ecosystem in your gut Archives - Amazing Health Advances

The Best Foods and Herbs to Eliminate Intestinal Parasites

The AHA! Team — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 05:19:40 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Parasites consume nutrients from the food we eat – and can also feed on blood, resulting in a lack of vital iron and protein. In addition, they can cause malabsorption of nutrients, leading to deficiencies. Parasites lurking deep within the human body may be hidden from sight – but their effects can be far-reaching and serious. Ranging in size from tiny microorganisms to ten-foot-long segmented worms, intestinal parasites can cause inflammation in the brain, muscles, esophagus, and skin and are associated with leaky gut syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, acid reflux, joint pain, seasonal and food allergies – and a host of other health problems. The good news is that these noxious pests are vulnerable to certain foods and natural herbal remedies. Read on to discover what these substances are and how you can use them to rid your body of a parasitic infection. Intestinal parasites can wreak havoc on our health Parasites consume nutrients from the food we eat – and can also feed on blood, resulting in a lack of vital iron and protein. In addition, they can cause malabsorption of nutrients, leading to deficiencies. Intestinal parasites can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body, where they can penetrate body tissues such as the liver, lungs, and stomach – with serious consequences. For example, parasites lodged in the liver can cause cirrhosis and abscesses. There are many routes through which parasites can enter the body, including contaminated food – particularly pork, shellfish, and scavenger fish – and water. Some can also be transmitted through the bite of a mosquito or flea, through intimate contact, or even through the nose and mouth after a contaminated surface has been touched. Although anyone can get parasites, having low immunity, poor diet, and poor hygiene can all raise the risk of infection. Protozoa and helminths: A pair of health threats There are two major classes of intestinal parasites. Protozoa are single-celled microscopic organisms. Examples of infectious parasitical protozoa include Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium. Because these microorganisms can reproduce inside humans, infections can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms of protozoan disease include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, dehydration, fatigue and joint pain. Helminths Helminths are multicellular worms and include roundworms, flatworms, pinworms – the most common form of helminth in the United States – tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Helminths differ from protozoa in that although they can live in your lower intestine, they can’t reproduce there. However, they can still cause serious health problems. Before treating for parasites, make sure you undergo comprehensive tests, including microbiology. After you know which parasites you are fighting, you can try one or more of the following foods and herbs to eliminate them. Pumpkin seeds are an anti-parasitical snack Pumpkin seeds are tasty, crunchy, and nutritious. They also can paralyze helminths, allowing them to be easily flushed from the body, and have been traditionally used as a remedy for parasites. Some natural health experts advise blending a cup of raw pumpkin seeds with half a cup of coconut milk and half a cup of water, then eating the resultant paste – following up with a glass of water. Although pumpkin seeds can be very effective, results may not be immediate – you may need to repeat the treatment several times. Garlic: A one-two punch against parasites Garlic is packed with sulfur-containing amino acids, which help to combat parasites. A compound in garlic known as allicin also helps to kill and expel worms – but the garlic must be sliced, diced, or chopped to fully release it. The more finely garlic is chopped, the more allicin it releases. After mincing or dicing garlic, let it sit for a few minutes to allow this chemical process to occur. Alternatively, you can chew it for at least a minute. Papaya: A tropical fruit that fights parasites Along with amino acids, digestive enzymes such as papain (found in papayas) and bromelain (found in pineapples) can create an unfriendly environment for protozoa and helminths alike. The value of this traditional natural remedy for intestinal parasites was confirmed in a placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods. Sixty children were treated with a mixture of air-dried Carica papaya seeds and honey, resulting in parasite clearance rates that ranged between 71.4 percent and 100 percent. Researchers praised papaya seeds as an effective, cheap, and safe way to treat human intestinal parasites. In addition to foods such as pumpkin seeds, garlic, and papaya seeds, some common herbs have parasite-destroying properties. Just one word of caution: Always consult a holistic physician or trusted herbal medicine expert before starting a detoxification program to avoid harming the body. Let’s not forget: Oil of oregano Highly antimicrobial, oil of oregano – made from Oreganum vulgare – can be very effective against intestinal parasites. In a study published in Phytotherapy Research, adults infected with three different types of parasites were given 600 mg of oregano oil a day. After six weeks, parasites were eradicated in 72 percent of the participants; 23 percent greatly decreased their parasite load. Because researchers think that oil of oregano gets its anti-parasitical powers from carvacrol, be sure to use oil standardized to at least 65 percent carvacrol. Neem: An ancient remedy for parasites Antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral neem has been used in India for thousands of years to reliably kill internal and external parasites. The neem tree, scientifically known as Azadirachta indica, is native to India, where it serves so many medicinal purposes that it is often referred to as “the village pharmacy.” One of neem’s assets is that it not only kills parasites but also removes the toxins they leave behind as they are dying. This detoxifying property of neem also makes it a boon to the liver, which is often compromised by parasitic infection. Wormwood, black walnut, and cloves: a potent combination Scientifically known as Artemisia annua and also called annual mugwort and sweet Annie, Wormwood has pronounced anti-protozoan effects and is particularly effective at killing parasitic larvae. In addition, it stimulates macrophages, which are key in the immune system’s defense against parasitic infestation. Wormwood is often combined with black walnut, or Juglans negra, and the essential oil of cloves. The juglone in black walnut helps to kill parasites, while the antimicrobial oil of cloves can destroy virtually all parasite eggs in the intestinal tract. Combining these three substances can interrupt the parasitic life cycle, terminating these pests for good. How diet can help you to avoid parasites,/h5> Remember: Organic acids and enzymes help to kill parasites. Eating foods rich in these substances can create a body environment that discourages parasitic infection. As a preventative, natural health experts recommend eating six tablespoons of raw, extra-virgin coconut oil, a whole clove of garlic, and one large red onion. High-quality multi-strain probiotics can help destroy parasites in both the upper and lower gastrointestinal systems. Drinking fermented beverages – such as kefir and apple cider vinegar – and eating fermented probiotic-rich foods such as miso soup, sauerkraut, and kimchi can encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and help to ward off infection. Finally, it is essential to sharply reduce and eliminate sugar, grains – which break down to sugar in the body – and alcohol. Editor’s note: Discover the shocking truth behind your “unexplained” health problems + the best ways to detoxify your body, watch the Whole Body Detox Summit created by NaturalHealth365 Programs. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov CDC.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Cranberries Proven to Boost Gut Health, Research Suggests

