Are you ready for the bug boom?



Last month saw Dr Omar Amin, a world-renowned parasitologist, founder of the Parasitology Center Inc, Arizona (PCI) and author of over 180 articles and books on human and animal parasites, visit London.

Dr Amin presented a two-day seminar, Understanding Parasites, on behalf of Parasite Testing Europe (PCI Europe) and in collaboration with Integrative Health Education. The event was attended by nutritionists, doctors, naturopaths, colon hydrotherapists and physiologists.

Dr Amin’s seminar started with an introduction to the world of parasites, the procedures at PCI and the common misdiagnoses and mistreatments encountered by practitioners.

According to PCI test results parasites are proliferating, with 32% of the American and European populations being infected. Dr Amin’s estimates, however, are closer to 50%, meaning that one in two of the general population has a parasitic infection that could result in wide-ranging symptoms and a variety of health consequences. Practitioners learnt that not all tests deliver reliable results and that analysis by experienced lab technicians is key.

Most practitioners recognise that parasitic infections disrupt digestion, causing IBS and colitis symptoms such as diarrhoea, cramps, bloating, flatulence, nutrient malabsorption and headaches. However, Dr Amin emphasised that skin problems, such as dermatitis, are also common due to the toxic allergenic nature of the parasite’s metabolic byproducts. Fatigue and insomnia often occur as some parasites are active at night.

The presented cases demonstrated that infections do not only occur in third world areas as is commonly perceived. People travelling to popular holiday destinations such as Mexico, Thailand and Turkey were at higher risk, especially if exposed to contaminated water, unwashed produce, uncooked meat or skin contact with insects. Everywhere, though, danger is present if there is poor hygiene, contact with contaminated pets, or even barefoot walking. Therefore, Dr Amin advised to always use appropriate tests if digestive symptoms or skin disorders manifest and especially if patients have a history of travel, often eat out or handle food.

The first day finished with an analytical review of patients’ sample tests, provided by PCI Europe (parasitetesting.co.uk) which performs the most accurate, comprehensive parasite, fungus and bacteria stool analyses in Europe. Dr Amin follows a strict control as he has seen other lab results showing misdiagnosed parasite infections, either from misinterpretation or unfamiliarity with parasite types. The importance of sample analysis by lab technicians specially trained in identifying parasites from all seven continents was emphasised.

He showed how undigested plant tissues could be mistaken for parasites, such as tomato skins for tapeworms. His knowledge also helped him create The Freedom Cleanse Restore regime – an anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal botanical remedy that defends and cleanses the body of toxins and pathogens while promoting regularity and tissue repair.



The second day started with a view of PCI patients who over the years had gastrointestinal symptoms but after testing were free of parasite infection. These cases were explained by pathogenic bacteria being present in the gastrointestinal system, such as E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterobacter, Candida and H. pylori, amongst others. Dr Amin found Klebsiella to be the most common in the UK, leading to diarrhoea, cystitis, pneumonia and prostatitis. Often transmitted in hospitals among low-immunity patients, Klebsiella was linked with autoimmune diseases such as Ankylosing Spondylitis and Myasthenia Gravis.

Dr Amin noted its antibiotics resistance – common among other bacteria, which is why PCI’s tests show bacterial sensitivity and resistance for treatment purposes. The link between Candida and autistic children was also covered with a warning that in the presence of mercury fillings, Candida shouldn’t be treated as it metabolises the heavy metal.

Dental materials exposure was then introduced by analysing Morgellons (Neuro-cutaneous Syndrome; NCS) – a new neurological and dermatological disorder caused by incompatible dental materials. It is characterised by neurological (pin-prick) sensations similar to those caused by parasites, pain, anxiety, depleted energy, memory loss and itchy cutaneous lesion and is often misdiagnosed as ‘delusional parasitosis’.

Dr Amin presented over 20 cases, showing components in the calcium materials, along with zinc oxide and titanium, amongst others, as sources of the symptoms. He advised practitioners to thoroughly examine patients’ dental history and photograph skin symptoms which they can compare to PCI’s case histories and use the Morgellons assessment questionnaire on the PCI website. A new NCS test is also available to European practitioners via PCI Europe.

The event finished with a question-and-answer session with Dr Amin which will soon be available on PCI Europe and Integrative Health Education’s social media channels. Due to the huge interest in the information, there will be a film of the seminar available to purchase after 20th July. Practitioners can now pre-order via Integrative Health Education.

Practitioners can also register for trade test prices with PCI Europe (parasitetesting.co.uk) while those looking to take their CPD further can join the IHE’s most popular courses - Holistic Approaches to a Fully Functional Gut and The World of Parasites, Fungus and Bacteria (BANT accredited) in October and November, both taught by Emma Lane – a leading expert in digestive health who specialises in pathogens. Early bookings are recommended and for more information, visit integrativehealth.co.uk.



Back to News