Happy Halloween-eve to you!

I thought today would be an appropriate day to talk about a health subject that can seem like something straight out of a real-life horror movie.

I'm talking about creepy-crawly creatures that can take up residence inside of YOU!

That's right. While the thought of microscopic organisms living inside us might make your skin crawl, the fact is, your body is home to trillions of tiny microorganisms.

Most are perfectly harmless, and many are essential to your good health.

But others? Well, let's just say they're not exactly welcome guests.

The good, the bad and the creepy

Your body is home to an incredible community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and other microscopic life forms.

Many of these organisms live in harmony with you. The friendly bacteria that populate your gut microbiome, for example, play important roles in digestion, nutrient metabolism and immune function.

Others are considered commensal organisms. They have something of a "roommate" arrangement with you. They benefit from living in or on your body without necessarily helping or harming you.

And then there are the true parasites.

Unlike your friendly microbial residents, parasites live in or on another organism, called a "host," and obtain nourishment or other benefits at the host's expense.

Some cause relatively mild problems, while others can trigger serious infections and damage tissues or organs.

And here's where things get especially creepy.

They can create quite a mess

Like other living organisms, parasites have their own biological processes. They take in nutrients, produce waste products and interact with their surroundings.

Depending on the type of parasite and where it lives, these activities can irritate tissues, trigger inflammation and interfere with normal bodily functions.

Some intestinal parasites can disrupt digestion or interfere with nutrient absorption, potentially contributing to nutritional deficiencies.

Others can provoke immune responses that cause inflammation and discomfort.

And since your digestive system plays such an important role in your overall health, an unwelcome visitor in your intestines can certainly make its presence known!

Exploring the territory

Some people are under the impression that harmful parasites only inhabit the intestinal tract.

Not so.

While many parasitic infections involve the digestive system, certain parasites can also inhabit your blood, muscles, liver, lungs and other tissues or organs.

Some even travel through different parts of your body as part of their natural life cycle.

Take hookworms, for example.

Their larvae can enter your body through your skin, often when you walk barefoot on contaminated soil. From there, they travel through your bloodstream to your lungs, move up your airways, are swallowed and eventually settle in your small intestine.

Talk about taking the scenic route!

Other parasites have entirely different ways of entering the body and establishing themselves.

Which brings us to an important question...

How in the world?

There are a surprising number of ways people can be exposed to harmful parasites.

Some of the more common sources include:

• Contaminated drinking water, including untreated water from lakes, rivers, streams and wells
• Swimming in or accidentally swallowing water contaminated with infectious organisms
• Raw or undercooked foods, especially certain meats, fish and shellfish
• Unwashed fruits and vegetables
• Contact with contaminated soil
• Exposure to infected animal waste
• Inadequate handwashing, especially after using the bathroom or handling contaminated materials
• Certain types of sexual contact
• Travel to areas where particular parasitic infections are more common

And here's something worth remembering: You don't necessarily have to travel halfway around the world to encounter a parasite.

Some parasitic infections occur right here in the United States.

Of course, exposure does not automatically mean you'll develop an infection. The organism involved, the amount of exposure and your body's defenses all play a role.

One small creepy-crawly, one GIANT bunch of symptoms

Because different parasites affect different parts of the body, the symptoms of an infection can vary considerably.

And some people may experience few symptoms—or none at all.

Depending on the organism involved, symptoms can include:

• Bloating and excessive gas
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Itching around the anal area, particularly at night
• Skin irritation or rashes
• Nutritional deficiencies, including anemia in certain infections
• Muscle aches or other symptoms when tissues outside the digestive tract are affected

Now, here's something important to understand.

These symptoms aren't unique to parasites. Many can also occur with common digestive disturbances, food intolerances and other health conditions.

So while it's useful to recognize the possibilities, symptoms alone can't tell you whether an unwelcome creature has moved in!

Your body's built-in defenses

Fortunately, your body isn't completely defenseless against these unwanted guests.

Far from it!

Your immune system is constantly working to recognize and respond to potential threats, including parasites.

And your digestive system has some impressive protective mechanisms of its own.

For example, the hydrochloric acid in your stomach does more than help break down food. Its highly acidic environment can also destroy or weaken many microorganisms that enter through food and beverages.

Your intestinal lining provides another important protective barrier, helping regulate what passes from your digestive tract into your body.

And then there's your gut microbiome.

The trillions of beneficial microorganisms living in your digestive tract interact with your intestinal lining and immune system, helping maintain a healthy environment.

Although a healthy microbiome cannot 100% guarantee protection against parasitic infections, supporting your digestive health is an important part of supporting your body's defenses.

