The latest numbers show 55-million Americans harbor intestinal parasites at some time during their lives. What if, right now, you have an unwelcome guest living inside your body? Some health experts believe you may silently be being robbed. Not of your possessions but of your health.

Experts say we live in a global society and that we are exposed to a lot more than we used to be. You don't even have to travel to a third world country to become infected. Harboring them can lead to a host of problems.  They're disgusting to look at, and in third world countries some species of parasites are known to cause severe deformities, blindness, and even death. But some health experts believe the less dangerous types of parasitic creatures could be silently making us sick... and fat.

"I knew there was something wrong before I had any kind of treatment." said Catherine Ziegler.  Catherine Ziegler is now an energetic 54 year old, but that wasn't always the case. In the last two years Catherine has shed eighty-five pounds.  "I was overweight and really miserable with myself," said Catherine.

Catherine said she had tried diets and exercise but nothing worked. Desperate and determined, Catherine turned to nutritionist, and best-selling author, Ann Louise Gittleman. Gittleman had a very different idea about what was behind Catherine's fatigue and weight gain.  "The inability to lose weight can all be related to parasites," said Gittleman.

"No one wants to think they have bugs crawling around inside of them," said Ziegler.

But Catherine was more than willing to try an herbal parasite cleanse Gittleman recommended for killing Catherine's uninvited guests.  "The proof is in the product that was left behind because as I looked, there were actually long worm things that were still alive," said Ziegler.  Ziegler adds, "When I lost the first 22 pounds it gave me the hope that I could keep going."

Gittleman said Ziegler's story is not uncommon and said she has seen parasites cause a host of physical ailments.

"Parasites create an enormous amount of symptoms. Sometimes bloating, constipation, diarrhea, certain types of sugar abnormalities, problems with the skin the won't clear up, teeth clenching at night where you are constantly grinding your teeth. I'd also say conditions with being overweight. The inability to lose weight call all be related to parasites," said Gittleman.

Gittleman said people can get parasites from raw fish, uncooked meat, and imported fruits and vegetables (when not properly washed). According to Gittleman our family pet can also be a carrier.

Local parasitologist Dr. James Jensen, agrees with Gittleman as to how may get certain types of parasites, but he's extremely skeptical of Gittleman's recommendation of an herbal cleanse.

"While it is true that we have medications for most parasitic infections, I am not familiar with any literature or any evidence whatsoever that over the counter remedies will ever cure a parasitic infection. That includes herbal remedies of all kinds," said Jensen.

Jensen also said while it's possible to get parasites, its not very probable. He also said here in the U.S. we need not to be overly concerned.  "Can some parasites cause nutritional robbing? The answer is yes, under certain condition but do they normally? The answer is no. Normally they don't, especially in the western world. That includes the Unites States, Canada, Europe and Japan. Parasite numbers in humans are so low that nutritional robbing is usually not an issue in the western world," said Jensen.

As for Ziegler and Gittleman, they believe ridding yourself of parasites can make all the difference in the world.  "What's important to understand is that if you've been doing everything right and you are having a problem that isn't resolved, look to the parasites and get yourself tested," said Gittleman.

If you are interested in being tested for parasites, Dr. Jensen recommends seeing an infectious disease specialist. Additional recommendations from Ann Louise Gittleman can be found in her book "Guess what came to Dinner?" or by visiting her web site at www.annlouise.com