What Are Harmful Organisms?
Harmful organisms are those that live off another organism by residing on or within them. Essentially, these organisms take up residence in a host, stealing nutrients and releasing waste, which negatively impacts the host’s overall health. Harmful organisms are found everywhere, from developing nations to first-world countries, and have affected humans since ancient times, with references appearing in some of our oldest written records.
What Is “The Gut?”
The human digestive tract, often referred to as “the gut,” is a complex system made up of many parts that work together as a single unit. This includes organs, enzymes, bacteria (commonly known as the gut microbiota), and other components. In many ways, it functions as a model ecosystem.
One truth I’ve observed repeatedly is that gut health is closely tied to overall health. When your gut is healthy, so are you. Conversely, when your gut is not functioning well, neither are you. Disruptions in gut function can negatively affect every part of the body, making gut-targeting harmful organisms particularly devastating.
Which Harmful Organisms Affect the Gut?
The gut is home to many organisms. While most, like probiotics, are essential for your health, others can be detrimental. The two most common harmful organisms that affect the gut are protozoa and helminth worms.
Protozoa are microscopic, one-celled organisms that can affect humans. Some protozoa can form protective “shells” called cysts, allowing them to lay dormant for years before impacting your health. These cysts enable protozoa to survive externally, meaning they can transfer to and infect new hosts.
Helminth worms pose a bigger threat in terms of both species (nearly 300 types can affect humans) and size. Adult helminths can range from under a millimeter to over a meter in length. Yes, that’s right—they can be over a meter long, living inside your body.
Until recently, it was believed that there were two major varieties of helminth worms: roundworms (nematodes) and flatworms (platyhelminths). Flatworms include tapeworms (cestodes) and flukes (trematodes). Researchers have also discovered a new type of helminth called ropeworms. Ropeworms can grow up to a meter long and have a lumpy, rope-like shape. They are often mistaken for feces or mucus and go undetected.
How Do Harmful Organisms Affect Gut Health?
Protozoa are aggressive and multiply rapidly, potentially causing severe health impacts. Symptoms vary by species but typically include diarrhea and stomach complaints.
In contrast, worms live long and grow slowly. They attach to the intestinal lining or burrow deep into tissue, stealing nutrients and causing intestinal obstruction. This often leads to chronic, gradually worsening health conditions. In children, worms can affect normal development of the body and brain. Unlike protozoa, worms do not multiply within the human body.
How to Avoid Harmful Organisms
Harmful organisms are transmitted through fecal contamination of food or water and by person-to-person contact. If your system is overtaken by protozoa, the issue will be apparent. Worms, however, can live inside the human gastrointestinal tract for years without causing symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they often manifest as digestive issues.
Proactive measures are the best defense against all types of harmful organisms. Here are some strategies to avoid them:
Wash your hands with soap and water before handling food or eating. Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before eating. Be cautious about the origin of your food, especially prepared foods. While I advocate a vegan diet, if you consume meat, cook it thoroughly and appropriately. If you grow your own produce, use safe, organic methods of pest control. Protect yourself from environments that accommodate harmful organisms, such as avoiding walking barefoot through puddles. If you have indoor pets, limit their outdoor time and groom them regularly. Regularly cleanse your living environment. Consider trying a harmful organism cleanse.