Get it out of me!

Now that I've probably got you sufficiently creeped out, let's talk about what happens if you suspect you might actually have a parasitic infection.

First, it's important to identify what you're dealing with.

A doctor can order tests for parasites, but not every infection is detected through the same testing method.

For example, certain intestinal parasites may not appear in every stool sample, so collecting samples on different days may improve the chances of detection.

And parasites that inhabit other parts of the body may require blood tests or other specialized testing.

Treatment also depends on the specific organism involved. Different parasites respond to different medications, so identifying the cause is important.

The good news is that many parasitic infections can be treated effectively once they're properly identified.

But wouldn't it be even better to avoid inviting these creepy-crawlies into your body in the first place?

That's where a smart three-step approach comes in.

A three-step approach

1. Avoid the sources

First and foremost, it's important to reduce your exposure to the sources of parasites I mentioned above.

Start with good hygiene.

Wash your hands thoroughly, especially before preparing food, after using the bathroom and after handling animals or cleaning up after pets.

Wash fresh produce, cook meats and seafood to appropriate temperatures, and avoid drinking untreated water.

If you're traveling somewhere with questionable water sanitation, choose bottled or properly purified water and be mindful of ice and uncooked foods.

And if your pets spend time outdoors, make sure they're receiving appropriate veterinary care, including recommended parasite prevention and testing.

I'm also a big believer in paying attention to the quality of your drinking water.

A good water filtration system can be a worthwhile investment, particularly if you have concerns about your local water quality.

Reverse osmosis is one option that can remove a wide range of contaminants when the system is properly maintained.

Personally, I use reusable 5-gallon bottles that I refill at a local water purification center.

I've got to say, the water tastes incredibly fresh, and it's economical, too!

2. Support your internal environment

Your digestive system is an important part of your body's natural defense system, so it makes sense to give it the nutritional support it needs.

One place to start is by supporting healthy digestion.

As I mentioned earlier, stomach acid plays an important role in breaking down food and helping protect against certain unwanted microorganisms.

If you struggle with heartburn, acid reflux or digestive discomfort, paying attention to how and what you eat can be helpful.

Many people find that simplifying their meals and identifying foods and combinations that aggravate their symptoms makes digestion more comfortable.

My Great Taste No Pain system focuses on food combining and other dietary strategies designed to support more comfortable digestion.

In fact, changing the way I combined foods was a turning point in my own digestive health journey and helped me overcome the IBS symptoms I struggled with 34 years ago. 😊

The other important piece of the puzzle is your gut microbiome.

A healthy, diverse population of beneficial bacteria helps support digestion, intestinal barrier function and normal immune activity.

And one way to support those friendly bacteria is with a quality probiotic.

Super Shield contains 15 well-studied strains of beneficial bacteria selected to support digestive balance, healthy bowel function and normal immune health.

It's a convenient way to give your gut microbiome some extra attention, especially when you're working to maintain a healthy digestive environment.

Remember, probiotics aren't a treatment for parasitic infections. You still need proper medical care for an active infection. But taking good care of your digestive system is a smart investment in your overall health.

3. Explore nature's interesting defenses

Here's where things get especially fascinating.

For centuries, people around the world have turned to certain foods, herbs and spices as part of their traditional approaches to health.

Garlic, for example, contains sulfur compounds that have been studied for their antimicrobial properties.

Other foods and seasonings, including onions, leeks, ginger, thyme, cloves and oregano, contain plant compounds that have also attracted interest.

Some of these compounds have even demonstrated activity against certain parasites in laboratory studies!

Now, that doesn't mean eating garlic or sprinkling oregano on your dinner will eliminate a parasitic infection.

But it does illustrate just how remarkable the natural compounds found in everyday foods can be!

And these flavorful ingredients can be wonderful additions to a varied, nutrient-rich diet.

Fresh garlic and onions can add tremendous flavor to vegetables, soups and savory dishes. Ginger is delicious in teas, stir-fries and marinades. And herbs like thyme and oregano make it easy to bring extra flavor and variety to your meals.

It's one more reason I encourage people to enjoy a wide range of wholesome foods as part of their everyday diet.

Parasites may be sneaky little creatures, and some can certainly create problems for your health.

But that doesn't mean you need to spend Halloween worrying about microscopic monsters lurking around every corner!

By practicing good hygiene, making smart food and water choices, supporting healthy digestion and taking appropriate action when an infection is suspected, you can go a long way toward protecting your health.

And when it comes to creepy-crawly creatures, I think we can all agree on one thing...

They're much more fun as Halloween decorations than as unwanted guests inside your body!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia