Liver fluke, a dangerous parasite that infects millions of people, is a major cause of bile duct (or liver) cancer in humans. Symptoms include right-upper-quadrant abdominal pain as the liver becomes enlarged and tender.
New research at George Washington University shows that this parasite produces hormones that lead to uncontrolled cell growth—or cancer—in its human hosts. Common in undercooked fish and seafood, liver fluke eggs are also passed on by cattle and sheep.
Water from contaminated pastures can spread these parasites to aquatic plants like watercress. Other vegetables—fresh bamboo shoots and… Continue reading Categories
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Pass Up the Sushi—and Worms
October 16th, 2009
Parasites Cause Liver Cancer.
Liver fluke, a dangerous parasite that infects millions of people, is a major cause of bile duct (or liver) cancer in humans. Symptoms include right-upper-quadrant abdominal pain as the liver becomes enlarged and tender.
New research at George Washington University shows that this parasite produces hormones that lead to uncontrolled cell growth—or cancer—in its human hosts. Common in undercooked fish and seafood, liver fluke eggs are also passed on by cattle and sheep.
Water from contaminated pastures can spread these parasites to aquatic plants like watercress. Other vegetables—fresh bamboo shoots and… Continue reading
Liver fluke, a dangerous parasite that infects millions of people, is a major cause of bile duct (or liver) cancer in humans. Symptoms include right-upper-quadrant abdominal pain as the liver becomes enlarged and tender.
New research at George Washington University shows that this parasite produces hormones that lead to uncontrolled cell growth—or cancer—in its human hosts. Common in undercooked fish and seafood, liver fluke eggs are also passed on by cattle and sheep.
Water from contaminated pastures can spread these parasites to aquatic plants like watercress. Other vegetables—fresh bamboo shoots and… Continue reading Parasites are the New Home Invaders
September 8th, 2009
Beware of Parasites in Food, Water—and Even Your Own Backyard.
Relaxing outdoors during these last lazy days of summer? Whether you're digging in the garden, backpacking in the woods, or swimming in the pool, make sure you don't pick up any uninvited guests along the way.
Infectious parasites are cropping up in alarming numbers throughout this country. Most prevalent in Appalachia, the South, and along the U.S.-Mexico border, these invisible—and unwanted—visitors are now making big inroads into suburbia.
Here are some troubling facts: Raccoons can deposit roundworms in grass, sandboxes, parks, and playgrounds where your… Continue reading
Relaxing outdoors during these last lazy days of summer? Whether you're digging in the garden, backpacking in the woods, or swimming in the pool, make sure you don't pick up any uninvited guests along the way.
Infectious parasites are cropping up in alarming numbers throughout this country. Most prevalent in Appalachia, the South, and along the U.S.-Mexico border, these invisible—and unwanted—visitors are now making big inroads into suburbia.
Here are some troubling facts: Raccoons can deposit roundworms in grass, sandboxes, parks, and playgrounds where your… Continue reading 
Visionary, health guru, diet/detox expert, author, spokesperson, role model, and natural foods icon, Ann Louise Gittleman has always been a trendsetter. 
