pg 30, First 10/30/06

Parasites are making up to 32% of women fat and tired!

he scientific community has made a breakthrough that could free millions of women

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How invading microbes trigger weight gain
As many as 73 percent of infected people struggle with symptoms, yet they have no idea that a microscopic intruder is to blame. “And since
most doctors get little or no training in parasitology, they frequently

overgrowth also activates the immune system, triggering allergic reactions that suppress the thyroid gland and cause unstable blood sugar.

3. They acidify body systems
A natural by-product of parasites is acid, which can damage organs, break down muscle tissue and cause the central nervous system to become sluggish. Ironically, the body’s self-preservation system can make the problem worse. “The body responds by shuttling acid into fat cells and slowing metabolic rate so more protective fat can be stored,” explains clinical researcher Robert O. Young, Ph.D., coauthor of The pH Miracle for Weight Loss (Warner Books, 2006). “This is the body’s way of getting acids out of circulation, but it makes losing weight virtually impossible.”

2. They make organs slugglish
Parasites can emit indole catabolites and other toxins that the liver and kidneys have to work hard to excrete. These organs can quickly become sluggish, leading to fatigue, irritability and weight gain,” cautions Dr. Dean. 

These herbs flush out bugs
The good news: Extensive studies have led to the discovery of herbal healers that kill parasites while remedying internal damage. "Consuming these compounds can help you shed up to 22 pounds in two weeks, plus quickly restore your vitality,” says Gittleman. Read on for the natural Rx that will have you feeling fabulous this month!

overlook even the classic signs,” notes Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of Guess What Came to Dinner”: Parasites and Your Health (Avery). “The reality is, every single one of us is at risk.” Here, the numerous ways in which parasites sap the vitality of their human hosts:

1. They block the absorption of nutrients
Parasites inflame the membrane that lines the digestive tract, hindering the absorption of vitamins, minerals, fats and other nutrients that balance hormones, stabilize blood sugar and boost metabolism, notes Elson Haas, M.D., director of California’s Preventative Medical Center of Marin.

2. They trigger yeast overgrowth
Parasites hinder the growth of ben-eficial bacteria in the gut, creating an environment that allows yeast to flourish. “And since yeast are ferment-ing organisms, they cause gas, bloat, and pain,” says Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D., coauthor of The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to Women’s Health (Robert Rose, 2005). Yeast

from stubborn pounds. But chances are, you’ve never heard about it. That’s because few doctors are even aware that the problem exists in North America, nor do they appreci-ate the tremendous impact it’s having on our health and our weight.

The “invisible” culprit that packs on pounds
The problem is parasites, which had been dismissed as a concern only in third world countries. Their connec-tion to health problems is now being studied in the United States, as out-dated water-treatment systems, inter-national travel, imported food and use of antibiotics have dramatically increased our exposure and suscepti-bility to microscopic invaders.
    How widespread are intestinal parasites in America? At least 48 states have fought measurable outbreaks. And a study in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene found that 32 percent of a nationally representative rample of 2,896 people tested positive for infections

Photo: Adam OIszewski. Hair. Robert Huitron for RME. Makeup: Adrienne Lyton for Agency Gerard. Stylist: Margo Rohan for Haliey Resources. Still, left: Ed Reschke/Peter ArnoId, Inc./Alamy Images. Other stills: HBB. text: Brenda Kearns and Brooke Ross.