to live in fear.

It means we should be informed.

The more you understand about how unwanted parasites can enter the body, the more you can do to reduce exposure and make informed decisions about your health.

Parasite hunting is not about being afraid of what is around you. It is about being more aware of it.

Get RELIVE GREENS Today!

Medical References & Further Reading

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).About Parasites.https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/about/
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).How Parasites Spread.https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/causes/
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).About Giardia Infection.https://www.cdc.gov/giardia/about/
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).About Soil-Transmitted Helminths.https://www.cdc.gov/sth/about/
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).About Toxoplasmosis.https://www.cdc.gov/toxoplasmosis/about/
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Preventing Toxoplasmosis.https://www.cdc.gov/toxoplasmosis/prevention/
7. Mayo Clinic.Giardia Infection: Symptoms & Causes.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/giardia-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20372786

Important Note

The medical references above support the educational information about parasites and possible sources of exposure. They should not be interpreted as clinical evidence that ReLive Greens prevents, removes, or treats parasites.