Silver and Gold Magazine Winter 2019/2020 | Page 20

FOOD PARASITES
MORE THAN SCENT
– By Dr. Philip Lee, BSc, ND
E ating food raw, such as salad, sushi and half-cooked
beef, is very common in our society.
Although there are many benefits of eating our food raw,
eating uncooked meat can especially increase risk of exposure
to parasites, such as bacteria or even worms.
A recent study reported by CBC, showed that there was
an intestinal outbreak of cyclospora across Canada, which
has been linked to various types of imported fresh produce
– such as pre-packaged salad mix, basil, cilantro, berries,
and more. The outbreak is not life threatening, however it
causes cramps, diarrhea and loss of appetite.
E ssential oils (EO’s) have been used in folk medicine for
centuries. The earliest recorded mention of using essential oils
dates back to the 1100’s in Spain. Since then, they have been
used in aromatherapy treatments ranging from relaxing the
mind, to inducing better sleep. Essential oils stimulate areas
of the limbic system, which is a part of the brain that plays a
role in emotions, behaviours, and long-term memory – partly
why familiar scents can trigger memories or emotions.
Essential oils are also used in a variety of treatments around
the house and for improved health. Here we explore some of
the most interesting ones:
If you are experiencing bloating, excessive burping,
diarrhea or constipation, indigestion or reflux, stomach
discomfort and gassiness, you may have ingested foods
that were contaminated with this bacteria, yeast, or other
parasites. • Eucalyptus EO – sprinkled in bathtub to clear up sinuses
or congestion
You can reduce your exposure to parasites by washing
fruits and vegetables with raw apple cider vinegar or with
a small concentration of food-grade hydrogen peroxide.
Using vinegar and herb-based salad dressings can also boost
the anti-bacterial effect that we need. • Peppermint EO – rubbed on the temples for a headache,
or on the stomach for tummy trouble. Also said to improve
focus and concentration, and soothe aching feet when
diluted in a warm foot bath with epsom salts
Cooking and marinating our meat with herbs not only
helps to make them tastier, but help the anti-bacterial
effect, as many herbs have great anti-parasitic effects. Garlic,
oregano, clove, horseradish and ginger are just few examples
of herbs with amazing anti-parasitic properties.
In my years of practice I have commonly seen people
living with abdominal pain, diarrhea and discomfort for
many years, thinking this was “normal for them.” Many of
these digestive symptoms simply are not normal. There are
underlying causes that need to be reviewed and dealt with.
When parasites are finally cleaned out and a good-quality
bacteria (probiotic) is prescribed, symptoms improve because
the root of the problem was addressed. Don’t just take a
pill for it – fix it for good.•
Dr. Philip Lee is a Registered Naturopathic Doctor in Burlington.
905-634-8598 www.DrPhilipLee.com
Wash your fruits & veggies!
Before consuming, mix a solution of 1 part apple
cider vinegar to 4 parts water inside a spray bottle.
Shake well, spray produce, and massage using hands.
Rinse well with room temperature water... and voilà!
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• Rosemary EO – said to bring back memory (see article in
our Fall 2019 issue), and also to promote alertness, and the
best EO for hair growth and skin-oil balancing
• Oregano EO – rubbed on the bottom of the feet* at the
first signs of a cold or flu
• Melaleuca EO (Tea Tree) – Diluted into a spray to ward
off ticks and fleas off animals; said to work well to keep
bugs off outdoor plants
• Frankincense EO – Good anti-inflammatory when taken
moderately
• Helichrysum EO – To enhance feelings of joy, wonderful
against depression and to lift one’s spirits
• Geranium EO – Used topically for arthritis and rheuma-
tism. Also said to stimulate the immune system; a great
winter-season oil; added to face cream to promote tighter,
firmer skin, and slough off dead skin cells for brighter skin
• Clove EO – Just a drop or two rubbed onto teeth and gums
is said to numb the pain*
• Lavender EO – Used as a relaxant and to aid in better
sleep; it also works well with water or vodka to use as an
anti-fungal and anti-bacterial spritzer for kitchen counters,
yoga mats, sports shoes, etc.
• Cinnamon EO – Inhaled deeply to help curb food cravings
• Lemon EO – Great for cleaning and deodorizing the mi-
crowave, as well as for lightening the hair* before going in
the sun by creating a spritzer