Doctor Zac reveals the truth about how harmful parasites are

Right now there are billions of organisms living in your body. And there’s something you need to know if you ever have a parasite.

Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from news.com.au. This week, Dr Zac Turner delves into the topic of parasites and just how worrying it is to have them in the body.

QUESTION: Hi Dr Zac, my friend has been told by her doctor she has a parasite, and that it’s a bad thing. I thought it was normal to have parasites living in my body? Please help me clear up the confusion – Amy 23, Surfers Paradise

ANSWER: Great question Amy! Right now there are billions of organisms living in your body. There are about 200 different species of bacteria, viruses and fungi alive in just your large intestine.

Don’t be freaked out, this is entirely normal and healthy. It is important to remember most of the organisms living in your body are your friends! They are paying you rent for living in your body by providing many health benefits. For example the bacteria and other microorganisms in your gut are known as your gut microbiome. The bacteria help to break down food, turning it into nutrients your body can use.

What’s happened to your friend is that she is probably experiencing a gatecrasher to the party in her body. This is something, like a parasite, that hasn’t been invited and is causing a mess. Examples of these parasites include worms such as roundworms, tapeworms and pinworms.

Microscopic parasite giardia lamblia that causes giardiasis disease, which was found in Sydney's drinking water previously. Picture: Supplied

Other common examples are Giardia lamblia or trichinosis. Her doctor would have discovered the parasite either through a stool exam or blood test.

Parasites enter the body most often through the mouth or skin. Usually it’s either from eating uncooked, raw food like meat or shaking hands with someone who has a parasite. Another really common way people get parasites is by not washing their hands after going to the bathroom. Parasites that enter through the mouth are swallowed and can either remain in the intestine or burrow through the intestinal wall and invade other organs.

If you feel unwell, see your doctor. Picture: iStock

They usually have a full life cycle in your body, all the way to reproduction! It’s always best to try and nip it in the bud before it gets to that point.

Parasites can cause symptoms like diarrhoea, abdominal pain, unexpected weight loss and even an itchy bum. There are many treatments to kick them out of your body, so there is no need to worry there. I always recommend that people listen to their body. If something doesn’t feel right, go to your doctor and get a test for parasites. It’s good practice to get a test if you come home from travelling and feel sick.

Your friend is going to be okay! You know it’s a bad thing because her doctor told her so.

Peek-a-boo! Common intestinal parasite: The tapeworm. Picture: Supplied

Got a question: email

[e-mail]

Follow Dr Zac at

https://www.instagram.com/drzacturner

Dr Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventative health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University, and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registrar for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UNSW). Dr Zac is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors.

Originally published as Doctor Zac reveals the truth about how harmful parasites are