The AHA! Team — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 07:26:45 +0000

Dena Schmidt via NaturalHealth365 – Food scientists increasingly explore cranberries’ role in gut health and maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst recently found that a specific indigestible carbohydrate in cranberries can nourish and stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Cranberries also exhibit unique metabolic effects in the gut, further promoting overall gut health. A new study published in NPJ Biofilms and Microbiomes (2024) reinforces these findings. Short-term supplementation with cranberry extract modulated gut microbiota in humans, inducing a bifidogenic effect. Researchers observed an increase in butyrate-producing bacteria, which contribute to gut and metabolic health. Special compound in cranberries supports prebiotic activity in the gut microbiome Food scientists have been paying special attention to prebiotics of late. Prebiotics refer to molecules that can be consumed but are not digested. They also promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gut microbiome. The foods we eat not only bring a certain level of nutritional benefit; they also either help or hinder the function of our gut microbiome. It’s worth noting that these bacteria outnumber our bodies’ cells by a substantial amount. Many plant cell walls cannot be digested, including the special sugars located in the cellular walls of the cranberry called xyloglucans. However, these xyloglucans find their way into the intestines and gut microbiome. These ‘beneficial bacteria’ then break them down to create various health-supporting compounds and molecules. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial to immune system vitality The study published in NPJ Biofilms and Microbiomes involved 28 human participants. It demonstrated that after just four days of cranberry extract supplementation, there was a significant increase in the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Clostridium and Anaerobutyricum. These bacteria produce butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid essential for maintaining gut integrity and supporting metabolic health. The study also revealed that the cranberry extract altered the balance of short-chain fatty acids in the gut, with a decrease in acetate and an increase in butyrate, signifying a shift towards a healthier gut environment. Additionally, participants with microbiomes characterized by Prevotella experienced an increase in Faecalibacterium, a beneficial microbe known for its anti-inflammatory properties. In the University of Massachusetts Amherst study, researchers extracted and purified xyloglucan from cranberries. This sugar was then used as the sole carbohydrate to feed bifidobacteria, which are beneficial bacteria naturally found in the human gut. These bacteria were placed in a controlled, oxygen-free (anaerobic) laboratory environment to study how they responded. Results showed that bifidobacteria thrived on this cranberry-derived sugar, highlighting its potential role in promoting a healthy gut microbiome. The researchers found that some of the bifidobacteria could consume xyloglucans and exhibit a special, atypical metabolism when doing so. They produce formic acid and less lactic acid than what is typically secreted by similar compounds. Ultimately, this kind of research brings hope that this carbohydrate found in cranberries could eventually become a valuable food additive or supplement. Remember, when the gut microbiome is ‘out-of-whack,’ it can lead to chronic inflammation and disease. So, obviously, we want to eat as many foods as we can (each day) to support our gut health. Pre- and pro-biotics could hold the key to overall gut health Although some research indicates a trend toward focusing on prebiotics instead of probiotics for gut health, I wouldn’t count out the value of probiotics too quickly – especially in the age of antibiotics. Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria introduced into the gut, while prebiotics are compounds already present that nourish and support the growth of these good bacteria. Prebiotics play a key role in producing essential compounds in our bodies, breaking down substances we can’t digest, protecting against harmful pathogens, and assisting other beneficial microbes in maintaining overall health. Researchers are already planning future studies to explore the activity of cranberry xyloglucans with other beneficial bacterial strains. We’ll probably see similar (positive) results. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Eurekalert.org To read the original article click here.

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Why You Should “Trust Your Gut” — Your Second Brain

AHA Publisher — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 08:00:40 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Have you ever had a “gut feeling” about something? Well, it turns out you may want to pay attention to that feeling because researchers now consider the gut to be the “second brain” of the human body! It turns out there are more than 100 million neurons in your intestinal system. Referred to as the “enteric nervous system,” this brain in the gut acts very similarly to the brain in the head. The gut can receive impulses, record experiences, and respond to emotions. The Micro-Biome and Neurotransmitters The 100 million neurons in the gut interact with chemicals that control their function called neurotransmitters. It turns out that a large portion of the neurotransmitters in the body are produced by bacteria in the gut! These bacteria make up what is called the micro-biome. This refers to the ecosystem of bacteria in your gut. The micro-biome is responsible for creating up to 90% of the body’s serotonin and about 50% of the body’s dopamine. Moreover, the intestines produce and co-regulate 30 other neurotransmitters that are utilized by the central nervous system to regulate mood, stress levels, sleep patterns, mental functioning and a number of other essential body processes. Obviously, the second brain is responsible for much more than just digestion. So maybe those gut feelings actually are giving you some valuable information! However, the true nature of this incredibly complex system is still under research. Your Gut Affects Your Mind A study published in Gastroenterology showed that women who were given probiotic yogurt twice a day for 4 weeks had a calmer and more controlled reaction when shown images of various facial expressions. The bacteria in the yogurt included Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains which are found in Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Biotics Ultra Blend Probiotics formula. Other research in mice has correlated certain strains of gut bacteria with anxiety. Mice specifically raised to have no bacteria in their gut were inoculated with bacteria from the guts of anxious mice. The inoculated mice then proceeded to exhibit anxious behavior. This has huge implications in how powerfully the bacteria in our gut can affect how we feel. Heal Your Gut, Heal Your Mind If you or your loved ones suffer from mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, then this research is incredibly promising. By taking steps to balance and improve the health of your gut you can make positive changes in how you feel on a day-to-day basis. Here are a few tips to help you heal your gut: Reduce Your Added Sugar Intake – Pathogenic bacteria thrive on high sugar diets Eat More Fermented Foods – This includes sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, kimchi, kvass, and raw cheese. Use a High Quality Probiotic – Living Probiotic, Living Chia, and Fermented Green Supremefood are all good options. Eat More Healthy Fats – Coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and Maximum MCT Oil all help subdue pathogenic bacteria. Eat your fats away from your probiotics so that you do not kill off the good guys! Implementing these simple changes will help balance the bacterial diversity in your gut making you more mentally and physically resilient so that the next time you get a “gut feeling” you will know that you can trust it! More and more, science is proving that a healthy digestive system is the key to a healthy brain and body—and the power to keep your gut healthy lies directly with you! Get Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone book today to help you understand the connection between your gut and your health. You will learn that whatever inflames your gut will eventually inflame your brain and the rest of your body. Making the right food choices will become the medicine in which you will walk and live in divine health. References https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/06/gut-bacteria-on-the-brain/395918/ http://www.psyking.net/id36.htm https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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