Dr. Hulda Clark: “What is a Parasite?”
What is a parasite? Dr. Hulda Clark explains: A parasite is an organism that lives off the host, the host being you or me. The parasites live a parallel life inside our bodies, feeding off either our own energy, our own cells or the food we eat, and even feeding off the health supplements we use.
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%.
Approximate Scale of Microbes & Infectious Agents
Viruses
The smallest of all infectious agents, averaging about 100 nanometers (100 billionths of a meter) in length. They have so few genes and proteins of their own that in order to reproduce they need to commandeer the machinery of the cells they invade.
Bacteria
Vary widely in size and shape, but tend to be at least 10 times larger than viruses, or at least 1 micrometer (1 millionth of a meter) long. They are single-cell organisms that reproduce independently.
Single-Cell Parasites
Tend to be at least 10 times larger than bacteria, or about 0.01 millimeter long, capable of rapid reproduction inside tissues and the digestive tract.
Multi-Cellular Parasites
So large they can usually be seen with the naked eye. Tapeworms, for instance, can reach a length of 6 meters (20 feet) inside the intestinal tract.
Dr. Hulda Clark Cleanses & Parasite Transmission
Food and water are the most common sources of parasite transmission. Since most of us eat three times a day and drink water frequently throughout the day, our exposure to these sources is constant. Tap water has been found to be contaminated with parasitic organisms. Both plant and animal foods carry parasites, and cleaning and cooking methods often do not destroy them before ingestion. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) cites food as the catalyst behind 80 percent of the pathogenic outbreaks in the U.S. Most are linked to restaurants and delis where less than sanitary conditions exist – from food preparation and storage to the utensils and servers’ hands.
Animals, just like humans, can become infected with parasites. Internally, contaminated water and food can spread the problem to our pets. Externally, animals become infected by parasites on their bodies, especially on their fur, because of exposure to infected animal wastes. Forgetting to wash your hands even one time after handling or cleaning up after your animal can transmit the parasite to you. In fact, there is a whole set of diseases classified as ‘zoonoses’ (animal-transmitted diseases) in parasitology textbooks. Experts have projected that of the 110 million pet dogs and cats in this country, over half may be infected with at least one or more different kinds of parasites.
The CDC estimates that the number of parasites present in the United States alone number in the thousands. They are categorized according to structure, shape, function, and reproductive ability: microscopic organisms (protozoa); roundworms, pinworms, and hookworms (nematoda); tapeworms (cestoda); and flukes (trematoda).
1. Protozoa
Making up approximately 70 percent of all parasites, protozoa are invisible to the naked eye. Certain protozoans, through their intensely rapid reproductive ability, can take over the intestinal tract of their host and go on to other organs and tissues. Some feed on red blood cells or produce cysts safe from digestive juices. Common protozoa include: Endolimax nana, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium parvum, Blastocystis hominis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Toxoplasma gondii, Pneumocystis carinii, Plasmodium falciparum, and Leishmania.
2. Nematode (Roundworms)
While protozoans are single-celled, nematode creatures are multi-cellular. The adult worms multiply by producing eggs called ova or larvae. Experts claim that some type of worm is already in the intestines of over 75 percent of the world’s population. Common nematodes include: Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), Hookworm (Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale), Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis), Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis), Strongyloides, Trichinella spiralis, and Filaria.
3. Cestoda (Tapeworms)
Among the oldest known parasites, tapeworms are considered humanity’s largest intestinal inhabitant. They each have a scolex (head) that attaches to the intestinal wall. As long as the head remains attached to the intestinal mucosa, a new worm can grow from it. Tapeworms do not contain digestive tracts but get their nourishment by absorbing partially digested substances from the host. Common cestoda include: Beef tapeworm (Taenia saginata), Pork tapeworm (Taenia solium), Fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum), and Dog tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum).
4. Trematode (Flukes)
Trematodes are leaf-shaped flatworms also known as flukes. They are parasitic during nearly all of their life-cycle forms. The cycle begins when larvae are released into freshwater by infected snails and penetrate the skin or are ingested on vegetation, fish, or crustaceans. Common trematodes include: Intestinal fluke (Fasciolopsis buski), Blood fluke (Schistosoma), Liver fluke (Clonorchis sinensis), Oriental lung fluke (Paragonimus westermani), and Sheep liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica).