International travel spreads them, as well as the return of armed services personnel from overseas. Within a country, parasites find a home in contaminated municipal and rural water supplies and in household pets, not to mention in farm animals. Finally, the increasing number of day-care centers has proven to be a transmission place. According to Ann Louise Gittleman, a certified nutritionist who has worked with parasite patients, a parasite infection can be manifested by any number of signs. These include constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, joint and muscle aches and pains, anemia, allergies, skin conditions, nervousness, sleep disturbances, teeth grinding, chronic fatigue, and abdominal pain.
Parasites can damage the host's body in a number of ways.
Produce toxic substances and allergic reactions. Irritate and invade body tissue, including the skin and intestinal lining. Put pressure on body organs and cause organ obstructions. Depress immune system function while activating immune system response. Result in malabsorption of nutrients.